Simplicity Meets Overthinking

I have been told frequently that I overthink everything. Keeping things simple is a real stretch for me. When I see a piece of writing with simple bullet points, I want to write it that way. I often end up with paragraphs instead. I always think I need to say more. I have heard the “less is more” quote, and I understand it. Then I tend to clutter it up. My editing style has trouble leaving anything out.

It’s been a struggle to write this post. I realize there is not much simplicity in my life. Take the drawers in my desk, for example. I’ll start with just a few things in them, arranged neatly and easily found. Then I find things  I want to put away, and I end up making a mess of my nice, neat drawer.

I admired the idea boards that my husband used to make. He’d have under ten items on them, and each item held a special meaning. My boards were filled with a variety of unrelated items. I’d start out neatly and always had one more thing I wanted to add. I can see the benefits of keeping things simple. At the time, I had a wide range of interests. I didn’t like leaving things out. 

Another example is when my sister and I go to Home Tours. They are usually in beautiful homes without a weed in the garden, no spider webs in the corners, and not a spot of dust anywhere. I’m dumbfounded because there are no magazines, or mail order catalogs, or even a book on the end tables. I’m not sure that I would be happy living that way. I know these homes must be staged, but I wonder about the kiddos’ toys and the dog beds and dishes. I don’t think I would ever be asked to put my home on a tour.

In a world that constantly tells us to do more, have more, and be more, I might try to shift and do less. But that idea would take more focus and intention. I’m told that simplicity isn’t about lack. It’s about focus. It’s about choosing what truly matters and letting go of the rest. I’d like to slow down and be present, really present, with myself and others.

I’d like to think my unruly workspace means I’m creative. That would be a tough sell. Making this type of change would be a reach for me. I would need to accept being uncomfortable at first, but I can see where I would enjoy some of these changes. Maybe the “too much stuff” me needs to make peace with a “simpler me”.  

Whether decluttering a closet, simplifying my schedule, or deciding not to overthink everything, each small step toward simplicity feels like a big breath of fresh air.

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