Simplify, simplify. A simpler, less busy life is what many of us long for. A life that’s uncluttered and downsized, with more time to relax and just enjoy being. I’m all about wanting to clear out the unimportant so I can focus on what’s really important. Are you wanting that too?

Clearing away the unimportant things, whether it’s a too-busy schedule or a cluttered room, helps create “quiet” in your life. The other day I read something that helps explain this mindset of simplifying things–this journey of creating a less crazy, more simplified life:

The journey of these years have been toward quiet–toward creating quiet around me, but more than that, toward creating quiet within me, which is much more difficult, and much more profound.

I’m amazed at how many things are ultimately connected: I like living in our home more when it’s less full of stuff. I find it easier to get dressed in the morning when I have fewer choices.

I’ve begun wandering through our house, gathering things up–less, less, less. And in my closet–less, less, less. I’m creating quiet in our home, on our walls, in my own closet, and that quiet gives me energy. The simplicity feels spacious, and inspiring, like I can draw a clean breath.

–Shauna Niequist, Present Over Perfect

I’ve read that having a lot of “stuff” is actually stressful. The more “stuff” you own, the more time you spend taking care of it, worrying about it, repairing it. It’s easier to focus on what’s important when you’re not surrounded with unnecessary clutter and distractions. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” We can miss out on quite a bit, especially hearing God speak to us, when we’re too busy to take the time to “be still.” Or too busy to take the time to rest. Mark 6:31 tells how Jesus invited His disciples to “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” We all need time to rest and recharge!

So I’m encouraged to keep on moving toward a simpler life–less clutter, less busy, more quiet, more rest. Are you on that journey too?

Sharing at Inspire Me Monday