A Simple Kind of Life…
Posted in Self Development, Work at Home
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By Amanda Quraishi
“A little simplification would be the first step toward rational living, I think.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
This past month I bought my very first Kindle book (I’m using the Kindle app on my new iPad) at the recommendation of a friend: I purchased the book Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective by Michael Schut. I’m not Christian, but my friend assured me that it was a book anyone from any faith tradition (or lack thereof) could appreciate. She was right.
A lot of what is covered in Simpler Living, Compassionate Life is no secret to anyone. We are a society living on the edge of sanity, lacking time to nurture our relationships or our personal spirituality. Many of us live in emotional and financial debt, frustrated because the more we acquire the less fulfilling life seems. Great spiritual and intellectual masters throughout the centuries have shared the same basic idea about what it takes to be truly human: simplicity.
What this means in a practical way is really evaluating how much of what we do, own, or pursue is really important to us, and how much of it is merely a distraction that keeps us from facing potentially uncomfortable revelations about ourselves and our relationships. It also means finding a way to reprioritize our time and energy so that we can spend them on things that will renew our spirit and keep us positive, productive, and genuinely happy.
Genuine happiness is not the fleeting excitement we get from buying something new, or reaching a superficial goal. It’s the result of balance between body, mind and spirit; knowing that we are living up to our full potential as a human being and creating relationships where love and kindness flow both ways. This is the right and purpose of each and every person.
So how does embracing simplicity translate to working at home? It means being honest about admitting when enough is enough. Sure, we may be able to get a new client or another sale—but is that extra income really worth the time we will spend on it? Will we have to sacrifice something else important like our fitness time, family time, or time we had planned to use on a hobby that would bring us real joy?
Simplicity for the work at home woman can also mean lowering our own expectations for ourselves, taking some of the pressure off to be perfect or to compete with others in the way we keep our homes, raise our families, or spend our money. Simple living means loving ourselves, and cherishing who we are exactly AS WE ARE. When we approach our life as if we are already whole and successful, it makes it much easier to relax and appreciate the goodness around us.
Amanda Quraishi is a writer, blogger and activist living in Austin, Texas. She works as the Web & Database Administrator for Mobile Loaves & Fishes, a non-profit organization addressing the issue of homelessness in America. For more information on Amanda, visit Amanda Quraishi.com.
Although I work outside of the home,I enjoy reading insights on your site. I especially love this article about simplification and trying to learn how not to expect too much of me..
This is such an applicable post not only for working, but for your personal life. Great post Amanda! Great Content Holly!