When I discovered minimalism, I went all in. I gladly got rid of all the things I didn’t need, especially the frivolous stuff. Why fill my house with crap that didn’t serve a purpose?
That mentality seeped into other areas of my life as well and over time I found myself taking a utilitarian approach to everything: I didn’t need fancy underwear – just something functional to cover my bits. Why bother with decorating – I just needed functional furniture. I didn’t bother painting my nails – bare and natural was just fine.
And then one day I realized something – I don’t like to live like that. (Or as I told my husband dramatically, “I feel like my soul is dying.”)
Function is great and all, but what about beauty? What about the simple pleasures in life that make the difference between a drab, purely functional life and a beautiful one filled with wonder?
Part of that was my natural cycle of doing things. I tend to go the extreme, test it out and then figure out what works for me (and definitely what doesn’t) and then naturally things balance out.
But I also have fabulous people to attribute this awareness to. Women like Tonya and Dusti who’ve discovered a joie de vivre that centers around celebrating the simple pleasures in every day life.
As it turns out, life can be simple and filled with beauty and pleasure. And, in my experience, it’s the simplicity that makes it even more enjoyable. The intentionality of simple living means allows you to cultivate a life that blends functionality with beauty and joy.
More often than not, it seems that simple living is presented as an either/or kind of thing (and I know I’ve done it myself). Either you live simply, or you have beautiful things in your life. Either you live simply or you pamper yourself. Either you live simply or you are unintentional about the way you live.
It just doesn’t have to be this way.
So for the last year or so, I’ve been practicing the art of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. I’ve focused on seeking out those things/experiences that create joy for me and enhance my simple lifestyle without cluttering it up.
Today, I wanted to share those simple pleasures with you and invite you to seek out your own. Maybe none of these resonate with you, maybe they all do. Either way, I hope it inspires you to cultivate a simple lifestyle that both meets your needs and fills your soul.
1. Wear sexy underwear
You guys. This weekend, I went out and got properly fitted for a bra as part of my weekly excursion for this program. Do you know how long I’ve been wearing the wrong size? Too long. I still only bought black and nude because, well, drawer space. But now I’m open to having underwear that both serves a purpose and makes me feel sexy as hell.
Speaking of, I also left with 7 new pairs of underwear that feel amazing. And I happened to go on a huge sale day and the clerk told me they’d never had such a great discount on bras and panties before. Frugal luxury for the win.
2. Take a bath
And not just to get clean. But to soak and relax and just be. Take a book if you’d like, but I invite you to leave the phone/computer/iPad somewhere else. Too often have I taken a bath and found myself checking email or scrolling through Facebook. Not exactly relaxing (especially when you’re trying not to drop it in the bath).
Don’t forget the bath salts.
3. Get a pedicure
You know what I love about pedicures? You get a leg and foot massage, paraffin dip, sugar scrub, polish and often even more for half the price (or less) of a massage. And you get the same amount of time dedicated to your pampering.
That’s what I call a luxury hack.
4. Observe Tea Time
I’m not sure when I started this, but each day at 4 pm, I sit down for tea. Even when it’s hot, but that’s just me. I have a hard time enjoying anything iced (except for hippie mojitos, of course). But it doesn’t have to be tea. It can be coffee, iced tea, beer, wine, whatever.
This simple pleasure is often just the reset I need to prepare for what can be the most challenging part of the day – preparing dinner for six and getting the kids to bed.
5. Create sacred space
Recently, I decided that my bedroom was not the sacred space I desired. In fact, I kind of hated being in there. So I did something about it. One day, a few coats of paint and some rearranged furniture later, I have a room that I love to be in. (It’s so inviting I have to keep kicking my kids out).
This one simple change impacts my day so much. Now I wake up and smile at the beautiful pictures on my wall (that I used to think were unnecessary, so I didn’t put them up) and can’t help but be grateful for this beautiful life I have.
6. Find (and wear) signature jewelry
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I like jewelry. (It’s true, mom.) Granted, mine is still very simple and very me (these bracelets, these necklaces, these earrings, plus my wedding band). But I actually enjoy wearing it! It’s an extension of my style and a very simple way to avoid feeling frumpy.
7. Smell divine
This goes without saying if you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, but essential oils are one of my simple pleasures. I use them daily to uplift, ground, soothe and/or smell amazing.
So if you ever see me sitting at a cafe sipping tea with a smile on my face, it’s because I’m blissed out on wild orange, feeling like I’m getting away with something in my sexy undies. Ah, the simple pleasures.
How do you enjoy life’s simple pleasures?
p.s. I’ve created a new program to help you nurture your soul and incorporate more simple pleasures in your life. Click here to learn more.
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