The Simplicity Project

We all have a longing for more. For living a life on purpose. A life that makes a difference and changes the world. But all too often, life gets in the way. It shouldn’t right? I mean, we struggle, we dream bigger dreams, and search for the meaning of life and then somewhere along the road, life gets in the way of living. We’ve got mouths to feed, laundry to do, emails to reply to, and deadlines to meet. On top of that, we have clutter filling our houses and our minds and there really seems to be no end in sight.

For Corie Clark, life and dreams seemed to collide head-on. She struggled to keep up with the to-do lists and the chaos that came with being a wife, mom, teacher to her home-schooled kids, and writer. She felt hopeless and out of control. But embracing one simple word transformed her days, and helped her focus on her dreams and her God-given purpose. So in 2014, she decided to take a step back and write the Simplicity Project.

Clark shares how her family when from living in chaos to simplifying their lives and becoming more balanced.

 “Many say balance is a myth. I disagree. I am a firm believer in finding balance and know that it can be found if you truly desire it. But, balance is ever changing and in order to find that balance you have to know when it’s shifting so you can too.

When I set out to simplify our lives back in 2014, I quickly realized that our lives were completely out of balance. We were stretched so thin in every area of our lives that if there was a slight shift in one area, it would cause some sort of problem in another. When we created some margin in each area of our lives, it created a much more balanced lifestyle and peaceful atmosphere.”

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will callon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Clark reflects on how the Simplicity Project was born.

“If I couldn’t win the battle with chaos and clutter, how was I supposed to see my dream come to fruition? I needed peace so that I could live on purpose. How could I let things like a to-do list and a life of excess take me off the course that I was put here for? It wasn’t going to happen. Not on my watch.

With a list in my hand and a dream in my heart, I decided to go to war. Thus, the Simplicity Project was born. I spent 28 days tackling the problems that we all face every day because I was not going to watch the rest of my life go by without actually enjoying it.”

Risen Reflections

Take a step back. Whether it is your family’s activities, work, or church functions, we all can burn out at one time or another. Our natural tendency is to say “yes” to things and then without realizing it we have overcommitted ourselves to projects and activities. Sometimes it can lead us to a period of burnout. Rather than become exhausted, it is good to take a step back. Take time to evaluate all of the things you and your family are committed to. If you are a parent or guardian, your children’s commitments impact your life and schedule as well. It can be helpful to use a tool or resource like the Simplicity Project to help you evaluate. Pray and ask God to show you what He wants you to be a part of including your activities, relationships and career. Be obedient if He shows you something that you need to step away from. Also recognize that there might be things He is calling to you but not right now.

Say “No.” It is okay to say, “No,” or “Not right now,” or even “I can’t commit to that at this time.” Yes, you will probably feel guilty and some people might try to get you to change your mind. But it’s important to go back to what you feel like God has called you to do, your purpose. If the activity or function isn’t aligned with that purpose, it is okay to say, “No.” You might even say, “I’m not the person for this, but let me help you find someone who is.” Remember if you end up doing the activity and you weren’t supposed to, it will ultimately take you away from the things God is calling you to.

Declutter your life.

For more info, click here; http://thesimplicityprojectbook.com