{finding joy in reclaimed time}
Lately, I’ve been feeling an inspiration to simplify. I have an urge to rid my home of all the excess clutter. I’ve been going through our material things and evaluating what is most important to us, and what is simply taking up space. If an item isn’t useful to me, or in some way a reflection of my family’s values, it’s getting donated. The effect is a living space that feels more peaceful and beautiful.
This process has caused me to think about the non-physical aspects of my life as well. What am I spending my time on? What am I allowing to occupy my thoughts? Are those things useful? Are they reflections of who I am? Are they helping to create the life I want?
In examining my life in this way, I have observed myself spending precious time on things that are not of real value. I get caught up in reading things online that are not benefiting me in any way. I have been inspired to trim my RSS reader down to only the things that really inspire me, teach me, or enrich my life in some way. Some places on the Internet that used to occupy a fair amount of my free time- were not, I have found, actually as beneficial as I used to think. They are not inherently negative, but for me, at this time, they take time away from matters most to me, and I get little in return. Becoming more mindful of my online time has made me appreciate it that much more.
I have been allocating my newly freed-up time to my son, my husband, and my business, and I feel that I’ve been doing more than I used to each day. I have made quality time with my family even more of a priority.
This theme of simplification has also made its way to a deeper level in me. I have seen that I allow my heart and mind to focus on things that are negative and damaging. All too often, I tend to dwell in worry or self-criticizing thoughts. These things eat away at the soul, and are counterproductive. They poison the rest of your existence, draining you energy and stealing your joy. I am trying to make a daily practice of focusing my mind and heart on positive things.
This thoughtfulness about what we allow ourselves to be occupied by can truly help us reclaim time we didn’t realize we had, and break the cycle of mental overwhelm and overload. I encourage you to join me in evaluating what really matters.
In simplicity, there is joy.
Hannah Mayo
Hannah is a wedding and family lifestyle photographer, and lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son. She loves film, coffee, and the ocean. Hannah likes to spend her free time reading, being with her family, and doing just about anything creative – including writing for her blog, Seeking Equipoise. She believes that there is beauty in all the world, and that it has power to change hearts and minds.
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