“In simplicity there is freedom, Freedom to do less and to enjoy more”
Katrina Kenison
The simple life, aah simplicity. We all talk about having a simple life or a simple routine but sadly very few of us obtain it. Our lifestyles are anything but simple. In a city where life is always moving, it seems an impossibility. The busy city somehow filters into our home life and before we know it we are going from one activity to another with our children.
The constant influence of social media and those around us can be overwhelming as we try to keep up. There is always more to see, more to do and more to buy than ever before. It is very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that living well, means partaking in all that is offered.
A birthday party can quickly turn into an extravaganza bigger and better than before.
There are just so many options and opportunities these days to choose from and it can be challenging as to where to draw the line. These elaborate productions crowd out the simple heartfelt celebrations that truly enrich our lives and delight our children.
I heard this story from one of my moms. She said that the author of her children’s favourite storybook was visiting town and would be at a local book store that evening. The author would be reading a story to children at the event. She like most of us moms thought that this would be a lovely activity for her boy’s aged 2 and 4. She dashed home and got them ready. When they left it was raining and quite cold outside. At the bookshop it was crowded with children running everywhere. The chaos continued when the author started reading and in fact this added to the chaos. The mom decided to leave when her oldest son said he wanted to go home he was tired. After the children were in bed and asleep, the mom wondered why she had not chosen something simple for her children instead. She knew that they would have enjoyed the evening more by sitting around a warm fire whilst snuggled together under a cosy blanket and reading their favourite story.
What on earth are we doing here? Two small children did not require an outing to experience something special.
Over the December holidays, I entered into simplicity unexpectedly, when I visited the quaint Karoo town, Sutherland. There is one main road lined with a few shops, a butchery, restaurant, gift shop, hospital, police station and museum. There are plenty of guest houses. In the middle of the town is the most beautiful church built-in 1898. The silence is deafening. The slow pace of life was startling but very refreshing. There was the opportunity to meander down the street being greeted by everyone you passed. The people we met had time to have a conversation with you without having to rush off somewhere. It was amazing! The warm relaxed days were filled with ordinary tasks that just unfolded in their own time. The beautiful star-filled skies at night take one’s breath away and under them we felt more connected to our wonderful God. Warm days and cold nights are a rhythm. It is impossible to think that in winter this very hot town will be covered in a blanket of snow. This experience of the simple life filled my soul to overflowing with joy and delight. It also reminded me that the simple life is the best life and I can make those changes to my own life.
Creating a simple life for our children.
We can’t all go live in a small town or in the country so how do we create a simple life in the city for ourselves and our children?
- Conviction is enough to bring about change. Start by making your own choices.
- Choose simplicity over the complicated.
- Slow down and be present in each moment. Don’t lose sight of what’s really important.
- Be selective of your activities. Children love their parent’s attention and presence more than the activity. Let your child attend only their friends birthday parties instead of the whole class. You don’t have to go to everything. It’s a lesson in teaching our children to manage their lives and to learn to set limits (boundaries) and keep them.
- Remember when doing activities with your child it is the process and the time spent together that is more important to your child than the outcome. Keep the process simple and your child will enjoy it more. Decorating the Christmas tree, painting Easter eggs etc.
- Holiday celebrations – keep the focus on time with family and making meaningful memories and starting traditions and selecting simple fun activities. Reading Christmas stories, watching Christmas movies, creating an advent calendar and singing Christmas Carols. An Easter Bunny Hunt is always fun with a few chocolate eggs hidden in the garden.
- Give fewer gifts and rather take more time, to enjoy the ones you do give and receive.
- Every day for children holds potential for celebration. A special meal, a homemade cake, an outing with their best friend, a birthday tradition etc. It is always the simple things in life that have the most impact.
A mom told the story of how she sat in the garden one night with her 4-year-old son cuddling and watching the bats fly around instead of watching T.V. The laughter they shared, the connection and the conversation were of great value and a meaningful memory was made that will not be forgotten.
- Celebrate birthdays in a way that honours the qualities you love in your child.
To live a simple life with your children means you have to make a choice and then begin with one simple change after another. As life becomes simpler you will notice your kids will be more relaxed and happier. You will smile and be glad you made the choice and began to live a simple life.
