CHANGING MINDSET
I often get messages from people asking what they need to do to simplify their life. They ask what they should do first. Should they declutter? Should they work less? Should they become frugal? My answer is always that the most important thing that they can do is to work on, and change, their mindset. All the other things are superficial, but mindset is in their control and is the real key to whether or not one can maintain a simple life. The changes have to come from the inside first.
CHANGING HABITS IS NOT ENOUGH
My experience when I first started cutting back was that when I started doing all the external things life still felt hard, uncomfortable and as if something was missing. I was bored and did not feel fulfilled. I was doing some of the things that books tell you to do to simplify your life but I wasn’t getting the peace that people talked about. Initially, changing my life was dumped on me as I had suffered a break down, I fought my sickness to go back to work, and then consequently was told that I was no longer fit for my responsible job, and so was given 3 months’ notice. It was a very worrying time. I felt like I was going to lose ‘everything’. It took a 3 year fight to keep my job, but the real battle that I won was in my head. Once my head was sorted, I walked away from the job that I had clung on to, freely and gladly 6 years after my illness. I knew that keeping the career that I had worked so hard to achieve wasn’t important anymore. My health was my priority, my family, and feeling joy every day instead of dread.
FINDING OUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME
My thinking changed, which led to my life reflecting my inner beliefs. I sorted out in my head what meant the most to me. I did life coaching activities to realise what my values and priorities were, as when initially asked, I didn’t have a clue. I then learned to say “no” to things that didn’t fit those priorities. Knowing what my values and priorities are helps me now make time for what is important, and helps me declutter my life of people, habits, and material possessions that don’t align with them. I am still a work in progress, though, but improving all the time.
REALISING THAT MATERIAL POSSESSIONS DO NOT DEFINE ME
Another mindset change was realising that material things and how much money I earned didn’t define me. As my self-esteem and self-worth improved, I became proud of my values of kindness and integrity rather than my job title or salary. I also became aware that time was more valuable than money. Time meant freedom which was something I hadn’t felt since being a teenager. I had wasted so much time in a job I grew to hate, mixing with people with whom I felt nothing in common with, just to impress people who didn’t give a damn about me. Boundaries entered my life as I started to love myself.
LEARNING TO BE GRATEFUL
I had gone through most of my life wanting what other people had, not just material things, but the support they had, the fun they had, the way their lives always seemed ‘perfect’ whilst I always felt that it was me against the world. A massive mindset change was learning to be grateful. I realised that there was a lot more going on underneath those perfect lives which were not as pretty as they seemed. I started examining my own life and realised how lucky and fortunate I was. First thing when I woke up in the morning I would do an exercise which was listing 10 things that I was grateful for from the day before. At first I found this hard and I would just name generic things like the fact that it was sunny the day before. As I practiced I added more minute detail. Over time I stopped looking at was was lacking in my life and started focussing on what was positive in my life. This helps a lot with contentment.
BECOMING MORE MINDFUL
One thing that did change during this time was that I became more mindful in all areas of my life. I became more intentional with how I spent my time, what I spent my money on, who I spent my time with, and the habits that I placed into my life. I tried to behave in a way that supported the vision that I had of my simple life. I also became more mindful of what was around me and noticed things that I had passed a million times before but not seen. An example is the 9 cherry trees that I pass when ever I walk to town along the canal.
REDISCOVERING NATURE
As a young child I spent most of my time outside in nature. Every day I would take a sandwich and a Penguin biscuit, and a flask of water and disappear for the day if I was not at school. I would build dens, climb trees, make clay pots, build fires, and cook vegetables left behind when the market gardens had harvested. As an adult I spent little time outside unless I took my children out for the day, or was exploring on holiday. Renewing my relationship with nature and re-discovered the joy, the support and the health benefits that it provides gives me balance in my simple life and has helped with my mindset. I get so much pleasure from the sunsets, a wood full of blue bells, an electric storm, or dancing in the rain. I don’t need much to keep me happy now, I am rarely bored and I know that I have an abundant life.
