Finding the less in lesson

So many lessons to learn yet so little time. ~EAB

I’ve lived my life thus far on a pendulum swinging between varying extremes.  Moving between opposing beliefs and opinions. Trying them on for size.  Moving one way only to move back again.  Never swinging far enough to one extreme to feel completely lost or aloof but far enough to know it wasn’t where I wanted to be.  What I’ve ultimately learned as I’ve swung back and forth is that we’re bombarded by information that creates noise in our lives.  Noise that blinds us from our genuine selves and our true needs.  Having a chronic condition doesn’t leave much room for this noise. I’ve ultimately learned that  freedom from this pendulum, from stress, excessive worry and concern are my ultimate goals.

So if that is the case, why do I repeatedly find myself overwhelmed and discontented.  Is it only me?  I think it can’t be.  

How can we free ourselves from worry? How do we learn to embody a life that bestows us with fulfillment.  For me it started with learning the lesson behind the proverb “less is more”.

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Sometimes half empty leaves more space to be full. ~EAB

Less doesn't always mean more, sometimes less just means less. But that less has the power to bestow a type of freedom. Freedom from worry and stress. Perhaps that is why the minimalist movement has taken hold in some places. Or why Tiny Houses are so appealing to some (article here and here). Or maybe its why some people always see the glass as half full, because it leaves room to grow and breathe.

What ever piece of magic “less” holds I am glad it has graced me with its presence in certain aspects of my life.

Here are some of the ways less has blessed me

A smaller home means less to take care of and clean
Less clothes makes it simpler to get dressed on a dragging morning
Less objects means a de-cluttered space (which helps me be calm)
Less commitments means more freedom for spontaneity (I’m working on this one)

Most beneficial from all of this less is that it has helped reduce my stress. Now, none of these lifestyle choices were easy when I made the commitment to them. But I have been thankful for the results. I think the idea of “less” will be different for each person but I hope that if you feel overwhelmed, tired of swinging on that pendulum that you try on some less of your own size and maybe, just maybe it will bless you with some fulfilling results.