Monday, March 06, 2006

Complex Thoughts on Simplicity

Simplicity is not as simple as one would think.

My life is quite complex. I have many demands on my time, energy, mind, body, finances, etc. There really isn't one area of my life that isn't taxed to the max. I know that something has to give, but what?

This is where I get lost. If I choose to simplify things to ease my time, I have to pay financially or expend physical and mental energies deciding what activities to give up. If I choose to simplify my finances, I have to pay in time and energy. If I need to simplify my physical needs (i.e. eat more wholesome, nutritional foods, exercise more, etc) my time and mind are overwhelmed.

There is this knot of ideas running through my brain and in order to simplify my decision making, I must first unwind the knot - a complex task in itself.

I guess the first step would be to define simplicity; or at least the kind of simplicity I'm looking for.

For some, simplicity is defined as getting back to nature - home grown foods, fresh ground flour, etc. As attractive as this sounds, it is not practical for me at this time.

Others might define simplicity as hiring out various services such as housekeeping, laundry, or personal trainer. I find this option distasteful and not what I'm looking for.

I guess what I want is BALANCE. But my pendulum is swinging wildly, of late; as if caught in a wicked wind.

However, it's not "back to nature" that I need, but back to my Creator's steadying hand. He, and only He has the ability regulate my pendulum at the speed and pace that He ordains. No matter what all the self-improvement books at Barnes & Noble say.

1 comment:

Gabrielle said...

Amen!

I pray you find your balance, Barb. Swinging is only fun at playgrounds.