"The confidence to dare to be simple." —Monty Don

To be simple is to knowingly let go of what is not necessary and wisely keep, nourish and invest in what is.

Gardens in many ways are a wonderful analogy for living well because they take time to mature into their full potential, and it isn't guaranteed that they will, but if they do, it is because the gardener had the foresight, patience and clarity to know what would be of value to invest in today.

Albert Einstein is attributed with saying, “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.” To know where that line is, because it will be different for each of us, is to know ourselves as well as understand the pressures of the world with keen awareness and insight. Such knowledge takes time and conscious effort to gain.

In daring to be simple, we bet on ourselves, care for ourselves and without guarantee, invest in what is harmonious to our ear, letting it become a priority while not be distracted or drained by the rest.

On the category page in TSLL's archives for all of the Simplicity themed posts, I share that “The value of True Simplicity is that it fully lets the light in so that you can see and explore the depths of a life’s full gifts and beauty.”In more concrete terms, is the condition or quality of being easy to understand.

As it pertains to living well, when we understand how to live our lives well, making decisions becomes far easier because of our gained clarity about what nourishes us and the life that we wish to live.

In today's post/episode, let's explore how we dare to be simple in such a way that enhances the quality of our lives. How does it show up? What does it look like? What behavior, mannerisms, ways of life embody being simple to the degree that exhibits living with contentment?

Explore the Show Notes on TSLL blog: https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast386 

Maintaining our balance whether we are holding a tree pose in yoga or riding a bicycle requires dynamic engagement.

While the tree pose in yoga may look static, nope, it is actually dynamic as various muscles are engaged. Similarly and more visually obvious is riding a bicycle. We must remain in motion, and a motion that is balanced, so again engaging our motions to align with each other if there are multiple, in this case our two legs pedaling, to remain balanced.

Balance in life involves a similar concept. We may not always look physically in motion, so for example, choosing time to just be, but we are engaged. We are present and consciously and purposefully engaging in an action or activity that nourishes our balance.

In the first episode of the new year, I wanted to focus on this idea of balanced living as inspired by the book The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness: Balanced Living with Fika, Lagos, Hygge, and More by Tim Rayburn, because rather than focusing on adding or improving, why not focus on tweaking and putting more of a priority on savoring. The latter is what will improve the quality of our life in all arenas. So let's take a look at the list, and be sure to listen to the audio version for detailed conversation about each point.

Explore the Show Notes here on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast395 

"We can attain almost anything we want—but not instantly. If we're methodical, if we're persistent, and if we take small, deliberate steps, we can arrive there. The going may be slow at first, but the advantage of those actions, compounded over time, can lead to stunning results." —Doris Clark, author of The Long Game: How to Be A Better Long-Term Thinker in a Short Term World

Five years. Seven years. A decade. Time is on our side so long as we put in the proper foundation to support the progress that will eventually lead to the outcome we intend.

"The whole point of playing the long game is understanding the ridiculous goals are ridiculous right now—not forever . . . it might take five years, or ten, or twenty. But that time will pass away."

Just as each season has a purpose to enable Mother Nature's flora and fauna to rest, rejuvenate, grow, shine and celebrate, so too is the journey our own progress must traverse in order to experience the outcomes we seek. Winter finds us resting, assessing, nourishing and gaining clarity with the pause, but that doesn't mean we remain there. So long as we understand the purpose for the length of time it will take, we then can rest in quiet confidence that we are heading in the direction that will lead us eventually where we have pointed ourselves.

Every day will not be winter, and in knowing that, we can then savor winter's opportunity which is why I would like to bring today's episode to you as we are now just three days away from winter's beginning.

The opportunity to know what components a solid foundation contains will ensure that down the road, an everyday ordinary to others, we will experience the extraordinary that in previous days we had dreamed about madly about would be our reality. :)

Let's take a look.

Explore the detailed Show Notes on TSLL blog here - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast394

"Some of [our] beliefs, habits and behaviours are acquired by chance, and some we have designed for ourselves. But the beauty of the human mind is that no matter how these beliefs were shaped, they can be changed." —Nicole Vignola, author of Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts and Create Lasting Change

Maybe it is the lack of confidence you have in your potential. Maybe it is the negative thoughts that stream through your mind at 2 am in the morning or in the afternoon when you are exhausted after a full first half of the work day has asked you to be on your game every single minute. Maybe it's your doubt that you will ever be able to acquire that habit that will help if only you could incorporate it into your everyday.

Whatever default thinking habit you engage in that starts to chip away at the 'good vibes', at the hope, at the positive outlook you have on anything, this is the podcast episode for you to explore. In fact, I want to make it required listening/reading because when you take in the introduction to neuroscientist and author Nicole Vignola's book Rewire, you're going to be reminded of how powerful you are to remove the thought patterns you don't want and start living, creating and thinking in a way that elevates the quality of your entire life.

