Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

2 Corintihians 1:12

Women warriors like things simple and perform at their best when it is simple. Simplicity creates a positive flow. Find your simplicity, and embrace your strength. Simplicity is one of those things many people say they desire. Few actually live with simplicity. In my experience, there are two primary reasons why people tend to overcomplicate things.

The first is a loss of focus. Many people tend to have no plan or direction in where they are going. Many seek all the various choices available to them. Where there is choice, there is complexity and misery.

When you lose touch with why you are doing something, what you are doing, and where you are going, or when you begin chasing multiple things, you inadvertently sentence yourself to trivial pursuits and challenges. The next thing you know, you are lost or have created a life of chaos, challenges, and complexity.

A good example of loss of focus is chasing more than one rabbit at a time. You may chase them all; however, you will be unable to catch any of them. It is much easier to have clarity and focus on one.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  Hebrews 12:1

The key to having focus is having clarity. Where there is clarity, there is no choice. Where there is clarity, there is simplicity. Where there is simplicity, there is power.

The other major reason we flock to complexity is a challenge of a very different nature. This requires a completely different solution. Society has rooted this in the ego.  The ego’s primary lubricant is summed up in one word: more. More stuff, more activities, more things, more money, more, more, more. We have become a “more society.”

The perception of the ego is that more is better, big is better than small, and less is just plain worse. More, more, more. This perception and behavior create more complexity and difficulty than required. The ego loves complexity and is induced by fear. Our ego relies on fear to protect itself, and complexity is a great place to hide behind.

The process of reaching an ideal state of simplicity at times may seem to be truly complex for you. The easiest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction. When in doubt, just remove. Be sure you are congruent with what you choose to remove or reduce in your life. Warriors love to keep it simple.

Remember the K-I-S-S principle: Keep It Splendidly Simple. It is a mantra that always pops into my head when I’m looking at doing something. How easy is it? How easy is it for me to learn or do? You get the picture.

Keep it clear.  Think before you act.  Many complications arise because of hasty actions. So before you commit yourself to doing an act, think. Think twice for easier or simple alternatives that lead to the same desired result. Always choose the simplicity. You will have more peace with simplicity.

Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. How do you get rid of all your stuff that means so much and evokes so much emotion? The simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction.

Enjoy keeping things simple.  The more simple it is, the more you will thrive.

“As you simplify, you will notice the most important things are left. A bunch of stuff. This applies to everyday items, closets, and even many of your sentimental treasures. Oftentimes the most difficult stuff to get rid of is all of the stuff soaked in great memories. When you become attached to things that remind you of your past and your loved ones, these usually fill you with lovely memories. Because you choose to simplify your life from stuff, these treasures are buried in boxes in the garage or attic. They are only rediscovered during a move or a special trip down memory lane.

After a recent move I experienced, I realized there were several ways to simplify all these sentimental items. I started focusing on what was most important to me, and I began to honor some of my history. I placed some of my items on display or started using them. The remaining items, I gave away to other family members or donated to charity.

When you come across things that you are unable to use, simply let go of them. Someone else may find your sentimental items to be quite useful. Use them or pass them on. I started to give away many of my items to others who could use what I had. I also realized there are many people in need of the many items I had, so I donated them. One of my friends, Bobby Shirley, said to me, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” I looked at my items as good items, so I decided to share them with others who would embrace them. I actually became excited to see how someone else would enjoy an item I had given away.  I felt a strong sense of enjoyment and simple release.

As you simplify your life, you will come to the realization that the most sentimental things are more than things. They are stories of the people and places you love and about how you spent your time. Write about the things you love instead of holding onto them. Start a family blog or keep a personal journal. Your words may start out describing your grandparents’ items and how they were received; your description may turn into a beautiful story about an afternoon the two of you spent together.

Approach each area, and enjoy what unfolds. Clearly identify what is most meaningful to you. Instead of filling boxes with the things that define your life, spend more time creating your life, giving to others, and sharing your story with thoughts, actions, and gratitude.

To keep things simple, regularly ask yourself this question: “Is this making my life easier and more simple?” Creating simplicity in your life will create a much more focused, powerful, and fun life. Reclaim your fun and playful side. Enjoy and simplify your life.

What do you have in your life that you may reduce out of your life right now to make your life more simple?