LESS EQUALS MORE
It’s Five Minute Friday time again. The idea is to write for five minutes whatever comes to mind based on the prompt. We don’t worry about editing and try to keep within the limit. This week the prompt word is More. Sometimes less equals more. Stay with me and I’ll show you what I mean.
We are a culture that always wants more. There never seems to be enough of whatever it is we want or think we need. We are constantly being told that we need this car or this dress or these shoes or that house…. It seems that in order to be happy we have to buy the latest and best. At least that’s what the ads want us to think.
IS THERE A BETTER WAY?
What if we stopped craving what we don’t have and take a good look at what we do have? If we could learn to be satisfied rather than always wishing for more, I think our lives would be less stressful.
I realize that some people have found this secret and they have learned to live with less. Instead of wishing they had more, they are finding more freedom with less.
When you don’t have a lot of stuff around, housecleaning can be simple. If you only have a few dishes, you have to wash them before the next time. If you have tons of dishes you can just put them in the dishwasher, get a clean one every time. Then they just pile up.
The same thing could be said about clothes and shoes. I know I have too many of a lot of things, but it takes intention to go through clutter. I am making progress, though.
I know that as I minimize I will have more free time, more time to enjoy life and much less stress. And that’s the kind of “more” we could all use, don’t you think?
Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Phil. 4:12-13 CSB
I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.
I’m linking up with: #Five Minute Friday, #FaithonFire
Thank you for the reminder that when I gain rest by letting go of something, there is wisdom in letting go. How true indeed it is that, “Less Equals More When Stress is Lost and Rest is Gained.” Thanks also for the sharing the beautiful photos. Visiting from Five Minute Friday.
Yes, it is true that there is wisdom in letting go. Thank you for stopping by and for your encouraging comments, Esther! Glad you also enjoyed the photos.
Blessings to you and have a good weekend!
Dear Gayl,
Oh yes, More Freedom as we let go of those things that cause stress–what wonderful thoughts! I am always so happy when I visit here and see more beautiful photos of your woods. You can post more of those anytime you wish, as far as I am concerned! 🙂 I hope you have a restful weekend my dear friend! Blessings, love, and hugs to you! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
I know there is more freedom when we let go of things, but still I persist in holding on sometimes. I wrote this to remind myself, too. 🙂 I’m trying to be more intentional about minimizing. I feel so much better when I say goodbye to excess stuff!
I’m so glad my photos make you happy! I do love this area. I may partially have a restful weekend – Have two grandkids overnight and they finally went to sleep. They were excited. Tomorrow more family coming for a birthday party for my 10 yr. old grandson. Sunday my husband and I leave for a trip to help Jamie pack for their move later in May. But we are spending a couple of nights in the Smokies so we’ll have some relaxation, too.
Many blessings to you my dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
So true!
Thanks for your confirmation, Tara. Always blessed to have you visit.
Blessings to you! xo
Gayle,
“And that’s the kind of “More” we could all use, don’t you think? It’s the age old conflict found in human nature: accumulating more toys will make us content. You would think that we would learn from the past. Nope. Your Philippians passage hit the mark!
You are so right, Stephanie, the age old conflict. Thanks for visiting!
Blessings to you!
Gayl, we need a walk in the woods together. It’s where I can breathe. Love to you and thanks always for your good, strong words.
Amanda, I would love a walk in the woods with you! It’s definitely a place where I can breathe and relax and not worry about the work waiting.
Love to you, too, and I hope to see you sometime next week!
Blessings! xoxo
More free time? How about SOME free time! 🙂
Seriously, minimizing is a hard thing for me. I’m a teacher – what if I need to use that someday? It’s a thing we all go through. I’ve been working on simplifying and cutting back, one stored box at a time. Someday, maybe that free time will come!
I hear you, Carol. Sometimes we wonder exactly what free time is because it’s been so long since we had it. 🙂 Yes, minimizing is hard for me, too. But I have to do it because it’s really weighing me down.
Blessings! Thanks for visiting!
I’ve done some sorting and getting rid of things and have already seen the benefits. It’s true that having less makes more space for living.
Cutting things out of my schedule is hard for me, and that’s my bigger struggle.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep pressing toward less is more.
Thanks for visiting, Cheryl. Yes, just from the little I have done, it has been freeing. I have a hard time cutting things out, too, but I know I need to. It definitely is a struggle.
I’m glad you were encouraged here. Blessings to you!
Oh, Gayl, these are needful but convicting words: “What if we stopped craving what we don’t have and take a good look at what we do have?” What if, indeed? Those who are able to be grateful for all they have are less likely to be always wanting more. I’m very slow on the sorting and paring back, though it’s an area I hope to improve in! Our home bulges at the seam with stuff, largely too much paperwork we’ve needlessly kept and too many books (even if it hurts me to say it…lol!) 🙂 There’s often an emotional attachment to the things we keep, and that’s definitely the tripping point for me, as well as lack of available energy and ability to clear the clutter easily. Great, thought-provoking post, my friend! xox <3
Yes, Joy, these words are as much for me as for anyone else. I’m learning, but it’s a slow process. We also have much too much stuff. Some of it is ours or our kids and some of it is from the remainder of my mom’s stuff. I have a hard time getting started sorting through the clutter, because it seems overwhelming. I have to remember to make small goals and accomplish a little at a time. And there is also the sentimental attachment for some things. Oh, and also the energy and ability. I know there is a way, and I just need to be willing to find it.
So glad you stopped by and added your thoughts, Joy. It’s good to know I’m not alone. Many blessings to you dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
I completely agree with you, Gayle. Less is more. Very inspiring post. That picture of the ‘Late afternoon sun spreading light.’ is gorgeous! <3
Thanks Vashti! Now to keep working at it so I can finally get rid of all the clutter.
Thanks for the compliment of the photo. I loved the way it looked and just had to take a picture. 🙂
Blessings!