As the new year approaches, we might be considering or evaluating what we want to improve, and in order to bring those changes into reality that we experience in our everydays we have to know how the machine, that is our mind, works as it pertains to acquiring and automating new habits, and also letting go of the unhelpful habits. This fundamental knowledge will foster the change you want to be part of your new year, and I cannot wait to share with you an overview of what you will learn when you pick up the book Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts an Create Lasting Change.

Explore the Show Notes for the episode on The SImply Luxurious Life blog — https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast393 

"In general, people who have more optimistic expectations about the possibility of forming a connection are more likely to overlook superficial differences, and wait to see if they feel the spark of connection. They tend to have more diverse relationships, while those with fixed assumptions tend to have more limited social circles. Our beliefs about social connection can become self-fulfilling prophecies." —David Robson, author of The Laws of Connection: The Scientific Secrets of Building a Strong Social Network

The quality of our social connections determines not only our enjoyment of our everydays, whether we are at work or in our personal lives, it also affects our health and wellbeing. While this news will likely shock nobody, what might shock us are the ways we unconsciously or unknowingly partake in habits that obstruct the opportunity for healthier, and thus more enjoyable connections with others, of all stripes.

Based on cultural conditioning or insecurity within ourselves or what was modeled to us while growing up, we may have assumed there were certain ways to not only engage with the world, but what we should share and how much of our true feelings we should express about any given event in our lives. And so upon reading science writer David Robson's latest book, and discovering various research that dispelled previously held approaches as being helpful as well examples of how and why certain approaches were helpful or unhelpful, I took note not only while acknowledging where I could grow and learn, but wanting to share with TSLL community. Why? While Robson shares 13 laws of connection, each are multi-faceted, so based on what is working well for us now or conversely what we are struggling with when it comes to connection, we need worry less on knowing what the 'laws' are and more about ourselves and where we would benefit from applying new knowledge and thus learning new skills in how to connect sincerely, well and consistently with others to build a social network that elevates not only our lives but those who are a part of our social network. A two way street, as they say, and sometimes we just didn't yet know how to do that - to connect well, and that is where this book comes to provide the insights we can learn.

In today's post I have pulled ten specific approaches and skills that caught my attention for cultivating and maintaining a wide breadth of relationships in our lives. Whether it is your colleagues, or romantic partner, child or parent, neighbor or friend, all of the skills below will enhance those relationships.

Visit the detailed Show Notes on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast392 

In many arenas of life we witness what appears to be an immediate change, but upon looking at the road that prompted the change, the steps were gradual, intentional and focused. Over time, repetition and application, the skills coalesced, and much like finishing a house that has been built from the foundation up, it is complete. But it takes time, knowledge and consistent effort to experience the benefits of that warm house to live everyday life away from the elements.

The same thing happens when we choose to understand what true contentment is, and then start learning the skills, applying them. Gradually, ever so slowly we are building up our ability to experience the amazing life benefits that will deepen the quality of our days and lead us to feeling deeply at peace and fulfilled each day. Not because everything is always going to go our way or be full of endless happy moments, but because we are grounded and knowledge of the skills that ensure we navigate well through whatever crosses our path that we have no control over and what we do have control over, we handle it with loving-kindness and integrity.

Which leads me to today's topic: The surprising, yet unquestionably helpful skills and abilities we gain when we are living a life of contentment.

Each of the abilities shared in today's episode stem from the skill of awareness. Awareness not only of ourselves, but awareness of our surroundings, so a practice in being mindful.

Explore the detailed show notes here on TSLL blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast391 

"Healthy skin begins the moment you start to take care of yourself." —Anonymous

Healthy, natural, as well as radiant skin is something we can include as one of the most statement-making accessories in our exterior presentation. The questions begin though when we don't know what is worth investing in and how much is too much and just unnecessary.

Alongside the food we eat, the exercise we regularly partake in and the healthy management of stress in our lives, how we care for our skin regarding the products we use and the practices we take regarding protection and hydration can have a powerful effect on our visage that we present to the world each and everyday for the rest of our lives. And thus how we feel when we go about her daily routine.

Over the past few years I have been focused on two goals when it comes to my own skincare regime: ensuring I am investing and purchasing products that deliver on their promises, and only using the products I need for the results I want. In other words a simple approach, but no simpler, and a dependable results so I know my money is being well spent on this regular and on-going personal expenditure.

Exploring products either to save money or improve the results, I have stepped away from items I once used to see if it would be worth doing so. In some instances, as I will share, I have found new products I love, but I have also confirmed the first product was worth using and paying for as the results stood out from their competitors even if I had to pay a bit more.

Below I am sharing what I have promised I would share, my detailed skincare routine that after much experimenting as well as conferencing with experts in the skincare profession. Be sure to tune in to the audio edition as along with sharing the products (as listed below), I also share why I use them and where to find them for the most savings.

Find the Show Notes for this episode on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast390 

When we see and acknowledge what is going well, we begin to permanently change what our mind not only looks for but believes is possible. And when we change our mindset, we change the potential of possibilities that cross our path.

Which leads me to celebrating.

