Simplicity

Simplicity is key to success in all aspects of life. The sad reality is that we live in a world where a perfect physical appearance depicts acceptable standards of beauty, and living above our means is becoming a norm. It is becoming more evident that appearances matter more than character and inner beauty, and the media showcases acceptable appearances that society should follow. At times it looks like people are creating lifestyles that are misleading. I do believe that appropriate, acceptable appearances do matter, especially for work, school, and special occasions. These days, society has taken extreme measures to look a certain way, to live beyond their means, and to display pseudo behaviors only to pretend. There are even those who go into debt to fulfill a certain lifestyle or live a life under a false persona. While in the real world, the reality is far from that, people are living in poverty, trying their best every day to fulfill their basic needs. There are parts of our world where appearances are not a priority since most people can not live a lifestyle that some parts of today's society are accustomed to. Of course, they wish for a better life. Life is not fair. Yet somehow, they are happier and content with their lives. Compared to those who have everything in life, they are still happy or satisfied with what they have. Simplicity is a true reflection of beauty; everything else is merely a facade.

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

- Coco Chanel

“Nature is pleased with simplicity. And nature is no dummy.”

- Isaac Newton

“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”

- Lao Tzu

“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.”

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Three rules of work: out of clutter find simplicity. From discord find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

- Albert Einstein

Unhappiness that is brought about by living above your means and causes more harm than just living a simple lifestyle. Stressing about how you look? What clothing do you wear? What car you should drive? And how big my house should be? It causes more harm to your well-being and overall sanity than anything else, when compared to those who are just happy with what they have and how they live. Stress and anxiety run rampant among those individuals trying to sustain a lifestyle that brings more harm than comfort. Happier people often lead simpler lifestyles, where social status needs no recognition or acceptance.  They are content with their lives since inner peace and tranquility guide their well-being. These individuals are mindful of spending, prioritize their needs over wants, and adhere to their core values and beliefs. They value the simple aspects of life itself rather than an indulgence in temporary pseudo-satisfaction. A less complicated lifestyle is a preferred path in life, where appreciation of freedom reigns. Simple people tend to have a higher level of awareness, and authenticity reflects who they truly are and nothing less. They lead with true purpose and are grounded by their core values and beliefs. Why complicate life? Live simply, and happiness will follow.

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” 

- Confucius

“As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.”

- Henry David Thoreau

“Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury - to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind.”

- Albert Einstein

“The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.”

- Steve Maraboli

“Nothing is more simple than greatness; indeed, to be simple is to be great.” 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Simplicity encompasses many characteristics of the way a person should live. Whether in their behavior, appearance, wealth, or lack of wealth. People who live simple lives, value simplicity regarding their possessions and overall relationship with society. The mindset of a simple individual is grounded in their values and beliefs; they welcome a minimalistic lifestyle and treasure the essence and meaningful aspects of truly being happy. They cherish honesty, respect, kindness, and humility, together with empathy and understanding. They prefer people to be direct, rather than display a personality of hidden agendas and false personas. Simple people live in the here and now, and being present is an important part of who they are. A minimalistic lifestyle is preferred; it does not take much to make a simple person happy. A life filled with valuable experiences is undoubtedly a better option, especially coming from the simple pleasures in life. Sincere meaningful interactions and relationships are the norm among people living simple lives. Often, in today's world, most people are so caught up in the facade that social and mainstream media creates that they forget what is truly important in life. A simple lifestyle implores you to stay away from unrealistic desires, engages you to set realistic, attainable goals, and encourages you to work towards achieving them. Is our world a rat race, or are we just entrapped by keeping up with the Jones? Living within your means and not above your means leads to a much happier and more fulfilled life.

“Grow in the root of all grace, which is faith. Believe God's promises more firmly than ever. Allow your faith to increase in its fullness, firmness, and simplicity.” 

- Charles Spurgeon

“Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.”

- Isaac Newton

“There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth.”

- Leo Tolstoy

“Simplicity makes me happy.” 

- Alicia Keys

“The core of beauty is simplicity”

- Paulo Coelho