I have this necklace that I wear often to remind myself to simplify. It is a simple concept that can be so difficult to implement. Do less. Want less. Be satisfied with what I have. Why is this so hard?

I have reached a stage of life where hubby and I are focused on having enough saved for the next stage of life, retirement. We want to cover monthly expenses and do a little travel. This has translated into both of us working a lot. We both work the equivalent of a job and a half. That’s three jobs for two people.

I am often tired. I worry about our stress and its impact on our health. I struggle to find enough time to keep the house clean, dishes washed, laundry put away and write a blog. Then I remind myself that it is okay to make time for friends and family which adds to the stress of wanting it all.

^5-6 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? (Hebrews 13:5-6 MSG).

This scripture makes it sound easy, simplify. Yet, I struggle. I was reading in the Daily Text (2024) and in one of the prayers it said, “Simplify to simply fly.” I underlined it and have reread it several times. I know that I need to learn to say no and lay down perfectionistic tendencies.

Simplifying looks different to each of us. For me, it is remembering that the world easily slips in and I don’t need more stuff, more responsibility or more pressure. Do you need to simplify? What can you let go of to make that happen? Share your story here to breathe life and bring hope to others.