OOPSIE DOOPSIE

This thought popped into my head over the weekend: less is more. It’s nothing new or crazy or unique. You’ve heard it a million times before and probably don’t think twice when you hear it. But maybe you should…

After our weekend trip to the farmer’s market, I started putting away our fruit and veggie finds. {So many great things!} And I started the meal plan for the week, assessing if we needed to make another run out to the grocery store for any little extras for cooking. Random things that don’t necessarily fall into the “everyday” list. And then I stopped. We just went to the farmer’s market {I’m still emptying the bags!}, bought so many items, and really, we aren’t wanting for anything if I take a look in the pantry. We’re fine. So I started thinking of recipes and less is more popped in.

Some of the best things I have created – food or otherwise – were a result of using less. I started thinking of how I could {and do} incorporate this idea more into our daily lives – first literal and then, the bigger picture got involved…

Recipes. FOOD. When I cook, I started using less ingredients and being very aware of what ingredients I’m using in order to make sure each flavor packs a punch and stands on its own. Without knowing it, my family eats better and more eager to try new things … most of the time.

Friendships. I adore my close-knit circle of girlfriends, and I continue to nurture and love the relationships. They are some of my most trusted confidants, lovers of laughter, givers of time, and reminders of obnoxious memories. As we get older, it’s easier to tell who will stick around for the long-haul and who is just passing by. Clinging to those who cling back matters. And those are lifetime friendships.

Husband. Spending time with him, just him, not worrying about what we are doing, where we are going, but banking on the conversation we will have, the time we spend together and the hand I get to hold through it all. I always hit the jackpot.

Screen Time. On occasion, I will purposely leave my phone charger at home. This greatly reduces my time on the phone when out with friends, family or by myself. It’s a reminder that things can wait. If I use my phone less, my battery will stay charged and I will still be connected with those around me. It’s a win-win, so put it down.

Family.  I’m slowly removing the guard, trusting those I love regardless and worrying only about the relationships that exist between me and another person. Too quickly, we can be swept up in the petty drama and the absurdity that swirls around family problems. We forget what started it all or we choose to ignore the reason why it started in the first place. As a result, mountains are formed out of molehills. Less is more. Talking behind others’ backs, believing second-hand accounts and worrying about what others think of someone else is superfluous, silly and damaging. Strike it.

Money. First, I’m enjoying a lot of DIY projects lately. And bubby is joining in too! The majority of these projects are done with items that are already around our house, re-purposed, or with some help from the dollar store. This isn’t for everyone, but Mads and I are loving it. I encourage you to get down with your crafty side {yes, even YOU have one!} and see what you can come up with for the next event/holiday/party. Big-time savings + big-time heart giving. Oh – and I’m also a fan of “freezes”, but we’ll chat more about that later!

So, this whole “less is more” theory can really bleed its way into any part of your day and life. Enriching? Yes. A life-changer? Maybe not. But it does provide perspective and offers up more than enough food for thought. I could go on but …

What do you think deserves a little “less is more” treatment in your life?

{Hi, bubbs!}

Linking up with a harvest of blessing and oak + oats – join in!