Perhaps hearing that celebrating is a necessary part of the journey of success may come across as frivolous or unnecessary. Or perhaps when you envision celebrating, the thought of a large party of people and dancing and drinking just does not appeal to you, so you aren't someone who thinks celebrating is necessary (first off all, I am with you on that last one - I don't need a big shindig either), but celebrating can appear in many different forms. So long as it is a form that allows you to decompress, rest, and rejuvenate as well as extend gratitude to those who helped you arrive where you are, that is what celebrating is, and today, I would like to share with you how celebrating after each victory, no matter how small or big, is vital to future successes.

Let's take a look at the importance of gratitude and celebration in our everyday lives.

View the Show Notes for the episode here - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast389 

What I would like to share with you today are 14 foundational pieces that will establish and continue to grow your financial freedom. Whether you work for a boss or work for yourself, I will be sharing how to make your way to financial freedom and also remain financially free once you arrive without being stagnant. In other words, when we are financially free, we now have space, energy and opportunities that we didn't have before. Whether that is creatively because our mind is free to not worry about our finances because we have put into place systems that we trust and know work in our favor, and because we have space mentally, we have more energy to expend on what we love to do instead of what we have to do which leads us to more opportunities crossing our paths because we our present and fully engaged with the moment, bravely being ourselves and dancing with life instead of surviving and just making it through.

Before we explore today's list, I will point out that this is not necessarily the typical list of save more, spend less - thrift, thrift, thrift! I will be sharing with you some examples from my own life that in hindsight demonstrate that playing it 'safe' isn't always a wise move if you want to make the gains (in any respect) that you desire. As well, while yes, we are talking about money, so much of the financial advice we read (but not all - i.e. Deepak Chopra and Kate Northrup along with others) focuses entirely on the logical and mathematical side of how to be financial free, and while that plays a powerful and necessary role - knowing how the monetary world works and basic math regarding interest, etc., there is also a part we cannot know entirely or with certainty and that is why knowing ourselves, living a life of true contentment and being brave enough to find and then embrace our dharma is crucial to remaining financially free.

Find the Show Notes on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast388 

When we think of the term hero in its typical circumstance, we think of someone saving the day, making everything better, and restoring the peace, security and joy to those or what had momentarily been in peril. Now fashion or our personal style is not a life or death situation, I will acknowledge this upfront, but for the purposes of today's conversation, the hero pieces in our wardrobe are, as defined by The Ethical Brand Directory, "the ultimate item of clothing that completes any wardrobe. Hero pieces can be dressed up, dressed down and just become an ‘essential piece’’ that you can’t live without". 

Another definition identifying 'hero' pieces comes from a recent article from the WSJ titled "Think This Looks 'Effortless'? stating "[They are] pieces you can always rely on to deliver a feeling of insouciance." In other words, enable you to relax in your clothing and pay no mind to your clothes or outfit because you know you look fabulous.

The beautiful breadth of Hero pieces is that they stretch from clothing to accessories to shoes to just about anything that pulls your wardrobe together with the snap of the fingers simply by selecting it to be part of your ensemble.

For each individual, the specific Hero pieces will be different to look at them or list them, but how we identify a Hero piece adheres to core concepts that I want to share with you today to give you an idea of what to look for when it comes to finding the Heroes in your closet and trusting that they are worth the investment due to the power of completion and confidence they bring to just about any outfit you will wear.

Find the Show Notes on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast387 

The learning continues, and the French language continues to become clearer and clearer with each word I hear. Granted, it is a slow journey of progress, but indeed progress has been made.

As I sat watching both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Jeux Paris, I found myself for the first time actually wishing there were no translations as I found I could understand most of what was being said in French (admittedly, I may have paused and rewound a time or two ;)). To recognize words that previously were absolutely babbel to me in years past found me celebrating seemingly small, but, to me, grand progress.

With that said, I am not proficient yet, and I have had frustrations, but I have continued forward and I am grateful I have. Part of the reason I want to share my French language journey with you is to encourage and reassure you that the journey will be long, but the progress will be great, and here is the paradox, only if we both run up against frustrations and keep at it. We can do it!

I shared in the first post to kick off this year's French Week (the 9th!) that international language institutes have found it takes approximately 600 hours of regular learning of a new language to become proficient (this is for the easier to learn languages, of which French is high on that list, being one of the simpler language to learn - yes, it is true believe it or not ;)). And when you break down how long it takes an average student to cover 600 hours, it looks to be about 2-3 years. Knowing this has eased my mind and reminded me to be patient and remain consistently engaged and surrounded by the language - through taking my courses, doing my homework, studying even when I don't have homework and attempting to speak French in class whenever I have the opportunity.

Having concluded FR 202 this past June, two years of online study through Washington D.C. Alliance de Française are behind me and have found me much improved in both my breadth of vocabularly, pronunciation as well as comprehension and yes, even confidence in formulating sentences (however, simple) to carry on a conversation.

The last post/episode in this ongoing series was shared back in February - episode #347, when I wrapped up the 100 level, so now I am back to share with you what I have learned during FR 201 and 202. On y va !

Find the Show Notes for episode #386 here - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast386