simplicity 2016: one to two at a time

Last week I went to a conference.

Well, really it was a satellite site for a conference. 

Honestly, it really doesn't matter where it was or what the set up was. 

What really matters it what the take aways were for me. 

And how they are still running through my brain at a thousand miles a minute.

My thoughts in a nutshell (because #simplicity) are as follows:

1) stop trying to be perfect. be present

2) one goal at a time. maybe two. done well is more effective than four-six goals not done at all.

3) reflection is important

4) stay put (well, that one wasn't something I got from the conference, but it's what I said to myself several times over those two days. because I needed the reminder).

Shauna Niequest wrote this new book called Present Over Perfect and quite frankly, it's rocking my world. If you know me at all, you know that I like things neat, organized, orderly and predictable. In fact, I'd even go so far as to say it is my personal code to be that way. And last year, when I was focused on my theme of #dolife, I tried to reign that side in a little. But this year, it's escaping me a tad. 

And then I read this phrase in Shauna's book, "Who told me that keeping everything organized would deliver happiness? What a weird prescription for happiness. Why do I think managing my possessions is a meaningful way of spending my time?"

I felt punched in the gut. Totally breathless as I processed this idea that maybe, just maybe, being so on top of things wasn't what God was calling me to do. I mean, I don't think being organized is bad. But if I am using it to define my identity, then we have a serious issue.

And quite possibly, He is calling me into creativity instead of structure. Imagination instead of absolutes. Daydreams instead of spreadsheets.

***

Then there is this idea of one goal at a time. I am absolutely terrible at this. I have seventeen thousand ideas in my head and I think I have to do all of them. No, I truly and deeply believe in the depths of my soul that I have to do them. All of them. One hundred and ten percent. Or else I am a failure at life.

So... I'm going to give this one goal thing a shot. And it feels so weird.

I have a full time job - my goal is to be intentional with my time

I have a business - my goal is my Instagram account and making it as pretty as can be. 

I have a life (at least I tell myself I do) - and I'm not sure what my personal goal is

Technically you could say I have three goals. But for someone who usually has a hundred sub-goals, one in each category feels really healthy. I'll let you know how it goes.

***

Reflection - specifically self reflection is super healthy. 

And I would say that I do a fair amount of it. 

But what I don't do is meditate on it after. 

I just self assess and move on. 

Not really sitting with how I'm doing.

Yoga and meditation are actually super healing practices for me. Maybe that's my personal goal. To do more of that.

***

Ah, staying put. This one I am excited about. Like really really excited.

Remember when I said I was going to have to move?

Well, I don't have to move. And that's pretty rad. Because I love my home.

And in total honesty? I didn't trust or obey super well in this process. But Jesus really loves me and has great patience and grace with me.

It's a cool story for another day and another post. I just really wanted to share that with you guys.

***

I have a strange feeling that the next four months of 2016 are going to blow my mind. And I don't really know what that means, but I am excited for it.

“The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.” 

― Steve Maraboli