Minimalism, a Creative Break, and the Wheel of the Year

A Simpler Life is where I share my reflections on simple living, seasonal living, creativity, minimalism and things of that nature. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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Hi friends,

I usually have a lot to say. So, I would like to use this platform to (hopefully) develop a writing habit. I plan to approach this like a journal, letting my words flow when I feel called to write. To start, here are five things I noted last week.

1 - One of the best things I’ve done in recent years is to take advantage of my library card. Last week, I returned home with an armful of books ranging from fantasy to climate change. I love to wander along the aisles, picking out books that catch my eye. I’m so glad I live in a world where there are libraries. (If you’re interested, here’s my reading list on Goodreads.)

2 - Since I began blogging in 2008, I've tended to take a winter break from content creation. The same is true this year, hence my silence on YouTube. It's hard to pause when the online world is moving forward, but after 15 years of content creation, you could say I'm here for the long game! I’m enjoying the break and jotting down ideas for future silent vlogs.

3 - Last year, I followed the Wheel of the Year, an annual cycle of seasonal festivals. I'm passionate about nature and the seasons, so I enjoyed honouring these subtle yearly changes. I was also yearning for some structure - something I missed when I left my role at the University of Oxford. The next seasonal festival is Spring Equinox and the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere - a time of growth and new beginnings.

4 - I recently sold most of my handbags, a small collection I thought I'd always keep. (I've shared the motivation behind this change of heart on my blog.) I bought some of them when I lived in London in my 20s and worked as a Personal Shopper at Selfridges, and although they had sentimental value, I knew I no longer wanted to keep them. It felt liberating to let them go and to know others may hopefully enjoy them. If you're interested in who remains, I've kept my Classic Chanel, Acne Studios Musubi and Louis Vuitton Speedy - because of Audrey Hepburn! I’ve also kept two rucksacks for walks/camera equipment. I probably still have more than most, but it's a drastic change for me.

5 - The reason for sharing the above is that simple living and minimalism are tools for the journey, not a destination. The things we need, use and love right now may be different in the future because our lives are continually evolving. I sometimes think if everyone sold/donated the stuff they no longer use, there would be more opportunities to buy second-hand, which usually costs less and is better for the planet. I hope the things I’ve donated over the years have brought some joy to others, not to mention income for the charities I support.

I hope you’re having a cosy winter. Spring in the Northern Hemisphere begins on Monday, 20th March. So, I'm focusing on the present moment, enjoying this magical season until it's officially over.

Thank you so much for reading. If you’d like to keep in touch, please subscribe to my Substack, blog and YouTube channel. You’ll also find me on social media, all the links can be found on my website.

With gratitude,
Natasha

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