::: the simple challenge

for the past few weeks, i have made a very conscious effort to incorporate simplicity as part of my day-to-day. since i was a young teenager, i have thrived on going-and-going-and-going. i have filled every second of every day. rarely taking a moment to sit. think. be silent. even if i was enjoying a gorgeous day outside, i had my ipod blaring. or my cell phone to my ear.

but recently, i've embraced the simple, peaceful quiet. the serenity of silence. the therapeutic effects of observation. it's amazing the joy you feel in finding the life and beauty in the little things. taking note of what's happening around you, lengthens the time of a minute. slows down the speed of the day. calms that inner rush.

in our society, we are plagued with the need of NOW. even when we have nothing to do, we feel as though we never have enough time. i have suffered this illness. and by embracing simplicity, i have embraced a new calm. a new gratitude for the smallest things. a new appreciation for what surrounds me.

i challenge you to live more simply. to live more genuinely. and in return-- you'll be granted rest. peace. and exposure to the most fabulous little wonders.