Hey there! A couple of years ago, I made a big leap—I packed up my lives and moved to a tiny fishing village. Why? Because I was craving simple living. Life back home felt like a whirlwind of chaos—too much stuff, too many notifications, too little time for what really mattered. Here, in this sleepy little spot by the sea, I’ve found a rhythm that feels right. I want to share my story with you, along with some down-to-earth tips to bring a bit of that simple living magic into your world, wherever you are.
Why Simple Living Feels So Good
Let me paint you a picture: mornings here start with the sound of waves, not an alarm clock. I stroll to the market for fresh fish and veggies and spend my days surrounded by cliffs and salty air. It’s not fancy, but it’s rich in the stuff that counts—time, connection, and peace. Simple living isn’t about having less for the sake of it; it’s about making room for more of what fills your soul. For me, that’s good food, loved ones, nature, and a little breathing space to just be.
How I Made Simple Living Work (And You Can Too)
I didn’t flip a switch and become a minimalist overnight. It took trial and error, but I’ve landed on some habits that make life feel lighter. Here’s what’s worked for me:
Clear Out the Bedroom Clutter
Our bedroom here is tiny—just a bed, a nightstand, and a window with a killer view. At first, I missed my old pile of throw pillows and random knickknacks, but now? I love it. Waking up to a clean, airy space feels like a mini reset every day.
Want to try it? Peek around your bedroom. Ditch the extra decor collecting dust, untangle those charger cords, and maybe even say goodbye to that chair you never sit in. Keep it basic—your sleep deserves a calm vibe.
Say Hello to a Capsule Wardrobe
Back in the day, my closet was a mess—half the stuff I owned didn’t even fit right. Before moving, I purged hard. Now, I’ve got a small lineup of clothes. It’s all mix-and-match, perfect for this laid-back coastal life.
You don’t need to move to a tiny fishing village to do this. Grab a trash bag, open your closet, and ask: “Do I love this? Do I wear it?” If not, let it go. Stick to pieces that feel like you. It’s crazy how much easier mornings get when you’re not drowning in options.
Step Away from the Screens
My job keeps me glued to a laptop all day, so when work’s done, I try to unplug. Instead of scrolling Instagram, I’ll wander down to the beach or sketch in my notebook. It’s not about banning tech—it’s about not letting it run the show.
Give it a shot: delete a couple of apps you don’t need, or leave your phone behind next time you head out for coffee. You’d be surprised how much quieter your mind gets when you’re not tethered to a screen. Simple living thrives in those unplugged moments.
Move Your Body, Village-Style
No gym membership here—just a lot of walking. I trek to the store, chase my dogs up the hill, or explore the winding paths nearby. It’s not about getting ripped; it’s about feeling alive without making exercise a chore.
You can weave this into your life too. Skip the car for short trips, dance around your kitchen, or take the stairs. Find what feels good and roll with it—movement should lift you up, not weigh you down.
Ditch the Online Shopping Trap
I used to be an online shopping fiend—one click, and boom, instant gratification. Now, if I need something, I walk to the village shop. Half the time, I realize I don’t even want it by the time I get there. It’s a game-changer for cutting clutter and saving cash.
Next time you’re tempted to hit “add to cart,” pause. Could you grab it in person instead? Or better yet, do you really need it? Simple living means being picky about what you let into your space.
Cook Like It’s No Big Deal
We love hitting up local spots for pastries once a week, but most nights, I’m cooking at home. I’ve got a handful of quick recipes—like a 15-minute pasta with whatever’s fresh—that keep it easy and tasty. No stress, just good food.
Start small: pick three meals you enjoy and master them. Keep your fridge stocked with basics, and if cooking every day isn’t your thing, chop up ingredients on Sunday so you’re ready to roll. It beats takeout regrets any day.
far more valuable than someone who “just writes well.”
Keep Your To-Do List Chill
Life’s admin used to bury me—bills, errands, you name it. Now, I keep it old-school: Google Calendar for dates, a notebook for lists, and my phone’s notes app for random ideas. It’s not high-tech, but it works.
Find your groove. Maybe it’s a planner, maybe it’s sticky notes—just pick something you’ll stick with. When your tasks aren’t a jumbled mess, you’ve got more headspace for the good stuff.
A Book That Nailed It for Me
Somewhere along this journey, I picked up “The Year of Less” by Cait Flanders. It’s not preachy—just a real story about cutting back on spending, stuff, and stress to find what matters. It hit home for me, especially the part about rethinking what you “need.” If simple living is calling your name, give it a read—it’s like chatting with a friend who gets it.
What Simple Living Looks Like Now
Two years in, and I’m still tweaking this simple living thing. Some days, I slip—buy something dumb online or let my phone suck me in—but mostly, I’m hooked on this slower pace. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t have to be. It’s about progress, not some Instagram-worthy ideal.
For me, simple living means mornings with coffee, afternoons by the sea, and evenings with a clear mind. It’s less noise, more heart. And the best part? You don’t need a fishing village to make it happen—you can start right where you are.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it—my take on simple living, straight from this little corner. Clear out your space, trim your wardrobe, unplug a little, move your body, shop smarter, cook simply, and keep your tasks in check. It’s not about doing it all at once—just pick one thing and see where it takes you. Life’s too short for clutter and chaos, right? Here’s to finding your own version of simple, wherever you call home.
FAQ: Your Simple Living Questions, Answered
What’s the Deal with Simple Living?
It’s all about stripping away the extra—stuff, stress, whatever—so you can focus on what lights you up. Think less clutter, more calm.
Where Do I Even Start?
Baby steps! Tackle one spot—like your nightstand—or try a phone-free evening. Build from there. No pressure, just play with it.
Does It Cost a Lot to Simplify?
Nope! If anything, you’ll save money by buying less and skipping fancy tools. It’s more about mindset than a big budget.
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