how to practise simplicity today
a list to add to your phone notes or print out and stick on your fridge
When Practising Simplicity was published, I received kind, constructive criticism from readers who loved my story but wanted more practical suggestions for implementing simplicity in their daily lives. I thought about what that would look like - another book, perhaps? - but I decided that it just needed to be a simple list of suggestions, not prescriptive in anyway but more like gentle guidance to living more mindfully, regardless of where and how you’re living. I started sharing Five Ways to Practise Simplicity on instagram in March 2022 and it’s still going, a lovely habit for me to practise each week and a considered list that is seemingly welcomed and appreciated by you.
Along the way I started thinking about How to Practise Simplicity Today - a to-do list with only good intentions; simple suggestions to live by each day, regardless of how joyous, ordinary or discombobulating your day is. I considered how it would look, the paper I’d print it on and which designer I would collaborate with to make it worthy of a frame and a place on your wall. And then I realised that it was fast becoming quite complicated - too many pieces to the puzzle - and I just needed to get back to what matters, which is words on a page. Best to keep it simple.
And now I’ve got paying subscribers who believe in my words and pay to receive them so I’ve written this list for you. Perhaps you’ll keep it filed in your inbox or maybe you’ll print it out and stick it on your fridge. Maybe you’ll write it out by hand in your journal or your diary so when you feel your heart quickening and your body tensing, you can read this list in the hope that it grounds you in the present and encourages you to move forward with deep breaths and mindful steps. These are the things I return to most days, especially when I’ve lost my way.