A Simple Mindset Change

Posted by Leslie | 0 comments

Surfing the net, I recently came across two sentences that simply state the difference between a frugal life and a simple life. I found this answer (and a LOT more) over at Thoughts on Voluntary Simplicity. There is much wisdom to be gleaned here, but I will leave you to search that on your own.  What they wrote that was so profound to me was this:

Frugality is living with less of what money can buy.

Voluntary simplicity is wanting less.

IS that amazing, or what? It really sums it all up. After I spoke at Kathy Butryn’s “It Factor” seminar series, emails started pouring in regarding the difference between the two lifestyles AND how they can complement each other. Interestingly, none of the emails gave examples of searching out a frugal means of purchasing something to provide simplicity. The closest I received was an email regarding a process for purchasing a washing machine.

This is exactly what I had been teaching. A simple life is one that is moving in the direction of wanting less; less stuff, less schedules, less planning, and MORE living! More time for family. More time for friends. More time to minister to others. More time for capturing the memories of the everyday moments. More time strengthening your relationship with God. More time to give back to your community. More time to enjoy your husband. More time to step outside and enjoy nature leisurely.

You can begin your simple journey today. Put everything else aside for just 5 minutes. You can steal five minutes, right? Take five minutes to reconnect with God and ask very specifically that He would help you to be content and want less from this moment forward. Ask Him to show you the principles that will help support you along the way. Just being content with what you have is a HUGE step towards transitioning to a simple life. Choosing it shows that you are working towards it intentionally and voluntarily. Take a new baby step today by resetting your mind and focus.

Leslie Valeska is the wife of Thomas and homeschooling mother of four children who reside in SW Florida. Her family operates Fresh Gear Solutions, LLC and enjoys RVing. She is the founder and director of Simple Journey Ministries which was established to encourage, inspire, and support women on their journey to Godly womanhood. Leslie is also employed as a vintage seamstress by Vintage Vixen.