A Note from Allie...
Tonight I was at a function with my son and I ran into a dear old friend and we took a minute to catch up about our kids, our lives, and some of the challenges we were currently facing.
At the end of our conversation, she said something that I really needed to hear. She said…”Life is messy. Maybe it’s supposed to be. Maybe that’s ok.”
In that moment, she gave me permission to sit in the space, that may be part of life is being able to look at the mess without judgment, feelings of inadequacy, failure, or shame. Is the mess necessary for our human experience and our personal growth?
It got me thinking… Life IS messy. It isn't a color-within-the-lines exercise. It's a wild and outrageous invitation full of uncertain outcomes. The mess of life is both inevitable and unexpected. It is filled with delightful mysteries and frustrating moments. How can we appreciate all of it? Can it be more simple?
Simplicity is an amazing tool. It has helped me to make some big changes in my life. Thanks to simplicity, I have listened and followed my heart to find myself on this path that I truly love. In return, I feel more connected to myself than I ever have
Although we can’t simplify our way into a perfect life, nor should we want to. Even with simplicity, life is still messy. We are messy. It’s part of the human condition. Highs, lows, ups, downs … all of it comes with being human, even when we’ve simplified.
Even though my closet is tidy, I still can’t find what I’m looking for.
Even though I love what I do, anxiety still gets the best of me sometimes.
Even though my calendar has hours reserved for meaningful connections, I still get hurt, inside and out.
Even though my home has soft piano music playing and a candle lit - there are still days when I feel like I am failing.
I have to work on myself every day. Feeling calm and centered doesn’t come naturally. I overreact when I want to underreact. I hold on when I mean to let go. In between all the lovely parts are the messy parts. Sometimes I think I’ve got it all together but unless I’m intentionally focused, I’m all over the place. Simplifying life, practicing a morning routine, connecting inward and upward, and taking good care of myself helps me be more me. And…a little bit each day matters. I’ve learned that consistency is more important than intensity.
Yes…Simplicity helps, but it’s not a cure-all. We have to keep coming back to ourselves. Even when it’s hectic or sad or scary out there, we can still be our warm, loving, amazing, gracious selves. Just because things are crazy around you doesn’t mean things have to be crazy within you.
On the days when you aren’t your best, and when things are messy, be gentle with yourself. Don’t expect or demand more than you have to give. Be patient and remind yourself that things always turn around. Treat yourself like you would treat a really good friend having a bad day.
Invite simplicity in to improve your messy life, not to perfect it but to accept it.
Even our messes have something incredible to offer. They teach us to keep coming back to ourselves. There is nothing more important than that.
Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Hands over your heart… Repeat. You’ve got this because you’ve got YOU.
Love,
Allison