Before I start this post, I am NO pro at living simply. Just in the last few months I tried to settle down and live simply. But I’ve wanted to share a few tips on how I’ve done so thus far. Living simply can be hard, especially when you’re in college. There are people and things pulling you in every direction or maybe you just aren’t at a happy place in life right now. I’ve definitely been there.
I shared in my New Years Resolutions post that this was my last full year to be young and in school. Personally, the thing that was hardest for me to live simply was that I was trying to be 27 when I’m only 20. I was never settled into Tech or Lubbock until 8 months ago and before that I was miserable and all over the place. I would change my mind about everything, I wasn’t happy, and was extremely restless. Over the last few months these tips are what I’ve used to just be happy and live simply. I’ve stopped caring what people think, I’ve started to be more confident and true to myself.
One: Pray and put God first.
I cannot begin to describe how much this helps your happiness and pushes you to live more simply. At the beginning of 2016 I made it a goal to get back into church. I accomplished that goal and definitely still have Sunday mornings off limits so I can dress up and go to church. I put him first and in return, I’ve been blessed with more than I ever thought was possible over the last year. I’ve also gone through some extremely tough weeks to where I didn’t really think it was possible to get better, yet it always does, through him. Putting God first makes you cherish your very close friends and you stop caring about the little things that would always make you upset. I’ve seen this happen to one of my best friends, Cathleen. She’s gone through some life changes and while she’s most definitely been down and had a rough start to 2017, I told her she just needs to pray and let God’s plan fall into place. I completely related to her in the fact she was ready to transfer. I was ready to transfer when I was unhappy. It’s funny how we as humans think when life isn’t going well, we need to leave the place we are at. I stayed and let God handle my heart and issues and he went above and beyond what I had been praying for. I’ve loved having a friend who has put God first and every time I’m even like “well, why don’t you do this or this” she’s like no I’m just going to let God figure that out. And it even reminds me in times where I’m trying to control my life that I’m not in control. He obviously has a plan for everyone and learning to just let that be and stop having authority over your life, that things WILL change and get better. Life goes from really hard to really simple when you just let him in.
Two: Enjoy the Small things
I cannot even begin to explain how much I just LOVE going to dinner with my sweet boyfriend, seeing a movie, or taking our dog Marley on a walk together. I also can’t begin to explain how much I LOVE staying in and putting on a face mask and watching the Bachelor or a movie with my roommates/best friends. That’s what makes me happy. I’m in college and yes, the bar and party scene is fun. Except honestly, it’s not really that fun. But I go out about once every month or two and usually it’s a blast. I do enjoy it. But I don’t enjoy it as much as the things I said above. When you try to learn that you don’t need to be out and about all the time or constantly moving and being with people, your heart and head settle. I love the small things in life. I think Josh has taught me this one the most. He’s a really simple guy and it makes me strive to be a more simple girl. I’ve learned how to just be happy about going to my favorite coffee shop and getting my favorite latte. If Josh brings me flowers one night It’s crazy how a simple gesture brings so much happiness. If I come home from a long day and my roommates or cat do something funny it’s insane how much happier I can get in 2 seconds. Enjoying the small things in life gets you far and you’ll be shocked at how simple your life becomes.
Three: Love Yourself
If you’re an extrovert this one might come to as a challenge for you. I love being an introvert for this reason. I like to believe I was an extrovert for one year during my freshman year of college. I wanted to talk to and get to know everyone. I had to be surrounded by people at all times, and would get uncomfortably anxious and major FOMO (fear of missing out) when I wasn’t with friends. It’s really hard to live simply and be happy when your mind set is like that. Not saying you have to become an introvert, but when you love yourself and love to be alone by yourself, it’s the best thing you can do. I love hanging out with myself as crazy as that may seem. Some days when I know friends are busy and Josh is working and I have a few hours ALL by myself to do whatever I want, I get so excited. I have time to think, I have time to do what I want, I have time to get things done, or relax. If something is bothering me, I go to my room and be alone and pray. I would much rather take alone time to get over something, or just be peaceful than be with people. I’ve seen my life go from crazy to simple and cheerful in a matter of seconds when I just step away and go be by myself. I also like to think I ‘recharge’ my mind to be a better friend, girlfriend, daughter, etc. when I take the time I need to myself.
Living simply may not be a big goal for you, but it definitely has been for me. I’m more content and pleased all the time when I let myself live simply. I hope this helps some of y’all in need, and if you have any tips please comment them below. I would seriously LOVE to read and know. xoxo
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