simple living quotes
Living a life that is calmer, easier, and more fulfilling is a goal of many. But staying inspired can be a tall order to fill. This article is meant to help you to do just that—simple living quotes to help you walk a path of self-reliance.
Words on living a simple life by making more of what you need at home, getting rid of the excess stuff, growing the food you love, and relying less on the stores.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of daily life? Are you looking to slow down from all the chaos, find more peace in your daily routine, and adopt a simpler way of living? If so, you are in the right place, as we will be exploring the power of living simply with quotes from the past and present that will inspire you to live a life of intent and purpose.
Simple living is essential in order to maintain our peace of mind and achieve contentment despite the increasing complexity of our lives; it allows us to focus on what really matters most while reducing stress and caring only about what truly brings deep satisfaction into our lives.
What does it mean to live simply?
Simple living means living with less, being content with what you have, and finding joy in the little things. It’s about prioritizing experiences over possessions and choosing quality over quantity. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Simplify your life. Don’t waste the years struggling for things that are unimportant.”
Simple Living Quotes
Finding inspiration in the words of others can be helpful in our own lives. This list of quotes are some of our favorites and we hope you find them helpful as you continue your journey to a life of more joy and less chaos.
#1. Things don’t bring happiness
“It’s now how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.”
Charles Spurgeon
I love this quote as it reminds us that things do not promise happiness. An important thing to remember whenever we are faced with a decision on a purchase for something we know we do not need.
#2. Clear your mind
“You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.”
Joyce Meyer
These words can not be truer. If you are looking to be more positive, start with your mind and the food you are feeding it. Look for more joyful and positive things to read, watch, and listen to. Also, stay away from gossip and negative self-talk and you will see your outlook on day-to-day life change for the better.
#3. Let go of the stuff
“Simplicity involves unburdening your life, and living more lightly with fewer distractions that interfere with a high-quality life, as defined uniquely for each individual.”
Linda Breen Pierce
This simple living quote perfectly captures the essence of simple living – it’s about letting go of what no longer serves us and focusing on the things that truly bring us joy. It’s about creating space in our lives for what is truly important to us, rather than getting weighed down by material possessions or external expectations.
#4. Actions give happiness
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
Dalai Lama
This quote reminds us that happiness is a choice and that we have the power to create it for ourselves through our actions. It’s up to us to actively pursue things that bring us joy and make us happy, rather than waiting for happiness to come to us.
Related: 8 Ways to Live a More Simple Life
#5. Enjoy having less
“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”
Socrates
In a world that constantly tells us we need more to be happy, this quote is a refreshing reminder that true happiness is not found in material possessions. It’s about finding contentment and joy in the simple things and learning to appreciate what we already have. So, instead of always wanting more, take a step back and focus on cultivating gratitude for what you currently have in your life.
#6. Beauty breeds happiness
“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful – that will be my life.”
Elsie de Wolfe
This simplicity quote is a great way to start every day. Rather than buying things to fill a void you can instead make what you have prettier for you to be around. This can be done by updating, decluttering, even cleaning. It is amazing how dusting can completely transform a drab and dingy room.
#7. Less obligations
“My goal is no longer to get more done, but rather to have less to do.”
Francine Jay
Another simple living quote that really hits home. Declutter the excess stuff, and you will not only free up space in your life but you will also free up time.
Having less to do means being able to focus on what truly matters and finding a sense of peace in the present moment. It’s about simplifying your life and creating more space for happiness.
#8. Puppies!
“Happiness is a warm puppy.”
Charles M. Schulz
Sometimes, happiness can be found in the simplest of things, like spending time with a furry friend. Studies have shown that owning a pet can bring joy, reduce stress, and even improve overall health. Whether it’s a puppy, cat, or any other animal, the unconditional love and companionship they provide can bring immense happiness into our lives.
#9. Nature
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Nothing breathes simplicity more than nature. Open your windows, let the sunshine in, and hear the birds during the day and the crickets at night.
#10. Keep it simple
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
Confucious
Having less truly does make life easier. Less stuff, less commitments, less debt, less stress. Look for ways to cut back and remove the complications when you do.
#11. enjoy what you have
“Stay low, stay quiet, keep it simple, don’t expect too much, enjoy what you have.”
Dean Koontz
One of my favorite authors, I was surprised and happy to stumble on this quote. The words that really stand out to me are, “…enjoy what you have.” That, in a sense, is the core of simplicity. To enjoy what we have so we are not always searching for more.
#12. Be simple
“Be as simple as you can be; you will be astonished to see how uncomplicated and happy your life can become.”
Paramahansa Yogananda
Simplicity is a choice. It’s about being intentional with our actions and decisions, and choosing to live a life that brings us joy and fulfillment. By simplifying, we can discover the beauty of a minimalistic lifestyle and experience greater happiness in the process.
#13. live content with little
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
Plato
In a world that often equates wealth and success with material possessions, it’s important to remember that true wealth lies in our ability to find contentment with what we have. By practicing simplicity and gratitude, we can lead more fulfilling lives and appreciate the little things that bring us joy.
#14. Add the meaniful
“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.”
John Maeda
In a world filled with distractions and clutter, simplicity allows us to focus on what truly matters. By removing unnecessary complexities from our lives, we make room for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment. This can apply to everything from our daily routines to our relationships and possessions.
#15. let the necessary speak
“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”
Hans Hofmann
Simplicity can be a powerful tool in helping us find clarity and make decisions. By removing the unnecessary noise and distractions in our lives, we can better hear our own thoughts and intuition. This allows us to make more deliberate choices that align with our values and bring us closer to our goals.
#16. embrace simplicity
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Leonardo da Vinci
In a world that often glorifies complexity and excess, it takes true sophistication to embrace simplicity. By choosing to live a simpler life, we are able to appreciate the beauty in minimalism and find elegance in the essentials. This can extend beyond our physical possessions and also be applied to our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
#17. Health matters
“The greatest wealth is health.”
Virgil
While material possessions may bring temporary happiness, true wealth lies in our mental and physical well-being. By simplifying our lives and reducing stress, we can improve our overall health and well-being. This includes making time for self-care, prioritizing our mental health, and cultivating meaningful relationships.
In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of consumerism and excess, it can be easy to lose sight of the true value in our lives. These simple living quotes remind us that by embracing simplicity, we can find greater fulfillment, clarity, and well-being. Let these words inspire you to simplify your life and prioritize what truly matters.
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