My cup has been empty lately; each time I reach the bottom, I find that energy and momentum are added to my cup and I can go a little farther. I am just overwhelmed with everything I have to do. I don’t know where the energy comes from. Well, maybe I do.
There was so much talk today at General Conference about how angels bear us up. Angels we see in the form of people around us; and angels we don’t see in the form of spiritual personages. I HAVE been buoyed up by others around me AND by spiritual means. I just lack the energy to recognize it.
So here I sit, ungrateful for the energy I do have. Ungrateful for all the many blessings in my life and overwhelmed with the many distractions I am so easily given. However, I feel much better.
Prompted by Elder L. Tom Perry’s talk on simplifying – I feel the strong need to simplify. The Spirit spoke strongly to me about that. The four areas he cited are the things we truly need are based on Henry David Thoreau’s list. They are shelter, food, fuel and clothing (not in that order). Fuel was expanded to include spiritual fuel and shelter included living within our means.
So how do I simplify my life? I get the feeling that simplifying my life is rather complex. It takes time and consideration to simplify. It takes energy, devotion, etc. It takes convincing the others in my house to come along with me. I know that Elder Perry’s call to simplify doesn’t mean to stop everything you’re doing and devote your life to factoring all aspects of your life immediately…but simplifying does cause a bit of anxiety for me. So I make a goal right here and now…a simplicity statement to get me to the next level. The statement is this: I live my life knowing how and what to simplify. This is my new mantra.
Elder Bednar’s talk on prayer was exactly what I needed. WHAT INSIGHT! Thank you! I intend to give more information on this subject.
But back to simplifying (how’s that for ADHD?). I looked up a website or two about how to simplify. The list was 72 steps long. See where my anxiety comes from? I think this simplifying thing is going to be hard. Seems funny to say it, but it’s true. There’s so much to whittle away that it’s hard to know where to start. ADHD is great for nurses. There’s so much to do, so little time to do it, so many people to do it for and only so much money to go around. With so many distractions, ADHD is the only answer. In this case, with simplifying…I think it’s not a good thing. By the way, I don’t really have ADHD…or is it that I hide it so well and use it to my advantage.
I think that one of my character strengths is that I like to see things to the finish. I like things finished. I come apart when things aren’t done (that part’s not good). I have a hard time leaving a task undone. I think I need to develop this a little bit.
Back to the simplification thing. One of the first things that the simplification web sites say is to make a list of important values that are essential to you. Make it a short list – 4-5. Another thing is make a simplicity statement (a.k.a. gimmick). So I will work on those two things…Make a value list and make a simplicity statement. In the meantime, the rest of my life stays complex. Urgh.
Here’s the sites I found: zenhabits and project simplify.
Some side notes about the day. Caleb and Lundi really enjoyed the afternoon session of General Conference. The Spirit was especially strong when they were singing I am a Child of God with the primary children’s choir. It was remarkable to think of them singing with the children at the Conference Center. Next, they really liked Elder Holland’s talk. It was about angels…you really have to read it or listen to it to know what I mean. Anyways, the kids were totally into it. They loved his story and they felt the Spirit. I often cry when I feel the Spirit…those were two times I cried today. Also, Caleb came with me tonight to the Priesthood Session. That was special. He gave the opening prayer. I know he isn’t yet a Deacon, but it sure was neat to see Caleb totally mature and appropriate.
Back to simplicity. I think that this will be the focus of my blog for a while…how to simplify and my journey to that side of things. You may see my blog change as a result of simplifying. Maybe the blog will be simpler.
Filed under: Gist
We our on a journey of living simply too. We drive old vehicles, accept handle me downs, make do with what we have. We never try to keep up with the Jones. Grow our some of our own meat and many veggies and soon we’ll have lots of fruit. We appreciate mother nature and all it has to offer.
We try and not take each other for granted and be thankful for all we have. Ironically last night I looked up “living simply quotes” and I can across a neat list at the bottom of this web page
http://livesimply.us/
Enjoy your weekend! ~
Mike,
May I recommend a book for you to read, “Change Your Thoughts-Change Your Life, Living the wisdom of the Tao” By Dr. Wayne Dyer or “A New Earth”, by Eckhart Tolle. Either book will help you live simply, by remanining in the moment, not thinking about tomorrow, 10 minutes from now etc… It is almost common since, by living in the moment, you are closer to your sorce(GOD) and everthing falls into place. These books have really changed my life for the better and helped me realize I can be happy with what I have and life does not have to be complex.
I felt like you until I found these books. Now I have peace and a new found love for my world and myself.
Good Luck…
Love and Light
Shellie
Long time no read, had some extra time so I thought I’d stop by.
Great goals, and I have only one word of advice… Don’t lose the trees for the forest. When Bill and I bought our house, I said, “That’s it. No more excuses that our rental was too small, too cramped. This is it, ours. If we can’t make room for something, it isn’t important enough to keep. You love it enough, you will FIND a place.”
Clutter is my problem. I tend to think I am too busy to take the 8 seconds and put the phone book back on its shelf, next thing you know 20 things are still out.
As for the forest, don’t think you have to focus on one spot. Throwing things in the trash can feel good, even if it’s one McDonald’s toy or an article you’ve been saving to read that you. just. won’t. get. to. It’s not important enough. Admit those things, go with it, and feel good. Don’t stress if you can’t devote a day to clean out a closet!
Good luck!
Hi Michael,
I hope with a little time simplifying is feeling easier for you. I walk a thin line with my blog between reaching out to professionals–which leads to more productivity kind of talk–and reaching out to those who desire the solace of peace.
I’ve long felt that meditation is the primary means of touching in, on a regular basis, with my essence. And isn’t that what simplifying is really about? Staying clear and true to what’s important to you?
=) let it be easy,
Shawn