5 Ways To Live More By Doing Less | Slow And Simple Living

A simple life is tough but for me, it's totally worth it.
Discover how I live more by doing less, the challenges to living simply, and why this lifestyle is totally worth it.

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Chapters:
00:00 simple living can be challenging
00:23 external validation
01:48 it's countercultural
03:29 initial discomfort
05:08 not stress-free
07:13 inventory of relationships
08:54 it's worth it

In a world that constantly drives us towards more—more stuff, more busyness, more stress—living a simple lifestyle can seem like a daunting challenge.

In this video, I'll share 5 reasons why simple living might be more difficult but ultimately more rewarding than we think.

Need for External Validation

Living simply can be challenging in a society that relentlessly makes us feel like we’re not enough.
Everywhere we look, there's a new product or trend promising to fix us, as though being a certain age, shape or form makes us undeserving of love. It sends a message that we need more or be someone else to be happy or complete.
Living simply is an invitation to ignore the lies that the media and the multi billion dollar beauty industry are shoving down our throats just to have us open our wallets. When we see these narratives and curated reels for what they are, we realize it's just a business and we don't need to be a part of it.
We are worth and love personified. We are enough as we are and we don't need external validation to confirm this fact.

It's countercultural

Simple living encourages us to differentiate between needs and wants, and to appreciate that having just what we need can be deeply fulfilling.
As we live simply, we gain clarity amidst the constant noise of today’s world. This clarity helps us to tune into our own rhythm, go deeper rather than wider, and value our genuine selves.
Without this realization, no amount of success or possessions will bring us genuine fulfillment.
As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, "Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor."

Initial discomfort of a simpler routine

Shifting from a fast-paced lifestyle to a simpler one can feel uncomfortable because we’re used to measuring our worth by how busy and productive we are. But just as trees rest during the winter to prepare for future growth, adopting a slower pace allows us to conserve energy, reflect, and restore our inner balance.
This transition might seem unproductive at first, but it’s crucial for long-term well-being and a more fulfilling life.
Even with a busy schedule of work, chores, and family responsibilities, I focus on simplifying by prioritizing what matters most, rather than trying to do everything

Not always straightforward nor glamorous

The perception of simple living as a luxury often stems from media portrayals that depict it as an idyllic and stress-free lifestyle.
Unfortunately, this can suggest that simple living is only accessible to those who can afford to retreat to a cabin in the woods or disengage indefinitely from the hustle of daily work.

In reality, however, a simple life is more about making intentional choices and reducing life's complexities, which can be achieved in various ways. It doesn't necessarily involve a pastoral or financially privileged lifestyle.

Simple living, for me, is about making thoughtful choices anywhere you are, rather than achieving a perfect, picturesque lifestyle.

Cultivating Genuine Relationships

Normative influence can shape many things in our lives including our relationships, causing us to conform to what we deem as socially acceptable.

For example, I used to keep myself constantly busy socially, aiming to be the social butterfly surrounded by people and juggling one social event after another because it seemed like the ideal.
But I found myself stretched too thin from maintaining surface-level connections. Feeling worn out, I decided to do some self reflection to discover my authentic self and understand what I genuinely value.
Recognizing and embracing our true selves helps us connect more deeply with those who resonate with our authentic selves, rather than conforming to external expectations.
As the saying goes, “Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every relationship you have.” - Robert Holden.
By focusing on quality over quantity in my relationships and investing time in meaningful interactions, I started building stronger, more authentic bonds.

Thank you so much for watching and wishing you all the best in your journey towards a more fulfilling life.