Inspiring simplicity

2015 is the year I return to the core of what makes our world so attractive. I’m embracing simplicity, and using it for inspiration.

In a similar vein to jumping off a social media carousel, this is about getting back to basics. Life is an interesting journey that slows down and speeds up at its own discretion. If you spend oodles and oodles of time going deeper, analysing every layer, pulling apart every detail, and suffocating every breath out of something, you’ll likely miss the simple fun to be had up here on the surface.

Inspiring simplicity is easy enough to preach, but is it hard to do? Absolutely not. The smallest pleasures in life are RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE. That extra 5 minutes under the blanket every morning after the alarm goes off, feeling the first chilly breath of fresh air slap you in the face when you step outside, or hearing a giggle from your significant other, even if it’s at your own expense!

With that I give you my ever-evolving list of simple-do’s. Give them a try, and let me know how you go.

• That gorgeous park you drive past on the way to work every day? This weekend, go and sit in the middle of it.

• Take a photo of something gorgeous in your backyard. Like this:

• Keep expectations reasonable. If you watch a movie or television series, appreciate it for what it is. Don’t analyse every scene and every last quote for hidden meanings or deeper symbolism. That moment when you expected to find something meaningful after watching Godzilla… that was when you could have used this blog.

• That jog you’re going for later today? Just this once, don’t measure distance, calories, heart rate, steps, stride length, wind resistance, road surface, gradient, mood, number of dogs barking at you, or cars you managed to dodge. Just run. Feel your heart accelerate, and breathe the fresh air straight into those appreciative lungs of yours. I know, those measurements above do have a purpose, but don’t forget why you’re jogging & exercising in the first place.

• Long commute to work? Great! Listen to a new album, or find an interesting podcast. Use the time to unwind from work or school. Reflect on the positive things that made your day.

• When’s the last time you smiled at a stranger in the street and said ‘good morning’?

• What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho Cheese….

Did you:
a) have a good chuckle, or
b) roll your eyes and let out a sarcastic “oh geez”

Find a cheesy joke and tell it to the next five people you see.

• Delete 7 of the 8 photo editing apps you have on your phone, and see whether you miss them.

• Wake up early one day a week. Go outside, stand on the grass, and watch the sunrise. Sappy? Yep, but that doesn’t make it any less applicable.

None of this is ground breaking, nor is it meant to be. These are simple things to do, and most of them can be done every day. Anything that makes you smile, feel good, and appreciate life can be added to this list.

I urge you to share this post with your family and friends, and see what other simple-do’s you can come up with!