In the first week of the new year, life presented me with a few messages on the theme of “less is more.” The messages resonated because I’m already drawn to the philosophy of minimalism. Although not a strict adherent, I strive for simplicity. It’s something I wrote about on my blog. Here’s a post from almost nine years ago: Minimalist Mary says, “These boots were made for walking…” (February 2015). And there’s this one from about seven years ago: Minimalism revisited: out with the old… (December 2016).
On the same day as the calendar page above, I read the following passage in The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman:
“Be ruthless to things that don’t matter” may seem harsh, but it’s actually a helpful reminder. We can’t actually DO everything. If I chose to scroll social media or watch television, then let those be deliberate choices I’ve made. I don’t want to default to such activities out of avoidance or boredom when there are other things I want (or need) to do.
Although I haven’t read the book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz, which I heard about on the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, the title resonates with me. I may have to check it out. Just last week I began the process of “subtracting” a commitment from my life. Not anything negative. Just something that takes a significant chunk of time that could be better focused on activities more aligned with my values and goals. That’s all. And that’s everything. We have limited time. It’s good to consider our activities and intentions on a regular basis.
I continue to ponder the convergence of these messages. I continue to think about where to subtract. And where to add, when it makes sense to do so.
Have you found areas or situations in your life where minimalism, simplicity, or subtraction have been helpful? Please feel free to share in the comments if you’d like.
Thanks for reading!
With gratitude,
Mary
P.S. I added a “Buy Me a Coffee” button several weeks ago. I’d seen it elsewhere and wanted to try something new. A couple of people contributed but didn’t leave their names, so I just want to say “thank you” to the anonymous donors. As always - comments, likes, and shares are truly the greatest contributions to the writing and dialogue here. I appreciate you!
I am a hoarder of books/information/classes. I have people in my life who I use periodically to check in and keep myself in check. This summer I had a friend sit with me and help facilitate the purging of many books (3 TJ grocery bags full) which I donated to little lending libraries. I do the same favor this friend's shoes and closet. And just last week another friend and I had an excited conversation making plans for all the classes and retreats we were hearing about and in which we were interested. (This friend had done a good purge of all the emails she was getting from various organizations, which I have yet to do.) After a couple of days of processing we were back in touch with each other and reality and had both, independent of the other, decided to not follow up with any of the new opportunities but to really concentrate on the things that we are already doing AND on leaving space and resting. Doing less. Purging the calendar commitments. Even if it brings joy and beauty, it does not seem wise to try to do all of it. There really can be too much of a good thing, I think.
I kicked off 2024 with a project to organize my recipes. For years I have had piles of recipes I had printed or torn out from magazines. It always seemed so daunting to sit down and go through - but oh did it feel good to toss! I was able to organize the recipes I use and recycle SO MUCH paper. With most things on the internet, the need for so much paper is not necessary. I have several other 'areas of focus' in the house for 2024....as Sandy said "I am making progress and have a long way to go!". I do love the idea of subtracting in order to add. As the kids get older, it is exciting to think about some new 'adds' with some of my extra time!