Although simple living looks different to everyone, I think we can all agree that it is not rocket science in what it could mean. It is as simple as — well — simplifying your life.
In what way? You may ask…
I have listed 6 things that I believe embody simple living…
1. Having a priority of purpose
Simple living is removing all of the expectations that society puts on us and doing what it is that we love instead. Some people spend most of their life doing something that they don’t like, or that bores them, and then wonder why they feel empty. I completely understand that we all have to make money to live but don’t be a slave to a wage. Instead of using your wage to pay for a nice car or a big house, use that money to fuel your passions. Even better, find a way to make a career out of your passion. You have a responsibility to feed your soul: You have a responsibility to connect with what it is that you want out of life not what you are told to want. Simple Living, for me, is stripping back to the bare minimum needs so that you can allow those passions and those interests, that you have, to breath in your life.
2. Living within your means.
People are working more to pay off more stuff. What is the point? Simple Living is being content with less. Do you honestly need that item of clothing? Obviously there is nothing wrong with treating yourself, but what about when we are just spending out of habit? How many times have you bought something out of boredom and for the quick thrill? To then only wear it once, or worse, never at all. Can you be more resourceful with your spending habits and can you create homegrown food? Plus, the more time that you put into fulfillment and purpose, the less you will have the desire to buy. Can you save up for things rather than creating debt? You will thank yourself for the freedom that comes from it. You will have freedom to change careers if you want, freedom to travel, or to invest in your passions. Downsize, sell clutter, and pay your debts off. It sounds cliche, but we honestly should not be a burden to the material.
3. Simple pleasures.
Simple Living is loving things that do not cost a lot. I love being at home reading a book and I love to spend a night in watching Outlander with chocolate and wine rather than being out. I love to write. I love to sit in the garden chatting next to the fire-pit, with people that I love, and being under the stars.
I love listening to the birds first thing in the morning and hearing them again at night. I love a good brew, the rain, and exploring new places.
I’m still ambitious and love going out, but I do believe that simple living is having an appreciation for the quieter things that are often for free.
4. Connecting with Nature
This doesn’t mean that people in cities cannot have a simple life. You can always find nature. You can create a mini oasis on a balcony or find a place outside of town — Dovestone reservoir, on the outside of Manchester, for example. There truly is a simple beauty in being out in nature. It sounds a bit — well — a bit sanctimonious — but there is a certain kind of peacefulness that you can only achieve through the quietness of nature. It slows you down, relaxes you, refreshes you, and allows you to hear your own voice again.
5. Growing in a healthy way
Achieving the things that you want takes time. It is a myth that we walk out of University and straight into our dream job or that we even know what our dream job is. Society tells us that we need to be the best version of ourselves in as little time as possible. Simple Living is accepting that life is a process. It is living a healthy, balanced life. It’s being okay with making small intentional steps frequently and understanding that relationships are just as important as ambitions.
6. The art of rest
You cannot keep up a life of stress and business. It’s not good for your physical and mental health. Business is great when it’s balanced, but our society struggles with the idea of rest. When we do not rest we end up sleep walking through life on auto-pilot. Find time to switch off and quieten your mind. Stop having somewhere to be all the time. Just give yourself chance to reconnect with yourself and. It is the place that you will rediscover what is important to you. This goes for our relationships as well. Sometimes the best way to connect with your partner is to lie in bed all day.
Resting also allows us to be present in the moment. To see the beauty and soul in things that we would miss in our business.
For me, simple living is enjoying the small things, consuming less, and having the priority of fulfilment, meaningful relationships, and nature.
What does it mean to you?
The Simple Life 
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