“Going Back To A Simpler Life Is Not A Step Backward” – Yvon Chouinard said that and he was right.
Simplicity Is A Sign Of Growth
It’s important to understand that “letting go” is part of the process of going back to a simpler life. It is not in any way a reflection of you failing to achieve or hold onto “something.” That’s not what we are talking about here.
It takes courage to simplify one’s life. Did you hear that? It takes courage to simplify one’s life. Real courage to “let go” and be free of the things you may have considered important or special at one time.
Recognizing that your “things” may no longer be serving you (and can actually be holding you back from living life to the fullest) is a true sign of personal growth. There’s a lot to be said about a person who can relinquish the old and welcome the new; even if they aren’t sure what that may look like.
I see way too often people who struggle with the notion that “letting go” is somehow a sign of weakness or giving up. This can be to their detriment as it propels them into a perpetual state of fear because they simply cannot bear the thought they may be “losing.” But you see there is no loss with simplicity. Simplicity offers freedom of all that was but no longer is. So how can one lose when one becomes free? You simply cannot.
The process of purging one’s life is powerful. A process fully embellished with tender moments of self-discovery. An internal treasure hunt if you please.
Tell me, what’s more beautiful than that?
