One evening a few years ago Hubs and I went to visit an Amish couple about an hour from our home. I just love driving through Amish communities, it takes me back to a time of simplicity and peace. Clothes hanging on the line, plows being pulled by a team of horses, and little Amish children running lunch pails out to the pasture barefoot with not a care in the world. I long to run barefoot in this crazy busy life. [spacer height=”20px”]
Finally, after an hour drive, we arrived at their home. A pretty white farmhouse with flowers and plants all around sat invitingly up by the road. As we pulled into the long driveway, I noticed a good sized blueberry patch on the left housed in a sturdy (and straight, ahem) wooden frame. It was neatly manicured and not a single weed could be seen. It was at that moment I knew I was in for a learning experience.[spacer height=”20px”]
As we continued down the drive we saw a large greenhouse sitting off to the left. Out came a barefoot Amish woman waving hello to us. She told us to park back by the barn next to the pasture. As we got out of the truck up trotted a young goat and a buck ram behind her. The pasture also had sheep, horses and few more goats grazing around. It was a beautiful site for me.[spacer height=”20px”]
The farmer came out to greet us and began showing us around. I have to stop and tell you just how much I love barns, especially older ones. The character of an old barn is so lovely to me and I enjoy seeing them both inside and out. Most barns are dark and full of clutter and cobwebs. This barn, however, was not one of them.[spacer height=”20px”]
It was pristine![spacer height=”20px”]
As Hubs chatted with the man I walked into the barn to have a look around. The floor was spotless and there wasn’t a cobweb ANYWHERE. I have never in all of my life been in such a neat and orderly barn. Two little goats greeted me as they ate their dinner in a stall that opened to the back pasture. Across from them was a storage stall with everything neatly in its place and swept clean. I noticed a few horseshoes nailed above the door that just added to its charm.[spacer height=”20px”]
As I walked around the barn and the pasture outside, I could tell this man loved what he did. As a friend told me once, if you love what you do, you should do it right. This Amish farmer in my book was doing it right.[spacer height=”20px”]
Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do too, but my barn is cluttered. There are cobwebs EVERYWHERE and piles of things scattered about. The difference between my barn and his barn is (as a stranger I could tell right away) that this man loved his farm. It showed in every inch of that barn. I am sure a stranger would know I love my farm as well, just as soon as they saw it past the clutter and the dust.[spacer height=”20px”]
Sadly, we did not go in the house that day, but I know exactly what we would have seen if we had. A very neat, tidy and orderly home. Things housed inside of that home would have been bought for a purpose and not on a whim. Pictures and nicknacks would not be everywhere and lost in the clutter, but rather a few treasured items showcased to be noticed every day.[spacer height=”20px”]
When we left that evening I marveled again at what I saw. Everything was well kept and neat. I did not see piles of junk stored around the yard or weeds overtaking flower beds or gardens. This couple took care of their things and it showed. Their home looked so welcoming and I longed to have that at my home as well.[spacer height=”20px”]
Here are some lessons I learned from my Amish visit.[spacer height=”20px”]
- Buy what you need and only keep what you use.
- Love what you do or don’t do it.
- The less you have, the neater you will be.
- Chores are easier to complete if you do not have clutter to work around.
- It is hard to be content when you are drowning in stuff.
- Clutter is noise and when there is noise it is difficult to be content.
As you may have noticed there is a theme here. The Amish do not own a lot of stuff. Their homes are not filled with clutter and things. Because of this, it is easier for them to live a more simplified life and I long for this. I don’t want to have to work at being calm and content, I want it to come naturally.[spacer height=”20px”]
Read: 10 Ways To Declutter Your Home When You Are Stuck
Our clutter is noise….and I am tired of the noise.[spacer height=”20px”]
After that visit with the Amish, Hubs and I had a long talk. We decided to change our home by cleaning out and cleaning up in the hopes it would change us for the better. We were in awe of the simplicity of their property and their mannerisms and we longed for that in our own lives.
This was a turning point for us and our family. Since then we began to remove the excess and the clutter that surrounded us. We simplified and pared down and haven’t regretted a single minute.
There are many things about the Amish that I truly admire, and after that visit, I was reminded that how they live is a treasure and one lost in our culture today. From that moment on Hubs and I committed to taking steps every week to get closer to our goal of a more simple life so we would notice what was around us rather than being stuck in what was around us.
The Amish are on to something and I for one admire them for that.
