Promoting simple living
On Friday, reader Martin asked for me to write about my ideas on how to promote simple living to friends, family and others, and I instantly fell in love with this topic. So, I moved a few things around in the schedule to write about it today.
(Before I get too far in, though, I want to say that this post concerns people who don’t live in your house and who are adults. We’ve talked in the past about spreading simple living concepts on to children and how to live with others who aren’t unclutterers. This post is about spreading simple living concepts to people outside your home.)
I wholeheartedly believe that there is only one way to introduce others to simple living:
Lead by example.
If other people see how relaxed you are, how stress-free your home and office are, how clear your life is of clutter, and how focused you are on what is important to you, they will ask you how you do it. When they ask, you can pass along the resources you have found helpful for your life.
You can recommend books, websites (Unclutterer!), workshops, listings for professional organizers (NAPO), and suggestions from your personal experience. Be helpful, but try not to be overwhelming. You don’t want to make the person feel even more stressed than she is already feeling.
In my mind, forcing someone to follow simple living practices is futile. I think that living an uncluttered life is amazing, but it’s a personal choice. As my Quaker friend often proclaims, “let your life speak.”
Posted by Erin on Aug 3, 2009 |
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8 comments posted
Posted by Rebecca Ross - 08/03/2009
Amen to that Quaker quote by George Fox (our founder). I’m a Quaker and I have that quote hanging in my simple living room. One of our testimonies is simplicity (the others are equality, integrity, community and peace), and I strive to follow it on a daily basis. Uncluttering ones life is as much a spiritual thing as anything else. Thanks for including that quote!
Posted by Jen C - 08/03/2009
I was really worried when I read the intro to this post – but you hit the nail on the head. Leading by example is the most effective (and least annoying) way of promoting any belief.
Bravo on this post.
Posted by Catherine Cantieri, Sorted - 08/03/2009
I love that quote, and I think it applies beautifully to business organizing as well: “Let your business speak.” Great post!
Posted by Daniel Allen - 08/03/2009
Erin, thank you for being a wonderful example via this blog. I’ve promoted it among my friends, including many other Quakers…
I, too, am a Quaker; and I’ve learned a lot about practical simplicity by following along here for the last few years.
Posted by Mary - 08/03/2009
Quakers rock!
Posted by Michele Connolly, Get Organized Wizard - 08/08/2009
A similar question I get asked all the time is: How do your deal with other people’s disorganization? (or OPD, as I like to call it
)
I suggest these 3 tips:
1: Realize that the one who has to change is the one who feels the pain
2: Model the benefits of being organized (“let your life speak”, as your wise Quaker friend suggests)
3: Reinforce organized behavior when it happens – especially useful with colleagues.
The whole post is here if you’re interested:
http://www.getorganizedwizard......op-3-tips/
Michele
Posted by Martin S. - 08/08/2009
Thanks Erin for giving a shout at this topic this quick!
And Michele – great comment too.
Posted by Simple Llama - 08/26/2009
Ok, I’m in love with the Quaker friend’s quote. “Let your life speak.” If your frenzied friends see you living simply, and enjoying less stress from it, they can’t help but join in. At least in theory. Wish I would’ve met a Quaker years ago
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