Sometimes it is difficult juggling work and play, friends and family, heart and soul, and mind and body in this balancing act we call life. For me, I’ve decided simplicity is the key to that balance.
Twelve months ago when we made our lifestyle change, it didn’t come without sacrifice, BUT ultimately it has been very rewarding. We now live a simplified life; our focus is on balance of work and play, good eating, exercise and relaxation. This is enhanced by the unspoiled beaches and year-round warm weather that lends itself to plenty of outdoor activities. For us, the relaxed coastal lifestyle is a perfect fit.
Meditation has also helped me to find balance in my life. It’s a daily journey that helps to get rid of random thoughts floating in my mind. I feel I’m able to concentrate better and on more important things of life and not get bogged down by unnecessary worries and anxieties. Another benefit is I feel more creative and focused on my goals – that has to be GOOD. I’ll always have a million ideas running around in my head [giggle] but hopefully I’m making order out of chaos!!
Last week I attended a Buddhist Living and Meditation course that was very insightful. The philosophies were interesting, I gained a deeper understanding about meditation and I related to the focus on simple living.
Yes, I know I’ve told you before that I am a vintage girl living in a modern day world – old fashioned and simple living just appeals to me. I like to wear an apron, bake and clean house, make things from scratch… oh yeah, I can see the feminists throwing their arms up in the air in disgust. Truthfully, I would have been the perfect 50’s housewife. Have I mentioned I also like gloves, hats and petticoats? LOL
Well clearly I’m not a 50’s housewife and I do enjoy the benefits of a modern world with the internet and mobile phones etc. I’m trying to blend the two worlds and hopefully come out of it with a mix of simple living in modern times. At present I’m working feverishly on a new project that incorporates that very theme and creativity…. but you’ll have to wait until next week for all to be revealed.
In the meantime, I’ve finished re-writing many of my old Christmas patterns and will be uploading them to the website over the weekend.
So until next week,
Namaste
Kerryanne
aaaahhh and just breathe…..
Kiss Noises Linda
I too have tried to simplify my whole life….Initially simplifying is very time consuming.
Having a 4th Baby has made the pace pick up abit with all these appoints ect but….I too just try and stop and breathe once in awhile
I have just got back into my daily meditation practise after being a bit hit and miss for a while. It has helped me ground, centre and collect my thoughts and just connect to my soul.
Speaking of simplifying, I just today put into action a decision that I had thought long and hard about after realising that this committment was weighing me down and I had to let that balloon go. I agonised over it for weeks but now I feel like – I don’t know,mmmm lighter, free-er.
Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when you listen to your heart and do what is best for you. Afterall, without that you are no good to anyone else.
Also, I must admit that while I profess to be a modern wife, I still love getting in the kitchen and doing a good spring clean. It is so grounding. Wouldn’t say that I could be totally a 50’s housewife(LOL), although there are some simple things of this era that we have lost aren’t here?
Thanks Kerryanne, sorry for the long comment, you just tapped into what I have been feeling this week.
Lee:)
PS can’t wait to see what you have been working on this time!
That sounds wonderful Kerryanne.
Great photography.
Can’t wait to see your new project.
Kelly
Sounds heavenly
Hugs, Sharon
taking a step back from work was meant to slow everything down, but as yet it hasnt… the pressure of no money seems to be playing on my mind but i need to just know that everything will be fine and all is planned out for me. i do love my little life….it is a shame we need money to live 🙂
xxrosey
p.s. simply LOVE your last post, those gals are gorgeous!
We had our ‘river change’ just on 21 years ago from a suburb of Adelaide to regional SA and we love it. It’s been great to bring our kids up in a country community where the lifestyle is quite relaxed and you can never go up the street without bumping into someone that you know!
I enjoyed your blog and having a look at your website.
Hi Kerryanne
“Whatever Rocks Your Boat”!
and isn’t it great to find out what “Rocks your Boat”!!
Have a wonderful weekend
~~Gail ~~ xxxx
ahhhh sweetie, the serenity! I feel all relaxed just reading your posts and viewing those gorgeous photographs! I have to giggle, as I write this Rosie is stickign her toy dummuy up my nose!!! Oh the serenity!!
Love your post Kerry, love your enthusiasm, love your 50s outlook and love you! Can’t wait to find out more about that buddhist workshop!
Hugs sweetie! Vikki xoxo
What a difference a year makes..glad you are happy with all your changes…I find my peace in yoga and music…what a grand time when we have such choices , I wouldn’t want to actually live in the 50’s with the restrictions…peace be with you…
Good for you Babe!!!!
Hi Kerryanne,
I’m really happy for you all that you’re in the right place and time!
How blissful for you and your family.
I’m off to check out your website.
Hugs,
Anna
nice post Kerryanne! Has it been a year since you moved? Wow,it went fast! I have never meditated but am sure I would benefit from it immensely! Rachaelxo
i need to simplify my life too Kerryanne – you’re inspiring! I should get my meditation tapes out (yes, I said tapes, as in cassettes, lol!). Anything that can help me focus is a bonus!
I think sometimes in order to move forward we need to stop, take a step back and just be… I have been simplifying my life also.. its amazing! I wish i could meditate… hmmm pratice more i think lol
in simplicity there is truth.. good luck and enjoy your journey may you be blessed!!!
Vic xxx
I AM JUST A SIMPLE GIRL, IN A HIGH TECH DIGITAL WORLD….TOO…..
BLENDING THE CHARM OF YESTERYEAR WITH TODAY’S MODERN CONVENIENCES IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO FOR ME!
THANKS FOR SHARING…SIMPLICITY IS ALWAYS BEST…
LESS IS ALWAYS MORE!
CIAO BELLA
CREATIVE CARMELINA
Reading this brought tears to my eyes I am not sure why. But this is the path that I am on to live a simpler life.
I found your blog when I was looking for a holder/packagiung ideas for lip balms I will be making in a few weeks for gifts. I came across your blog and got engrossed in your simple xmas and looking at other posts on your blog. This post struck a chord with me, as I can identify with some of the things you said about being a vintage girl living in a modern world. In fact I had a chat with my hubby about this topic last week 🙂