Do you have any preconceived notions of what it means to live a simple life? I think to some extent we all have a version of simple living built up in our imaginations that we hope to one day achieve. No matter where you are in your simple living journey, it’s important to be aware of the most popular simple living myths so you can be sure to avoid them at all costs.
Popular Simple Living Myths Debunked
Here’s my definition of a Simple Life:
Reducing the unnecessary in your life -stuff, jobs, relationships, bad habits, overspending, and busyness- in order to make room for the necessary *loving & serving others, living out your faith, learning, creating, and traveling* Whatever is truly important to you.
Simple Living Myth #1: Simple living is always simple.
The reality is, cultivating a simple life is far from simple. Anytime a person decides to pursue a lifestyle that is counter-cultural, they will face obstacles. These obstacles can come in the form of friends and family members who don’t understand your decision to simplify your life, demanding work schedules. or a significant other who is not onboard. {Just to name a few}.
In addition to having to defend your desire to simplify your life to others, you also face an uphill battle when it comes to decluttering years worth of personal belongings. As well as keeping them decluttered.
Simple Living Myth #2: Simple Living is only for “simple-minded” people.
{First, please understand, that I do not mean this in a derogatory way.} When I refer to “simple-minded” folk, I am speaking of people who society tends to label as “simple”.
The Harper Collins Dictionary defines someone who is simple-minded as being:
- artless; unsophisticated; simple-hearted
- foolish; stupid
- mentally retarded
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being simple-minded. In fact, some of my favorite people are considered “simple” by society’s standards.
That said, you can choose a simple life for yourself and still be well-educated, intelligent, cultured, and have refined tastes.
Simple Living Myth #3: Simple living is all about raising animals, growing your own food, and cooking from scratch.
If being a homesteader is what allowed a person membership into the simple living association, I would have been kicked out a long time ago! While some people choose to simplify their lives by becoming more self-sufficient, you {and I} don’t have to.
This is good news for city dwellers!
If you’ve never heard the term “homesteading” before click here for more information.
I’ll tell you from experience, though, as you dive deeper into simple living, the idea of owning your own homestead can become more and more appealing.
Simple Living Myth #4: In order to live simply, you must get rid of all your possessions.
You can absolutely live a simple life without giving up everything you own. And this is coming from a minimalist! You heard me correct:
If an item you choose to keep aides in whatever is truly important to you, keep it! If it doesn’t, get rid of it. It’s that simple.
Simple Living Myth #5: When you choose a simple life, you no longer care about money.
Did you know there are simple living advocates who are also millionaires? Think Warren Buffett, “Mad Men” star Vincent Kartheiser, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, just to name a few.
Deciding to live a simple life doesn’t mean you have to eschew money. You can still pursue a career you love, grow your savings account, and build wealth while simultaneously simplifying your life.
Even better, you’ll have more to share with others!
Be sure to avoid these {and other} simple living myths
The beauty of choosing a simple life is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all lifestyle. You get to decide whether you want to sell all of your belongings and travel the world with only one suitcase; or downsize your home, simplify your schedule, and live within your means. Both can be examples of simple living at its finest.
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