Learn a few lessons from our Amish visit that you can use to simplify your life just a bit.
One evening a few years ago my Hubby 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.
The way they are able to live such a unique way of life amidst our world of heavy technology is truly inspiring to me.
When we arrive at the home we were greeted by a pretty white farmhouse with flowers and plants all around. As we pulled into the long driveway, I noticed a good-sized blueberry patch on the left housed in a sturdy wooden frame. I noticed how that patch 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.
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 which was just a few feet from their home. As we got out of the truck, up trotted a young goat and a buck ram behind her. They came right up to the fence to see who was there. You seriously could not have scripted a better greeting.
Out in the pasture were sheep, horses and few more goats grazing around together without a care in the world.
The farmer came out to greet us and began showing us around his barn. 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 completely different.
It was pristine.
As my hubby chatted with the man I walked into the barn to have a look around. The floor was spotless and there wasn’t a cobweb to be found. 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.
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.
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 was (as a stranger I could tell right away) that this man loved his farm. It showed in every inch of that barn and pasture.
And maybe a stranger would know I love my farm as well, that is if they could get past the clutter, cobwebs, and chaos.
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. The Amish are very intentional when they buy or make things and it’s that intention that I need to have more of.
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. The barn didn’t have windows full of cobwebs or pastures littered with junk. This couple took care of their things and it showed. Their home looked so welcoming and it really inspired me to do the same at my own home.
I want my home to not only be inviting to others but to ourselves as well. That means getting rid of the excess, storing things in an orderly way, keeping up with the wear and tear of our property. If we can’t take care of what we have then it’s probably a good sign that we have too much.
Here are some lessons I learned from my Amish visit.
- 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 unnecessary stuff.
- Clutter is noise and when there is too much 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 and because of this, it is easier for them to live a more simplified life.
I don’t want to have to work at being calm and content, I want it to come naturally.
READ: HOW TO DECLUTTERING THE EASY WAY
Clutter is more than just messy, it is noise. And it’s that noise that can keep us from seeing the joy in every day.
After that visit with the Amish, Hubby and I had a long talk. We decided to change our home by cleaning out the excess stuff and cleaning up our barn and property 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 and since then we began to remove the excess and the clutter that surrounded us. What was a struggle before was now surprisingly easy because we had our “why”. The reason we wanted to get rid of the excess and clean up what was left. And, the best part? As we simplified and removed all the extra stuff, we have not 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, we were 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 🙂
Hi Tracy,
I have a question about the Amish.
I loved your article on their lifestyle,
But I was wondering how do they organize paperwork, files, bills, kid’s school work, etc.?
Do they not keep any files for legal papers,etc.
I am trying to live a simplified lifestyle, but I run into how to downsize this part of my life?
I am not sure how the Amish actually handle their papers, what a great question!
But I feel for you, and I totally understand. As a “paper” person myself I do not like to throw anything away especially financial ones. I have a few paper tips on my other site, that you can read here: https://declutterinminutes.com/how-to-organize-a-messy-office/
I hope this helps!
Tracy Lynn