Living simply, with less noise and more meaning
Hey, let’s be honest—life’s kinda hectic these days. Between work, scrolling social media, keeping up with what feels like a million things, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why a lot of people, especially in their 30s like me, are turning toward something different: simple living.
Now, this isn’t about ditching modern life and moving to the woods (though that sounds tempting some days). It’s about slowing down, cutting the clutter—both mental and physical—and really tuning into what makes life meaningful. Spoiler: it’s not the latest gadget or endless hustle.
What Even Is Simple Living?
Simple living means being intentional with how you live. It’s about saying “no thanks” to stuff that doesn’t serve you. It’s not about being boring or extreme, but rather living in a way that feels good, makes sense, and lines up with your values. Like, do I really need five different coffee mugs when I always use the same one? Probably not. (Still gonna keep the cute ones, though.)
It could be cooking at home instead of ordering out every night, buying fewer clothes, or just turning off notifications after 8 PM. It’s less stress, more space, more peace.
Why It Feels So Good
- More Time and Energy: When you’re not spending hours cleaning or chasing stuff you don’t actually want, you get time back. Suddenly you have space to breathe. Read. Nap. Dance in your kitchen.
- Mental Clarity: A decluttered room = a decluttered mind. Trust me on this.
- Money Stays in Your Pocket: Less buying just to buy means your bank account can finally catch a break.
- You’re Kinder to the Planet: Buying less, wasting less, and being mindful means you’re doing your part without turning your life upside down.
- Stronger Relationships: When you’re not chasing distractions, you have time to call a friend, hug your partner, or sit down for dinner without your phone glued to your face.
Okay, But What About Sustainability?
Simple living and sustainability go hand-in-hand. If you’re buying less, eating more whole foods, walking instead of driving everywhere—that’s eco-living in action. And it doesn’t need to be perfect.
Sustainability is about making better choices, not guilt-tripping ourselves. You don’t need to grow your own kale (unless you want to). Even small stuff like reusing jars, thrift shopping, or biking to the store counts. It all adds up.
Real Talk: Starting Small
I used to think I had to change everything at once. Spoiler alert: I failed. But once I gave myself permission to start small, everything changed. Here’s what helped:
- Declutter one drawer. That’s it. It snowballs.
- Switch to one reusable thing (a water bottle, grocery bag, etc).
- Try Meatless Mondays if you’re into it. Or buy veggies from a local farmer’s market when you can.
- Say no to stuff—plans, people, purchases—that drain you.
You’re Not Alone In This
More people are getting tired of the pressure to always do more and have more. Articles from ABC News and SBS Australia have shared how young Aussies are ditching the rat race and embracing slower, more meaningful living. During and after the pandemic, this shift became even more clear. People started gardening, baking bread, spending time outdoors—and realized maybe we *don’t* need as much as we thought.
A Few Bumps Are Normal
Not every day will be Insta-perfect. You might miss a sale and feel a pang. You might want to buy stuff just to feel better. That’s human. The key is to notice it, not beat yourself up, and keep going. Simple living isn’t a rulebook—it’s a mindset.
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Final Thoughts (Before You Scroll Away)
Simple living isn’t about having less for the sake of it. It’s about making room for what matters. Whether that’s more peace, more time with your dog, better sleep, or just being able to find your keys without panicking—you deserve that calm.
So, start slow. Do it messy. Make mistakes. But keep showing up for yourself. You’d be amazed what happens when you make a little space in your life for what really counts.
And hey, if you ever forget—there’s beauty in the basics.
A famous author, Kilroy J. Oldster, said
The greatest challenge in life is to be our own person and accept that being different is a blessing and not a curse. A person who knows who they are lives a simple life by eliminating from their orbit anything that does not align with his or her overriding purpose and values