First Steps Towards Simplication

The Beauty of Simplicity

Part of my focus to prepare for next year's project is lifestyle simplification. It is well known that the more people make, the more they spend. We are committed to ending this trend in our life and teaching our children a better way. We do not need a bigger house, more toys, and more things. In fact, in order to achieve the lifestyle we want, we need fewer distractions, which means fewer things, and less maintenance of the things that don't matter in life.

We tend to get bogged down by pressures from the outside. Pressure to "Keep up with the Jones." But what I have found is an incredible relief in stepping away from that. I now look at friends who keep upgrading and upgrading with a certain amount of sadness as I see the exterior measures of wealth burdening them and pulling them away from their families. Little kids isolated from their parents in huge bedrooms laden with electronic toys.

I love the book Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. He explains the basic concept of "less is more" in reference to children and the preservation of childhood. The book takes a simple approach to streamlining the rhythm of family life and making time and space for children to play imaginatively without the distraction of the adult consumer world. In Mr. Payne's vision, children should be protected from too much, too fast, too soon and I completely agree. My children don't know how to play a Wii, operate a Tivo, or use a PlayStation and that is fine with me. I don't believe they will be any less capable as adults if they only use these products at their friend's houses.

We have implemented a new process for everything in the house. When something comes in, at least one thing goes out. The piles of unused toys are disappearing. When my 5 year old begs for a new stuffed animal, we talk about it, think about it, and decide which stuffed animals will go when the new one comes in. It's become a little game and the kids like it!

As I get closer to 2012 and giving each week, I plan to involve the kids and let them choose where some of the donations will go. I want them to grow up feeling the power of giving more than the power of "having." As my list of charitable organizations grows, I am getting more and more excited about the coming year. And that makes me happy......