It seems that every day there is a different national or international holiday. Some don’t appeal to me as much (International Talk Like A Pirate Day?!) as others (National Donut Day), but I still think they are fun! Today, however, really struck me. June 12th is National Simplicity Day.
The holiday is observed on this day to honor the life of Henry David Thoreau who was born on July 12, 1817. I learned that Thoreau was an advocate for living a simple life.
“In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness.” -Henry David Thoreau
Over the past year, I’ve been asking myself how I can simplify and slow down. It started last Fall and continues to be something I think about often (and express in my drawings as reminders for myself). Our lives seem to be going faster and increasingly busy. I love the idea of National Simplicity Day as a time to take a step back and evaluate how we can create more balance, declutter, and give ourselves margin.
I’ve put together a list of 10 things you can do today to start this process…
1. Go Outside: Spending time in the fresh air always centers me and makes me feel better
2. Clean out your purse: Maybe you aren’t ready to tackle your closet (I know I need to!) but your purse – this is doable. Who knows, it might inspire you to declutter the rest of your space.
3. Put down your phone for part of the day (or try a social media detox)
4. Make a list of things you are grateful for
5. Actually read a full article or blog post: Most of us are skimmers! Instead of trying to cram all that information in today, choose only a few things and really read them.
6. Stop the multi-tasking: Consciously pay attention to one thing at a time today.
7. Create a nice moment for yourself: Maybe it’s a cup of loose leaf tea or indulging in an extra long shower. Soak it in.
8. Stretch
9. Make a “Done” list: Think of this as a to-do list in reverse and write down everything you’ve accomplished today. Include small details like “made the bed.” Feel good about your accomplishments instead of looking at what’s left on your never-ending to-do list.
10. Visualize letting go: What negative feelings do you need to let go? Anger? Anxiety? Overwhelm? Picture these feelings as balloons in your hand and then let go of the balloons. Watch them float into the sky until they disappear.
Choose one or two of these things or think of them as your National Simplicity Day checklist!
Do you have more ideas to add to the list? I’d love to hear them!
Here’s to simplifying and living life de-cluttered! Happy National Simplicity Day!
Prints pictured here can be found in the Lily & Val Shop!
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