The Case for Doing Less (and Loving It!)
Let’s play a quick game: Close your eyes and picture your happiest moment in the past month. Got it? Now, was it a massive, life-changing event, or was it something small—like the first sip of coffee in the morning, a spontaneous belly laugh, or feeling the sun on your face after days of snow and ice?
If you’re like me, the little things are where joy really lives. But in a world that constantly tells us to want more—more work, more success, more things—it’s easy to overlook the magic of simplicity. And nowhere is simplicity more refreshing than in nature.
Because here’s the truth: stepping outside, slowing down, and savoring the moment can be the antidote to the overwhelm we all feel. And the best part? It doesn’t require a five-star resort or a meticulously planned itinerary—just a willingness to pause and notice.
So, let’s talk about how embracing simple joys and reconnecting with nature can help us live happier, fuller lives.
Why Are We Always in a Hurry?
Somewhere along the way, we started believing that happiness had to be earned through busyness. We fill our calendars, hustle harder, and measure our worth by productivity. And what do we get in return? Exhaustion.
Think about it: When was the last time you sat outside just to enjoy the fresh air? No phone, no multitasking, just being. If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. Most of us spend 90% of our time indoors, tethered to screens, missing out on the simple beauty that’s right outside our doors.
The good news? We can change that.
How to Find Joy in Simplicity and Nature
1. Celebrate the Tiny Wins
You don’t need an epic adventure to feel accomplished. In fact, some of life’s best moments are tiny and fleeting—but they add up to something powerful.
🔹 Why it Matters: Noticing small joys rewires your brain for gratitude.
🔹 How to Do It: Every evening, take a minute to reflect on one small thing that made you smile. A perfectly ripe avocado? A hilarious text from a friend? The smell of fresh-cut grass? Count it all.
2. Find a Nature Escape Close to Home
Forget flights and elaborate packing lists—sometimes, the best retreat is just a short drive away.
🔹 Why it Matters: A quick nature break is just as restorative as a full vacation.
🔹 How to Do It: Look for a nearby park, trail, or quiet lake. Even a 20-minute walk outside can reset your mood. Bonus points if you go without your phone (or at least put it on silent).
3. Do Absolutely Nothing (and Enjoy It!)
We’ve mastered the art of being busy. But what about the art of being still?
🔹 Why it Matters: Doing nothing is actually productive—it recharges your brain.
🔹 How to Do It: Find a cozy spot outside, sit, and observe. Watch the wind move the leaves, listen to the birds, feel the warmth of the sun. It’s not about achieving anything—just existing.
4. Get Your Hands Dirty
Simple activities like gardening, baking, or even skipping stones at a lake tap into a primal kind of joy—the kind that doesn’t require screens or notifications.
🔹 Why it Matters: Physical, hands-on activities bring a sense of presence and satisfaction.
🔹 How to Do It: Try something tactile this week—dig in the dirt, knead some dough, or press flowers in a book. (No perfection required!)
The Real Magic of Slowing Down
Imagine this: You’re sitting by a quiet lake, the air is crisp, and all you hear is the sound of water gently lapping against the shore. There’s no rush, no to-do list—just you, the moment, and a sense of calm that you forgot was possible.
That feeling? That’s the power of simplicity.
Nature doesn’t ask for more than you can give. It doesn’t rush you, demand notifications, or expect you to be anything other than who you are in that moment. And when we allow ourselves to slow down, even for a little while, we remember that this—this quiet, this presence, this breath—is what we’ve been chasing all along.
Your Turn!
I challenge you to find one simple joy this week. Maybe it’s stepping outside for five minutes, savoring your morning tea, or watching the sunset without distraction.
Then, come back and tell me: What’s one tiny moment that made your day better? I’d love to hear!
Because at the end of the day, happiness isn’t found in the big, flashy moments. It’s in the little things. And luckily, those are the easiest to find.
And that’s a wrap on this series! If you’ve been following along, I hope these posts have given you the permission to slow down, reconnect, and savor life’s beautiful, simple moments.
