There’s Nothing Wrong With Living the Simple Life
People do crazy things sometimes. We all know that. From the time you start high school, you become immersed in the trend of going out on the weekends, doing stupid things, and spending time with people just for the sake of being sociable.
And there are some people who like that. And that’s not a bad thing. If you go to any college campus or big city in the United States, you’ll find a slew of people between the ages of twenty and forty who spend a majority of their time trying to have, ‘the night of their lives.’
But there are other people who don’t like that sort of thing. Personally, I’ve always meshed well with this other sort. I’ve always been able to relate to the people who want to go to the movies instead of getting drunk. I’ve felt closer to those who want to go get dinner and play video games than those who want to do drugs and go clubbing.
Because I enjoy the simple things in life. And as I get older, I realize that my attitude is something a lot of people can relate to. And it isn’t just partying that this pertains to, but everything.
I like to live a relaxing, simple life. I like to connect with people who genuinely feel the same way, and I like to do things that are comforting and fulfilling. And in embracing this lifestyle, I have become happier and more productive than I ever could have been before.
If you’re the same as I am and you want to know how to do the things you want without feeling guilty (and if you want to be happier and more productive as well), I think I might be able to help you out. This article is full of advice about how to live a quiet, happy life that I wish I’d known years ago.
Be Your Own Leader
One of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned in my life was presented to me as an off-hand comment during the summer before my senior year of high school.
I was at a week-long camp at a college campus, and one of my advisors told me at a meeting, “You don’t need followers to be a leader… as long as you lead yourself.”
That stuck with me more than anything else I learned that week. It stuck with me because, as I tested it, I realized how abundantly true it was. How abundantly true it is. And the power of being my own leader has allowed me to change the way I engage with people and live a more successful life.
And example of this can be found in my work.
I have had a few jobs during my day, but for the past few years I have been working online. Why is that? There have certainly been times where I have had to work very hard for very little money. I could have had more in my bank account if I started working retail instead.
But that’s not what I wanted to do. I wanted to lead myself down a different path. And, in the spirit of being my own leader, I did. I have stuck with my freelancing career and honed my skills, and as such I have become far happier than I would be doing anything else.
I am happier because it is what I want to do. I want to be able to make money in my pajamas. I want to be able to take a walk when I want, and I want to be able to put Friends on in the background while I do my work in the morning.
It isn’t the most exciting job, and I like that. I am good at it, and it allows me to pick my own schedule… to do the things that I enjoy doing.
Oh, and there’s another thing about being your own leader that a lot of people overlook. If you do what you want when you want, and if you are polite and unapologetic, people will follow your lead.
Like my advisor said, you don’t need followers to be a leader… as long as you lead yourself. But there’s more to that than meets the eye. As long as you lead yourself, followers will find you. When you do the things that you want, and when you are fulfilled, other people will be drawn to you.
I promise.
Create Meaningful Relationships
Living a simpler life also means, in my experience, that you’ll have better relationships. There are plenty of people in the world that would love to go partying with you and do shots and smoke weed. There are literally apps where you can find people who will do stuff with you.
Finding people isn’t the problem… it’s finding the right people that can be a challenge. Especially for those of us who like to be calm and who like to have our own space.
It’s harder to meet your people when you’re hunkered down with a good book. It’s harder to find your soulmate when your snuggled up with some popcorn watching your favorite movie.
But it is possible. Go find people you like online. Talk to people you meet at the store or at school. Hang out with friends of friends and see if you can find somebody that you really click with.
And once you find someone genuine, someone that finds joy in the simple things too, keep them around. Be kind and supportive, and force yourself out of your shell a little bit.
Let’s face it. A lot of us who like the simple life also like to be alone sometimes. I’m sure many of you could spend the next 24 hours alone, and you would actually get a lot of work done and feel pretty relaxed. But don’t make a habit of doing that. Everybody needs friends, and you have the power to find some really good ones. Don’t miss out on time with them!
Be Passionate, Stay Busy, and Find a Hobby
Now comes the part that I feel like most people ignore. To me, though, it’s one of the most important parts of living a more relaxed life.
Here it is: you need to have a passion or a hobby… or both! Living the quiet life is not an excuse to be lazy. Okay? That’s not the point.
I don’t love writing, reading, and cooking because I’m too lazy to leave the house. I love them because they make me feel creative. They give me something to do (one of them even supplements my lifestyle) and they help me stay healthy.
Even though I like to be cozy at home, I don’t like to do nothing. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t write and read. There is rarely a day where I don’t exercise or go to the gym. I work freelance as often as I can. I spend time with friends whenever I want to.
And, most importantly, I have projects that sustain me. I have written a book, one that I am now attempting to publish. I’ve started a website and expanded my client base. I’ve been pursuing things that I’m passionate about.
If you only listen to one thing I say in this article, let it be this! Don’t let yourself fall into a rut of relaxation and over-indulgence. It’s not bad find joy from movies, meals with friends, and quiet walks.
It is, however, bad to find joy in only those things. Make sure that on your quest to live the life you want to live, you are also working towards a goal, finding something you are passionate about, or bettering yourself.
As I said, I’m sure many of you are more than capable of being alone. If you don’t already have something you love to do, spend some time searching for joy by trying new things. Pick up painting or photography, or start a new business that you’ve been wanting to create.
Essentially, I want you to be your own champion. Those of us who like to be cozy, who like to talk and read and relax and stay at home… we can easily get into the groove of extroversion and laziness. Don’t let yourself regress; always try to move forward.
Finally… Don’t Apologize for Who You Are!
Happiness comes from so many places. I’ve found, though, that the best source of it comes from unapologetically being who you are and knowing what you want out of life.
Those of you who are reading this article right now don’t know me, and I don’t know you either. But I’m willing to assume a couple of things; first, if you clicked on this post, you’re probably happiest when you’re cozy and at home too. Second, you have a passion, even if you don’t know what it is yet.
And third… you have the power to live the life you want. Trust me, it’s right in front of you.
So I want you to remember a couple of things. If you can be your own leader, stick with people who share your interests, find a passion, and follow your goals, you will live a successful life.
After all, staying at home and doing what makes you happy doesn’t make you boring. In fact, it makes you infinitely more interesting. Finding joy in the simple things doesn’t make you an introvert, it makes you powerful.
You don’t need to worry about anybody else. Not as long as you know who you are and you can embrace that! Remember who you are, and remember what the subtitle of this post says… “Don’t feel guilty for doing what makes you happy.”
So go get to work and be everything you’re meant to be. Before you do, though… maybe get cozy and watch a good movie with some friends. Okay?
