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“The choice not to have it all, far from being defeatist, is extremely liberating.” —Melanie Healey, former President of Proctor & Gamble’s North America Division
From the neighborhood you live in, the relationships you choose to be a part of, to the purchases you make, each of us will choose, knowingly or unknowingly, whether to make our life simple or more difficult.
When peace becomes a priority and our awareness of what motivates our life decisions is keen, we step closer to realizing the superpower of simplicity.
But, as was shared in episode #396, it will take courage to then live a life of simplicity. Why? Because you are going to have to stop going along with the life expectations that you have come to realize don’t align with your desired life direction nor brings you to life. For each of us, the expectations will be different because we each are different.
When your awareness becomes strengthened, you begin to take note of how you feel both when you engage in various choices and also when you think about such choices. Noticing when energy drains from your body and being due to dread, anxiety or the inability to fully put your best forward, and conversely when energy multiplies and elevates the joy of living. That is when we know that something is stifling the quality of our life or aligning with the life journey that is meant to be ours. Tap into when you soar, and then begin to let go of what is weighing you down.
“It’s not about having it all. It’s about having what you value most.” — Jean Chatzky
Take a look at the simplicity in Monet’s painting of The Row Boat (1887). A single subject – the row boat.
But with that single subject, look closely at the details given to the water of the pond that the row boat sits upon. Subtle, yet intentional variations of color, texture, thus creating movement in this static medium that is an oil painting.
When we take the time to consciously choose what we will give our energy, and that focus is a source of energy we receive rather than one that drains us, we not only fuel ourselves, enlivening our everyday, we also elevate the quality of how we live.
When we try to ‘have it all‘ as the now tired saying goes, we are living for others. Not for ourselves. We are living to gain approval as though it is a competition – to attain all the pieces that are available whether we want them or not. Much like ordering the pizza with ‘everything’, the reality is everything decreases the quality of flavor and nothing shines at its best flavor profile when took much is on the pizza.
Here are a few questions to ponder: What is the flavor profile of life that satiates your palate? What do you dream about eating that with just one slice topped with just the right amount and precise ingredients will leave you happy and satisfied?
“If you live for having it all, what you have is never enough.” —Vicki Robin
As writer and financial guru Vicki Robin alludes to above in the quote, living a life to have it all is antithetical to living in the present moment fully. And living a simply luxurious life is grounded on the premise of being present, refraining from wanting and appreciating what is right now.
The courageous action that is required to live simply is to be able to step away from or ignore those that choose to cast judgment, doubt or even guilt upon you for not living a life that meets their standards of a good life, even though it is your life to live.
In such instances, extend compassion, for they do not know yet the peace that is possible when we live to honor our true self which is paradoxically the opposite of selfish. They do not know that they are standing in their own way, and in fact, they may wish they could embody the courage you are exhibiting, but they don’t know how. Let your life be that inspiration, just make sure you are living your life for yourself and not to gain applause or approval. Such responses from the outer world are merely extra, but not your motivation.
When you find your dharma and step fully into it, not only do you find peace and fulfillment but you are giving something to the world that gives them the support they are looking for to live the life of their dreams. More love, more kindness, more open-mindedness, more acceptance, the goodness just keeps flowing when we stop allowing ourselves to be drained by doing what holds us back from being able to do what brings us to life.
You will know you have simplified wisely as you discover more energy and begin enjoying your everydays rather than becoming exhausted and simultaneously dreading each start of a new day.
We each hold the key to the superpower that is within us. Let the lifestyle that is a joy to partake in be the compass that aids you in deciding what to prioritize. My joy resides in living an observably solitary life (as society defines it – sans spouse and children) that is sprinkled richly with oodles of friendships, acquaintances and connections from my neighborhood, community here in Bend and around the world. Having a creative and quiet home is my dream come true and pups as my companions, my chosen children – yet another dream come true. I could go on and on, and long-time readers of TSLL know many details of my journey, but it began with the courage to simplify by saying, nope, that doesn’t work for me. I want to be happy, enjoy my life and give something I love giving that both energizes me and contributes to the world. This is how living a life of contentment comes together for me. To the limited mindset, many ‘extra’ pieces of the puzzle may appear to not be used, but to my eye, all the necessary pieces are in place.
When you begin to recognize which puzzle pieces are necessary and which are not, your puzzle will begin to resemble a beautiful image, dare I say, a work of art, that is lucid, vibrant and complete without any feeling as though it is missing something. Just as The Row Boat contains no person rowing in the boat, no wildlife or even a skyline. The painting, just as it is is exquisite. All the necessary details to make it a masterpiece are in place. Anything else would detract and reduce the beauty.
Image: Claude Monet painting in Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, 16th arrondissement, TSLL’s March 2025 trip (look for a full video tour of the museum in August during TSLL’s 10th Annual French Week)
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Thank you Shannon for this reminder about living a life with contentment, however that may look to the person. It’s incredible how things can happen and change to the point where you don’t realise that you’re not truly living for yourself! I hope everyone is able to take a breath and refresh their perspective on where they’re at as well so we can all live truly authentically. A wonderful way to start the week (and month)!
Thank you for this. I especially love the first paragraph – the choices we make determine whether our lives will be simple or difficult. That really says it all. While it can be challenging to remember that in the moment as we are bombarded with advertising and other’s expectations, making choices through the lens of contentment makes all the difference in my life journey..
Good morning and thank you for this reminder, all important as I embark on another work week. It was just what I needed to read this morning. As a long time follower it is inspiring and the messages are hitting home right now more than ever.
Have a great week!
Rebecca
This post is very timely for me as I find myself at the unexpected crossroads of an amazing opportunity or living the life of my choosing.
Shannon~
Your mindfulness post was a great way to begin both the week and the month—a gentle reminder that simplicity can be such a refreshing approach to life.
I especially appreciated your comparison of a busy life to a pizza loaded with “everything.” So often called the “special,” yet all those toppings can blur the taste of each individual ingredient. That really hit home for me after this past weekend, which was packed from start to finish. I went from a benefit, to a “honeydo” shower, to a fundraising auction all on Saturday followed with my granddaughter’s dance recital and a birthday dinner on Sunday. Each event was meaningful, and I genuinely enjoyed them, but I couldn’t fully immerse myself in any one of them with the next thing always on the horizon.
Needless to say, I’m looking forward to next weekend when, thankfully, there’s not a single thing on the calendar. Funny how it always seems to work out that way.
Wishing you a peaceful and simple week ahead.
xx
~Michelle
This is wisdom! There is a Thoreau quote something to the effect of, “[hu]man is rich in proportion to that which [s]he can live without.” Which, given your previous posts on transcendentalists, he may have had more help than he realized! But, I do like the general idea.