I know that many people search for an instant ‘hack’ to change their mindset, but it is a gradual process that takes time as you discover your authentic self. By investing time into working on your mindset and yourself, a simple life reduces stress and can change your whole personality as it has mine since I found peace and purpose in my simple, frugal life.
How did you change your mindset so that you enjoy a simple life?
Wow! This is such an inspiring article you have written – thankyou so much! I feel that you are an amazing lady :)
Aww thank you. That is so kind of you. Have a good day
Hi there
I struggle with m.e., fibromyalgia and a blocked artery amongst other things.I continue to work 4 days a week and they are 4 long days. I rarely take time off sick until last week and now here I am this week, still off. I know I will walk back to a warning for attendance but I’m now at the stage where enough is enough. I’m not sure how much longer I can crack on that things aren’t that bad and I’m just having a blip.
I came across your site a couple of weeks ago. This article is so what I needed to read. I need to stop people pleasing, always being there for everyone else and put myself first …an alien concept at nearly 60. At this rate it doesn’t bode well for retirement. Hubby just wants me to stop so I’m going to try and put me at the top of my to do list, piece by piece.
Thank you for your thoughtful words that do truly inspire.
Aww sending hugs and sorry things are hard. I am glad that you are going to put yourself first. In your back to work interview I hope that you can discuss things that they can do to help you as your employer has a duty of care. Take care.
Hi Toni, I don’t think I’ll be going back. I met with my doctor and one of bosses and we are going to look at options. He knows I’ve been struggling so if they can’t medically retire me, I’ll go for the reduced pension. My doctor said to stop punishing myself. This was a wake up call. Thank you for your kind words.xx
I went for the reduced pension. I manage and I don’t think I would have reached pension age if I had stayed in my job. Wishing you luck and I hope that it works out well for you x
Thanks for putting this on Toni, sorry to hear you had a blip! I’m definitely learning to please myself more, and not let people walk over me, and try and control me ,but some areas in my life I’m still working on . I have so benefited with your site these couple of years and look at life through a different window now for sure. You are an inspiration to so many people on this group and loving family you have. A big hug from me.x
It wasn’t really a blip. It was a stop and do some self care as I was recognising some of the symptoms that occur when life is bumpy and feels out of my control. I recognise them early now and before they impact on my life. I am so glad that you are benefitting from the group and this website and thanks so much for the hug.
You are right in that it takes a period of time to find your authentic way of living. I have been on the journey now for over 6/7 years…living with less… enjoying simple pleasures, need to give up 1 of my jobs ( money is the only thing keeping me doing it)
It is hard taking that leap to give up a job. I think the thing about finding yourself is that you keep changing and your life keeps changing. I thought that once I had my life sorted that I could sit back and relax. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case and I found that I needed to keep growing and making changes. I hope that you get the chance to give up a job in the near future
Thank you, Toni. This is such good advice and makes so much sense.
Thank you Toni. You have really made me stop and think about my priorities since joining this group. We are all rushing doings thing and we never stop.
Since reading your posts I am growing vegetables, looking more at nature and just chilling out and slowing down appreciating the world around me. I have tried many of your recipes too. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you again.
As said “Rome wasn’t built in a day but brick by brick it evolved”
I am so happy that you have created a better- more meaningful – life for yourself! You are an inspiration to many! 🕊️💐🕊️
So interesting. I also spent a lot of time when I was 10 + out on my bike, riding round the village lanes, collecting Corona bottles (when they paid a deposit) to buy a packet of crisps. We had relocated to a village then and there were only 2 buses a day to the local town. One at 8 a m and one returned at 6 pm. It was a lonesome time as I was a newby. School kept us busy much of the time.
Now it feels weird if we’re not doing something or going out every day. I’m learning to chill, to be happy pottering around the home or garden. Cooking food that we’ve grown, being sustainable. I love my freedom. I love to read.
I love learning from this website and group.
Thank you Toni, amazing 🤩
Hi Toni I have left my message on Curly Top thread apologies not sure how to put it down here! X
I have seen it. thanks for commenting
Such a thoughtful post, I have learnt and am still learning such a lot from you and the group. Thank you
Aww thank you for your lovely feedback