As I approached the end of my twenties, I found myself overwhelmed, not just by physical clutter but by the weight of accumulated experiences and expectations. From the free couch I acquired from a family I babysat for, to the microwave that accompanied me through college, each item I owned seemed to anchor me to a past filled with memories, but also with burdens I no longer wished to carry. My life was a collection of things, jobs, relationships, and ambitions—each added in the hope of crafting a fulfilling life, yet collectively, they began to feel suffocating.
A UCLA study, “Life at Home in the 21st Century,” underscored this feeling, revealing how American families are bogged down by their possessions. The study noted that the abundance of clutter directly increased stress levels, particularly among mothers. This resonated deeply with me, igniting a crucial realization: perhaps the path to a truly abundant life doesn’t require more, but less.
In 2010, driven by a desire for a fresh start and inspired by the promise of a simpler, more meaningful life, I made a bold decision. I quit my job, sold all my belongings, and embarked on a journey that was about shedding the unnecessary to make space for what truly mattered. My goal wasn’t just to declutter my living space, but to redefine my understanding of success and fulfillment away from the accumulation of more.
My adventure began with a road trip, a friend by my side, and everything I owned packed into my car. Our travels were chronicled on a blog, which unexpectedly drew the attention of kind strangers like Sean and Eva. One evening, after a meal at their home, Eva’s offer to help by providing money, contacts, or even more stuff, brought a profound realization. Looking back at our car, filled only with essentials, I felt a surprising contentment. Despite having so little, I lacked nothing.
This journey repeatedly taught me the power of “less is more.” The freedom from possessions allowed me to explore, engage, and write—pursuing my dream of becoming an author without the anchor of physical and emotional clutter.
The lessons I learned are ones I wish to share, especially within our Christian community where the pursuit of material wealth often overshadows the spiritual richness promised by a life of simplicity and faith. Jesus spoke of the abundant life not as a collection of wealth and possessions but as an experience of freedom, peace, and deep joy that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.
As we each ponder our paths forward, may we consider the wisdom of packing lightly for our journey through life. What we choose to carry says much about what we value most. And in my case, I found that when I chose to carry less, I gained so much more—freedom, peace, and a sense of divine direction.
As you reflect on your aspirations and goals, I encourage you to explore the possibility that less might indeed be more. Allow yourself the freedom to let go of the unnecessary and declutter not just your home but your heart and mind. Embrace the peace that comes from simplicity and find how rich a life with less can truly be.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Faith Activist
Featured Image by Mantas Hesthaven on Unsplash
Comments are closed.