The Simple Life
On Tuesdays, starting today, I’m going to write a regular column with ideas about how to make our busy lives a little less complicated and stressful….and to free up space for more of the important things in life.
Things like…creativity.
“We are made to make. We are deeply wired by God to create. In the deepest sense of the word we are creative, imaginative beings who long to take what God has already created and bring into a new existence.”
– Dan Allender
One thing I’ve been working on this spring is reducing clutter. Not just physical clutter, but mental clutter. I tend to juggle a lot of balls in the air and can do a pretty good job of it, but as my work responsibilities increased (a good thing!), I noticed that I hadn’t been doing as many creative things. Cooking unusual recipes, planting a huge vegetable garden, experimenting with photography. Those activities re-energize me.
There were times this spring when I felt a kind of tiredness that had nothing to do with a good night’s sleep. Kind of a weariness.
That was a red flag to me. I took stock of how I was spending my time and knew that my writing life–something I valued highly–needed to be protected. I have a lifelong goal that every book should be better than the one before it. The last thing I ever want is to have a lack of imagination seep into my books.
So I decided it was time to pass the baton of hosting of “Amish Wisdom,” my radio show. I have loved that show! Loved every minute of it. Interviewing interesting guests, learning deeper truths about the Anabaptists, and appreciating the loyal and large listenership–but the radio show took quite a bit of time. Sherry Gore was just the right person to trust with the show’s future. She will do an outstanding job as the new host.
An interesting thing happened as I freed up some “mental space.” My creative spark re-ignited! My summer garden is huge, I’m fiddling around in the kitchen with new recipes, I’m annoying my Instagrams followers with too many photos. All good!
What about you? Does “empty space” trigger more creativity in your life? Have you ever whittled down activities to allow for more creativity? Or are you feeling like you should? I’d like to hear your story. And I’d like to know what activities re-energize you, too.
This journey to simplicity is, ironically, not easy. But I’m determined to stay on the simple path! When I’m on it, I find more peace, more joy, more creativity, more gratitude. I feel much more centered on God.
Hope you’ll join me!
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And … don’t forget to see what I’m giving away today in the Anthropologie Farm Glam Giveaway (something new each day!) and check out Lily’s iPad Giveaway Extravaganza! Stay tuned to my blog because I’m going to be announcing some special news regarding The Letters this week!
I too felt weary. 2jobs,part tme school. Left me cranky. I took stock.and took 3 thongs oitof mu life that were turning out to be non-productive and causing stress. Now I have more time and energy to get things done and try new things.
Barbara–So glad you left that comment! I really like how you handled that awareness that you were getting worn out. Good for you! Such a great message to others. Thanks for taking the time to share your story. Warmly, Suzanne
Wow, giving up hosting “Amish Wisdom” … that is huge !!! I have been so worried about my job, changes coming in the next year, so frightening !!! I truly struggle with change…they are changing job descriptions, and sending people to other offices where they are needed !!!! Been at this job for 15 years – and being hearing impaired, this job has worked….last time they did this, so so any people over 50 lost their job !!! I WILL STOP WORRYING, it is taking the good out of my every day !!!!!! WEARINESS – that is the exact feeling !!!! Thanks for pointing it out mmHg
Rosemary…will pray that your job is secure and that you feel a peace about the future. I can really appreciate your worry. Thanks for sharing it…promise to pray faithfully! Xo Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne !!! Following you is so comforting !!!!!! Thank you for the journey to simplicity …… I will be a faithful follower !!! Blessings !!! xoxo. Rosemary
Yes, I am weary. Taking care of my Grandparents now for almost 4 years has taken it’s toll. Pop passed away a year ago and Granny’s dementia and blindness have gotten worse. When Pop’s health took a turn for the worse, I gave up some time consuming photography gigs~horse shows in particular. It was a huge stress reliever that allowed me more time to personalize my care for Pop’s final 6 months.
This year I rented a spot at a local flea market mall and I am downsizing “stuff.” Lots of stuff! There were 2 reasons~one was for more income, however, I had things that didn’t feel important to have anymore. Reducing clutter is a great way to increase productivity and opens the creative process for me as well. I am slowly organizing a special location in my home to be used as a studio. I have a temp studio set up now, but this will be more permanent and will allow me more venues, such as newborn baby photography.
But right now, my concentration lies in caring for Granny. She will be 95 in November and we never know when she will say goodbye. I hope she doesn’t physically get so sick like my Pop did and her dementia stays steady. I am writing a lot about her and being a caretaker.
Thanks for the post Suzanne. I really enjoy reading about your adventures.
Following your adventures is fun, too, Chris. It’s amazing to me that, despite the enormous responsibilities on your shoulders with your grandparents, that your photography career is flourishing! God’s grace. Will pray for you–for steadfast strength, cherishing your grandmother’s twilight years, for the ability to find rest and recreation each day. Thanks for sharing your story! XO Suzanne
I am in the same boat. I am weary and lost a lot of my creative spark. I just have not found it for a while. I am overwhelmed by clutter. I chip away at it and it isn’t going away. While I have tossed a lot, I am struggling to finish the task. It is like a weight. I look forward to your blog post next week!
Mardell…thank you for posting such an honest comment. I think you’re speaking for a lot of women.
Let’s stay in touch! Praying you can see what needs to change in your life to help bring back the spark. Warmly, Suzanne