Living an efficient life makes space for meditation, awareness and mindfulness. I think simplicity is part of the secret to happiness.
I recently moved to a smaller house. I love it! It fits like a snuggly sweater. The house is just big enough for what we need and too small for what we don’t.
A smaller decluttered house means less emotional baggage, and more time and energy. There is space only for things we love and can use—no useless decor allowed. We kept some can’t-part-with items like the kids’ kindergarten paintings and a few treasured old toys, but mostly only items we actually use. We now look to our house for function and comfort rather than to impress ourselves or others.
It felt odd initially, but this change encourages me to actively participate in my life. A smaller space with fewer belongings means less time spent shopping, cleaning and organizing. Not spending money buying, storing and insuring unnecessary items creates budgetary space. And worrying less about how things look gives me mental energy for what really matters. In short, a bit of physical simplicity creates mental and emotional space to focus energy on our real priorities and values.
