Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

“Simplify, simplify, simplify, make the affairs of your life number one and two.” – Henry David Thoreau

So what do you  think Thoreau means by this? I don’t think he literally means one or two. However this sage advice from the 19th century philosopher may be quite timely for those of us in the 21st century who are trying to manage what seems to be an inordinate amount of things and relationships.

For me the one or two things means focusing on my purpose, my passion, my health, and my close relationships. While the arrival of the information age and the Internet have been quite useful, this unlimited supply of choices makes it tempting for us to lose focus and to complicate our lives. We are faced with too many interests, activities, and relationships to effectively manage.

The more we have, the more we have to manage and worry about. Simplifying doesn’t mean withdrawing from life, it means engaging in it in a new, vibrant, and focused way.

A few weeks ago I wrote briefly about getting rid of non essentials – today’s blog is another opportunity for each of us to take stock in what is truly essential and to simplify our lives in ways that truly enhance them.