THE JOY OF SIMPLICITY

 Dear God, our life is beautiful

In every splendid gift it brings,

But most I thank thee humbly for 

The JOY of little things.  L M Montgomery.              

While on the journey to discover your simple life, it helps to find simple pleasures to enjoy yourself. Think of things you enjoy doing that cost little or no money. Make a list of them. Consider the different seasons and what different seasonal things there are to enjoy.

I'll share a few simple pleasures to help you get started:

1) Take a walk in the woods

2) Go on a picnic

3) Go bird watching

4) Bake something and share with a friend

5) Spend quality time with a friend or family member

6) Enjoy a good book

7) Call and talk to a friend you haven't seen in a long time

8) Go to the Library and read some magazines

9) Sit down with a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage and enjoy a quiet moment

10) Make a card to give encouragement to someone and send it

11) In the Fall, enjoy making s'mores with your family

12) Make Carmel Corn

13) Sit and listen to your favorite music

14) Plan a potluck with friends for dinner

15) Indulge yourself with a good movie on TV and a bowl of popcorn

There is a large measure of JOY in ordinary moments.   Susan Gale Wickes

Now come up with your own ideas. Write them down ( in a journal ) to remember them and keep adding to them. Decide this week to really enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Really intentionally embrace these moments. Don't be thinking of things you need to do. Don't let busy-ness get in your way. Just taking a bit of time during the week to enjoy a few simple pleasures is so important.

ENJOY!

Sandy