So, over the last few weeks or so, I have had a great amount of time to sit back and ponder on the important things in life. I spent much of that time evaluating myself and what I am doing with my life. But, this time around I found that I was looking more to the future. The thing that kept coming back into my mind what how complicated my life was getting and the worry of how these complications were leaking into my future and influencing how I will live my life. Now, I am not saying that I have a complicated or even difficult life, but considering where I am in my journey, and how I am living, I feel that I am bogging myself down with things that should not be in my life. Debt, bills, cars, clothes, entertainment, food, and just money in general are the things that are controlling my life. Every move that I make seems to be motivated by one of these things. It seems that every paycheck goes to things that I don't really need, but more to things that I just want at the moment. Accessories, upgrades, and improvements on the things that I own. Fancy toys, and new electronics are topping my wish lists as I swipe my credit card. My life is being controlled by things. And now, not only is it stress that I am dealing with, but it is debt. Money is controlling my life, and more importantly controlling my emotions. It has been so silly of me to not realize that all this stress and control was self inflicted. I was the main cause for all craziness that has been happening in my life.
A theme of simplicity has been running through my mind, and it has begun to infect my priorities. Just recently I read an article about a couple that decided to simplify their lives. They got rid of their cars, moved to a smaller home, downsized their wardrobes, and own 4 plates, cups, and bowls, along with 2 pots and pans. They even got rid of their television. But, above all of this they got out of over $30,000 worth of debt! Now, they are spending money on traveling together, and helping fund their nieces and nephews education, not to mention that they now have tens of thousands in savings! This story and situation is a little extreme for me, but it has also sparked some inspiration in me to find a better way to simplify my life. Now, I don't plan on getting rid of everything I own and go live in a tree, but I feel that I can simplify my life so that I can live within my means, and find joy in living debt free, and having the freedom that I need to enjoy life's pleasures like traveling.
Being cautious about simplifying and knowing why you are changing they way you live is very important. I am trying to focus on changing not so I can have a ton of money in the bank. That would not eliminate the fact that money is controlling my life. I look at this as a benefit rather than the motivation and purpose. One huge motivator in my life are those friends that influence me positively. My dear and close friend Jason Lucas is just one of those friends. He is constantly trying to improve his life and is letting others know about his discoveries to becoming a simpler, stronger and more directed person. He is not only changing his life and improving, more importantly he is influencing those around him through his example! This is exactly what he has done to me. Jason is an inspiration to me to become the better person, and to seek the finer things in life. I am looking to simplify, relieve stress, and more importantly to me, be able to serve and help others. I can do this when I start turning my focus away from the negative and controlling stressful things of my life to the things that matter most. Service, family, friends, peace of mind, and happiness.
There is a principle to be learned from all of this... living by rules, guidelines or even commandments do not constrict or control a persons life, but rather they allow for guidance, freedom, and relief from those things that can bog us down. These guidelines construct a path by which we can follow and base our lives around. Drifting from guidelines and rules causes stress through uncertainty and unnecessary trials and stress. This is what I have been doing lately. Buying without thought, living life without a schedule, goals, or purpose has allowed me to walk blindly and to hope for the best instead of working to simplify, serve, and follow goals and guidelines.
I anticipate this time in my life to be a changing point from wanting everything in the world, to having everything that I need. I want to be debt free, and live simply so that I can save and live a life away from debt and stress. I want to allow myself to be free to serve and connect with others around me. I want to become an asset to my friends and family, and not a topic of worry or burden. I know all of this will come from the choices that I make, and the determination to follow the goals and guidelines that I have set for myself. If I am going to have stress in my life, I want it to come from outside sources that I have no control over. How silly to bring stress and trials on yourself when you have complete control.
This is a time of experimentation. It is a time for me to redesign how I am living. It is a chance for me to incorporate beautiful fundamentals in my everyday living so I can not only simplify my life, but come closer to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by focusing on them, simplifying my life, and becoming the man that they have created me, and wanted me to become! I choose to simplify. I choose the door that will allow me to serve! I choose the door because I want to!
