Voluntary Simplicity: How Do You Define Simple?

Reader Contribution by Staci Ducharme
Published on February 8, 2011
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What is “voluntary simplicity”?  My definition is quite short: the lifelong process of choosing to live a simple life.  The next part would be to define “simple.”  I personally believe we all have to define that for ourselves.  My choices may not match anyone else’s lifestyle choices, and that’s ok.  You have to look at your values and base your choices in life on what’s right for you.  One thing that could be consistent for everyone is voluntary simplicity should be about living life with purpose, not just existing from day to day.

A “simple” life is not necessarily an easier life, but should be working toward a less stressful life.   It’s a lifelong journey of consciously choosing the way in which you live including how you react to and interact with others, consume products, participate in relationships or end relationships, activities you participate in, and how you determine what brings you joy.

It’s so easy to just exist day to day.  It’s also easy to long for material things and work so hard to achieve them.  Once you’ve achieved the thing you’ve worked so hard for, then what?  Typically, there’s another material thing you set to work toward.  When does it end?  When does it become enough?

Have you ever felt you couldn’t invite people over until you purchased new glasses, or cleaned the living room?  I’ve known a few people who, when it was there turn to host the family Christmas party, felt the need to purchase new living room or dining room furniture.  Why?  Why isn’t what you are and who you are good enough?

I’ve thought a lot the past 3 years about making the most of my time while I’m here.  Nothing is guaranteed and none of us knows how long we’ve got.  What do I want to do?  Who do I want to be?  How do I want others to remember me?  In all my thought processing, there hasn’t been a material item that jumped to the front of my mind other than the property and home I’d like to live in.  The reason that’s important is because we know we want to be surrounded by more animals which means we need a larger piece of property.  Animals and homesteading bring us joy.

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