Hi there, my name is Tracy and I am a city girl gone country. I am a redneck frugal living goat owner and I am working everyday towards living a more simple life. Now I am teaching others how to do the same. From growing their own food, making their own cleaning supplies, cutting back, and paring down. It’s all about making more of what we need so we spend less, save oodles of money and live better!
Very well written, just like all your other posts. I, too, am on a mission to simplify my life and my home, even if I’m the only one in my little family who thinks it’s necessary. I have a sneaking hunch Mr. Man and the kids want to simplify, but they don’t realize it, yet. 😉 Just like children crave structure whether they know it or not, we all can benefit from having less stuff getting in the way of living. 🙂
Hi Edna!
Nicely put! I agree completely. It took a long time for hubby to get on board, but he is now and it’s so liberating to finally get rid of things. Stay strong sista!
Absolutely loved this! As an adult, I’ve always admired the Amish life. They live so simply. Everything they do has a purpose, and I’m fairly certain there isn’t any frivolity in their lives. I might miss the frivolity though!
After reading this, I took a look around my house and just cringed as I walked from room to room. I think I’ll join you in your quest to unclutter your home and your life. Where do I sign up???
Hi Deb!
Yes I think I would miss some of the frivolity as well, especially my laptop! Watch your email for sign ups, I am super excited to take this journey with you!
Tracy Lynn
We have started trying to simplify our lives by clearing out the clutter by down sizing our smaller retirement home. It is an on going
Job. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
I to admire the Amish I think our world would be a little better if we followed some of their ways. I’m going to start working on my house
I have great respect for the Amish, they are truly the smart ones, they still know and use the basics of survival for themselves. We on the other hand have forsaken it. Sad, but true. We could learn so much from them. Simple really is better.
I agree Pamela,
The older I get the easier I want it to be. Hubby and I are really trying to cut back on our possessions and just focus on the basics. It’s hard starting out but gets so much easier as we go along.
Please include me in your email. I, too, love how the amish live..so simply. This is a wonderful article. Thank you.
Hi Loretta,
I will put you on my email list, so glad to have you join!
Thank you 🙂
I love to drive through the Shipshewana farmlands as often as I can. My mother was Menonite so I feel a closeness to the Amish even though I was raised a Catholic. Please include me in your writings!
Hi Anita,
This is wonderful, your mother was Menonite? I am sure you have stories and advice of your own to share! Thanks for sharing and joining us 🙂
I am in the middle of moving after divorce-the perfect time to simplify, don’t you think? I cannot wait! Looking forward to seeing what you learn and share.
Hi Shelley!
Yes, I do think that is the perfect time…good luck to you and your new life! You go girl!
I love your article and am looking forward to being part of the challenge. I signed up for your newsletter so will look for that. I did start to downsize the “stuff” a year ago as we knew we were going to move to a new state. Husband did not get on board, but where there is life there is hope. Right?
Rosie
Hi Rosalie,
I am so excited you are going to join us! I have an eCourse starting in January with more in the works. I will be sending out info in my next newsletter for how to sign up so watch for it!!
Great post. I grew up somewhat close to the Amish region in the Missouri and remember as a child seeing the horse and buggies on the rural highways, and always loved the simplicity of not being attached to technology and stuff in general. I have been on a purging mission for several years, since we moved. We had a tiny apartment for a few months in between houses and even though it was small and we to put stuff in storage- it was AMAZING to be free of all the clutter we were literally paying to store. So when we moved into our house finally- it was hard to move everything into the house. Even harder to know that everything in our storage unit (barring camping stuff) was so pointless- which is why we can still only park one car in the garage after almost 3 years. But I guess like weight loss- if you want it to stick – you can’t lose it too fast. lol I feel we got rid of so much and then turn around and there’s more. I haven’t bought a lot in the last 3 years, so it’s not a matter of new stuff… I think it’s the process of once you start letting go of stuff you find yourself willing to let go of even more (if that makes sense). Your post falls in line with the timing of watching that Minimalists documentary on Netflix. It’s interesting but honestly nothing new- just different people and what inspired people and how they did go simple. I don’t need to live to in a Tiny House or only own things that fit into 2 duffel bags. But there’s always room for less stuff. 😀 I see it as motivation as less stuff to dust and/or move around to sweep. lol
Hi Andi,
I just love reading your comment about the Amish. I envy the fact that they do not have to purge. They were born into a minimalist lifestyle so it is easy for them to continue on their simple path. My motto has always been if you don’t want to clean it…don’t buy it! FYI: There is a new course starting on January 2nd. It’s all about decluttering 🙂