Learning to live a simple life in recovery can mean something different for everyone. To live a simple life on your own terms, you need to find unique, personalized ways to simplify. While this may be a learning curve for you, it does not mean it is impossible. You can take steps to begin learning what a simple life means for you.
When in Doubt, Stop and Pause
Society is obsessed with constant movement and productivity with virtually no rest. Considering that some stores and restaurants are open 24/7, it is no wonder that stopping this perpetual motion is difficult. While constant productivity can mean that you get a lot done in a day, it also means that your mind and life are constantly cluttered.
To begin living a life of simplicity, you must practice decluttering your mind and daily actions. Simply stopping what you are doing or thinking can give you a moment of simplicity where nothing else matters except your breath and how you feel in your body. How you practice this is completely up to you, but the important thing is not to be doing anything productive during those moments.
Practice Gratitude
Many things in life are commonly taken for granted. These include:
- Having a place to live
- Clean water
- Food
- Friends and family
- Good health
- Sunny days
- Beautiful works of art
- Nature
- Being alive
By noticing everything in your life that you appreciate and could not live without, you may find that you are able to live more simply. If you have never realized how abundant your life is already, doing so can help you feel much more fulfilled and less inclined to search for more.
How you express gratitude is up to you. You can journal, say things out loud, or simply be mindful about expressing gratitude. Either way, practicing gratitude in your daily life can help you live a simple life and find peace in recovery.
Living a simple life may be easier than it sounds. The process of simplifying your life will look different for everyone. To begin to live simply, make time to stop, pause, and practice gratitude. These practices can be difficult to get into the habit of doing. If you experience difficulty with making these practices a part of your daily routine, reach out to The Guest House. We want to help you learn how to live a simple life that satisfies your unique needs. Call us today at (855) 483-7800.