Wow--18 months! I cannot believe it has been 18 months since I posted here. Life has been full and busy, but mainly I just haven't had much to say. It has been a period of growing pains in my life for sure.
I guess I need to update the header of my blog as I am now a mom of 8! Our eighth child, Hannah Leigh, was born 9 months ago. She is an absolute delight and a balm to my soul.
The past year or two I have grown increasingly interested in simplicity and minimalism. It's not an easy quest with 8 children and a large house, but I am learning that living a simple life is not just about downsizing and decluttering, but is more of a lifestyle and a state of mind. Here are a few ways I have been seeking to live a more simple life as I go about my daily tasks as a mother at home. I have these words posted where I can see them as a reminder to myself.
Slow Down
I am learning to take my time with each thing I do rather than feel hurried all the time. I feel that it's better to get less done if I am doing it well and enjoying the task at hand rather than get more done and feel stressed. I love how Ann Voskamp says, "Life is not an emergency".
Savor
I want to really taste every moment of the day and savor the time. Whether I'm snuggling a baby, combing a little girl's hair, chatting with a teenager, washing dishes, or cleaning up the fifth spill of the day---it's all a gift I want to drink in and appreciate.
Single-task
I used to try to do a million things at once. Or I'd start one thing and then go to another before finishing and on and on. Now I am doing one thing at a time until it is done. This brings such a feeling of accomplishment and peace. I try not to worry about what I'm not doing and focus on the ONE thing that I am doing.
Silence
Recently I enforced "screen free before 3" in our home. With the exception of using the computer for school, we have no tv's, video games, or computer games on before 3:00. I am trying to limit it at all other times as well, but this new rule has changed our days. I have also stopped playing music as much. I am finding enjoyment in doing my work in silence. I hear the children. I hear rain or birds outside. I hear appliances running. It's very peaceful and calming.
Smile
Happiness is often a decision we make and sometimes the first step is simply smiling. Smiling at my children even when I'm not smiling inside can turn a stressful situation around. It's amazing how putting a smile on your face usually ends up leading to a smile in your heart.
Sing
How powerful it is to sing during the day, especially if it is praise to the Lord. I especially love to sing the old hymns. They bring so much comfort and joy to my heart. Scripture songs like Seeds Family Worship are another great way to keep praise and truth on our lips.
Speak Less
I am not a big talker but I still find myself rattling on at my children when it is unnecessary. Sometimes I even get sick of my own voice. I also notice that eventually my children start to tune me out. I am trying to get into the habit of speaking less and correcting only when truly needed. Being quiet quiets my spirit as well.
Solitude
I have a place in my home where I go several times a day. My children know when I am there they don't try to enter. I take a few minutes to refresh myself, to think, to reflect on my day, to think about how to make my day better, to pray, read a few verses, or even just to look at Facebook for a few minutes in peace. A few minutes alone is usually all I need to refuel, especially when things were getting especially loud or stressful.
Self
Solitude is a major way I take care of myself so that I can take care of others, but I have recently learned there are many other things I must do. Taking the time to plan and prepare healthy food is one way and exercise is another. Also, just making the time to do things I enjoy, like taking a long hot bath with a book. And most of all, spending time with the Lord every day in bible reading and prayer. I have time for what I make time for.
Sabbath
I am really starting to enjoy Sunday as a Sabbath day by truly resting. Sometimes it doesn't feel like a rest with the hustle and bustle of Sunday mornings and getting myself and 8 children out the door in the mornings, but the washing of worship and the Word once we get there makes it all worth it. And the rest of the day is spent resting, reading, planning, eating, hanging out with my family. It's like a holiday we get to have every week.
Practicing these small simple habits each day has brought so much peace and purpose to my heart. When I start to simplify my mind, heart, and atmosphere, it frees me to begin simplifying in other areas like my home, activities, and finances. Even when I lose my way and the stress builds up and the tasks start to pile up around me, I can look at these words and turn my heart back to simplicity.
