Simplicity is an external manifestation of an internal conviction. Again, another paradox surrounds our practice of simplicity. Simplicity is not focused on less. It is focused on more- more of the stuff that matters most—less of the bad, but more of the good. A lot of modern minimalism and simplicity is focused on less, which is great, but it’s not best. Focusing on more of what matters most is the truest form of simplicity.

I think one of the best parts of doing a detox is that it helps set us up for success, as long as we’re intentional and honest when entering back into “normal” life afterward. Moving forward now in our 12 weeks of simplicity, I thought it would be good to ask some thought proving questions and stimulate a reflective environment for a bit. Because I view simplicity as a holistic discipline and grace, it is important to note that I am approaching simplicity differently than most. Again, I am no expert or guru here, however fun fact: I did live with 100 items in the back of my truck for two years. But this isn’t about me. It’s about change, and change happens in the heart, then that heart change changes your home, and your home changes the world. A lot of minimalists start with the home and/or the world. But my theory of change begins with internal change and then moves to external and relational. Internal, external, relational/community or heart, home, world.

There’s a reason why 4 out of 5 hoarders who work with professional organizers revert to hoarding. The professional organizers started with the external, not the internal. Hearts inform habits, healthy habits create healthy homes, healthy homes change the world. 

Joshua Becker has a good list of questions to consider before minimizing, in his book The More of Less:

1. What experiences, both good and bad, have shaped your life
2. What similarities can you recognize in your most notable achievements?
3. What problems in the world are you most passionate about solving?
4. If money were not an issue, what line of work would you be most drawn to?
5. Which dreams in your life do you feel the most regret for not pursuing harder?
6. What is the lasting legacy you want to leave?
7. Whom do you most admire in life? What specific characteristics of this person do you want to emulate?

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