New Simplicity.

My new focus: Simplicity.

I thought a lot about this seemingly clear and understandable concept while I was in Ecuador. My kids lived a perfect example of a simplistic lifestyle. I think all kids do. My motto while in Ecuador was "find simple joy in even the smallest things." They did, and they were so happy. So why not me too?

I'm going to live more simplistically. And I don't mean in a spending-less-money kind of way, although I will do that. I mean that I want to look at life with a more eternal perspective and never forget the understanding I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's not a full understanding, by any means. But it's an understanding that, when constantly kept in mind, should help me to get through life with a lot less stress, confusion, and frustration.

When something/someone at work frustrates me, I'll remember that it's just Tucanos, and nobody really cares as much as I think they do. And rightly so.

When something at school frustrates me, I'll remember that I'm sure I'll graduate eventually and in a year I won't remember the test I just bombed.

When something happens that makes me sad, I'll remember that I'm sure to be happy again soon.

When I am blessed, I will acknowledge it.

I'll be doing a lot of acknowledging, because I feel so blessed.

"Simply the thing that I am shall make me live."
           -William Shakespeare

I'm just going to be me. Nobody else is as good at being me as I am. There are little qualities in others that are admirable, and I want to be like so many different people I know for lots of the little reasons. While I strive to do that though, I'm still going to be me. Just zippi, peppy, weird, crazy, happy ol' ME. There's no point trying to be someone else...people like me because I'm me. I'm going to improve me, and strive to a better me, but not a different me.

That seems like the most simple option.