In the beginning it seems simple, uncomplicated as it often is, but not always, meaning that in the very beginning of life there are very few requirements to survive; food, water, shelter. To thrive, on the other hand, a few other ingredients are required.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
Maya Angelou
Life sometimes becomes complicated. It’s like the biggest hamburger stack you’ve ever seen. One that has an extraordinary number of layers, perhaps for some, it’s difficult to see the top. The stack grows, getting taller and taller, becoming increasingly unstable as each layer adds to the stack.
As you’ve probably predicted, each layer contains its own ecology though that’s outside the scope of this article.
It’s curious to me that each layer, while a valued component of the burger as a ‘whole’ (for the experience, lessons, and knowledge each brings) fades, eventually into the background. Sooner or later that burger becomes so encumbersome and difficult, it’s almost impossible to truly enjoy and savour each flavour.
If you enjoy a good burger, as I do, you may agree that the best burgers are the ones that have the least amount in them. This got me wondering. Life is a lot like a (box of chocolates), or in this case a good burger. The motto here, is, less is more. Because more just creates, well more and more and more where it all just begins to mesh into each other, making it difficult to see the forest for the trees. Leading towards confusion, procrastination, chaos, people pleasing, anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout.
“Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”
— Steve Jobs
It is my intention to advocate for less is more and in doing so this article will be kept in alignment with that message. I encourage you and invite you to become an advocate to simplify your life. And in doing so allow yourself the opportunity to enjoy the simple things, create meaningful experiences and memories with those you hold dear and in the end leave a legacy you consciously had an active hand in making.
Rosetta x