We are encouraged to continue learning, developing, and taking on challenges regardless of our age or stage in life. It is equally crucial as remembering to breathe. But the idea of living life simply, how to achieve it? Living in every season with our beliefs and priorities in mind requires us to take on challenges. If we do not want to live a life of hiding, being paralyzed by dread, or being numbed out, we must learn to face our fears, embrace discomfort, and practice doing hard things.
Hard Things That Make An Easy Life
We will need to take on hard things if we are to fully participate in our imperfect and wonderful lives. How to live life simply, you may ask. And we shall deliver.
1. Speaking Kindly About Yourself
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“I am enough, and perfect in my own, unique ways,”.
Something that most of us would not dare to say when it comes to appreciating ourselves. Being kind to yourself is one of the hardest things to do and many people can relate. Although it is hard, you have to acknowledge your value in order to be able to live life simply.
Even while receiving approval and validation from others feels nice, it does not matter unless you choose to love and embrace who you are. Listen to your intuitions because you are not obligated to conform to societal norms.
2. Shifting From Assuming To Asking
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You may be worried that you might unconsciously display your fear when you let curiosity overpower your anxiety. But by allowing curiosity to take the lead for a while should make you realize you have nothing to prove and everything to gain. Maybe even along the road, you will realize you are having fun and pick up on the adventure.
Assuming things will never give you the answer, even if it does, the legitimacy of said answer is never confirmed. Save yourself the time overthinking about things that are out of your control.
3. Taking One Small Step
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It is safe to say that nobody believes in the idea of taking things slow. We live in a fast-paced world, and living slowly is just not it. If only we know its benefits. We tend to undervalue the potential of making the decision to make even a tiny move. Take one small step towards your goals.
For example, if you would like to get fit, start slow by doing 30 minutes of walking per day. When you think you are ready, increase the duration, and slowly, you will get to the running part. Many think that good things take time, however, they fail to recognize that it also requires a lot of patience. Set your goals, and assure yourself that you are going to get there, just not now.
4. Accepting That Life Can Get Ugly
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Life is easy, but what makes it hard is our desires and wishes on how we hoped it would turn out to be. It is just the way life is. It is a disorganized jumble of immense joy, loss, and chapters of learning to let go. Remaining trapped in the desire for an easier life will only rob your happiness. Start working towards your desired life now but keep it slow. And while you are at it, remind yourself constantly that although it is a straight road, it does not mean that it is not bumpy.
Just do it– hard things. It may take time before you are able to get used to them, but now is the best time to change yourself for the better. Even if you fail today, there is always tomorrow. Make peace with yourself and accept life as it is. May we all have the chance to live the privilege of an easy life after going through pages of miseries along the journey.
