Living Lightly in 2025: Simplify, Thrive, and Find Joy in the Everyday
Introduction: The Day I Threw My Phone Into a Lake
(Not really. But I thought about it.)
It was 3:47 AM. I’d just scrolled through 17 “hustle harder” LinkedIn posts, 32 TikTok tutorials on “mindful productivity,” and a YouTube ad for a $200 Japanese decluttering basket. My brain felt like a overcooked burrito—messy, soggy, and vaguely regretful.
That’s when it hit me: We’ve turned simplicity into another complicated project.
This isn’t about KonMari folding or bullet journals. It’s about survival. A rebellion against the 21st-century circus of “more.” Let’s talk about how to stop drowning in your own life.
Part 1: Your Brain on Modern Life (It’s Not Pretty)
My cousin Dave once tried to “optimize” his morning routine. By day 3, he was meditating while intermittent fasting while listening to a Portuguese podcast about blockchain. He lasted 72 hours before burning out and eating a Pop-Tart in the shower.
We’re all Dave now.
Why simplicity isn’t optional anymore:
- Our ancestors faced lions. We face 47 streaming services and 213 possible lunch delivery options.
- Steve Jobs wore the same black turtleneck for 20 years. Coincidence? Ask his prefrontal cortex.
- Cognitive load theory isn’t jargon—it’s why you forget your partner’s birthday after a day of Slack wars.
The SEAL Secret to Not Losing Your Mind Navy snipers don’t debate which protein bar to pack. They ask:
- Will this keep me alive?
- Will this help me shoot straighter? Everything else stays in the Jeep.
Your mission: Identify your two questions. Burn the rest.
Part 2: How to Declutter Without Becoming a Monk
My friend Lila once hired a “minimalism coach” who told her to throw out all her books. She cried. The coach got fired.
True story.
Decluttering for humans (not Pinterest robots):
- The “Does It Spark Joy?” test works… unless you’re a hoarder of takeout soy sauce packets. Try this instead: “Would I rebuy this if my house burned down?”
- That drawer of dead phone chargers? Keep one. Bury the rest in the backyard. Light a candle.
- Digital detox tip: Unsubscribe from emails like you’re breaking up with a mediocre boyfriend. “It’s not you, it’s… actually yeah, it’s you.”
Grandma Wisdom My Polish grandma had three pots, one good knife, and made the best pierogi in Brooklyn. Minimalism isn’t empty shelves—it’s knowing what feeds your soul.
Part 3: Work Smarter (Not Like a Cog in the Capitalism Machine)
Sarah from marketing sends a Slack at midnight: “URGENT: Need thoughts on the synergy of our Q3 paradigm shifts!!!”
You know what Sarah needs? A hobby.
How to work like a human, not a ChatGPT knockoff:
- The Eisenhower Matrix is for robots. Try the Toddler Test: “Will I cry if this doesn’t get done?” If not, delete it.
- Batch tasks like you’re folding laundry: All socks first, then underwear. Translation: Answer emails in one savage 20-minute burst.
- Say “no” like a toddler says “broccoli.” No excuses. Just grimace and throw it on the floor.
Zen Master Moment The ancient Greeks didn’t have inboxes. Socrates never attended a “quick sync.” Do with that information what you will.
Part 4: Relationships Without the Mind Games
My first date with Jess involved:
- 3 outfit changes
- 17 texts to my best friend
- A 4am Google search: “Is ‘hey’ too casual?”
We’ve been married 8 years. She still teases me about it.
Cut the drama:
- Toxic people are like expired milk. Toss them before they stink up your life.
- Overthinking texts? Channel your inner cowboy. “Yup.” “Nope.” “See ya Tuesday.” Save the poetry for your memoir.
- The 3am friend test: Who’d bail you out of jail? Keep those humans. Lose the rest.
Rumi for Regular People The Sufi poet didn’t DM. He just showed up with wine and said, “You good?” Be more Rumi.
Part 5: Taming the Brain Gremlins
I tried meditation once. My inner monologue went: “Breathe in… Did I pay the electric bill?… Breathe out… Why do birds suddenly appear… DAMMIT, FOCUS!”
Hack your mental chaos:
- Journaling for people who hate journaling: Text yourself voice memos while walking the dog.
- The “Mental Fire Drill”: When overwhelmed, ask: “Is something actually on fire?” If no, eat a cookie.
- Social media diet: Follow one cat account. Unfollow anyone who says “rise and grind.”
Buddha’s Burn Book Even the Buddha had haters. His secret? He sat under a tree and ate rice. You do you.
Part 6: Goals That Don’t Make You Want to Cry
In 2019, I made 27 New Year’s resolutions. By January 7th, I’d achieved “buy a planner” and “cry in the Target parking lot.”
Dream big, act tiny:
- The 1% Rule: Improve anything by 1% daily. Floss one tooth. Walk for 60 seconds.
- Quit like a pro: If a goal feels like dating a narcissist, ghost it.
- Comparison is for Instagram. Your only competition is yesterday’s version of you.
Shakespearean Truth Bomb “To thine own self be true.” Polonius wasn’t perfect, but he nailed this.
Part 7: The Secret They Don’t Sell on MasterClass
Last Tuesday, I ate a peach from my backyard. Juice dripped down my chin. Bees hummed. For 90 seconds, I didn’t think about my mortgage.
That’s the goal.
Simple living cheat codes:
- The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Hack: Name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you feel, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. Works better than Xanax.
- Cook one meal a week without podcasts/news/self-improvement audiobooks. Just you and the sizzle.
- Make a “Done List.” Yes, you brushed your teeth. Gold star.
Final Wisdom from My Dog Louie the pug’s life philosophy:
- Nap when tired
- Bark at mailmen
- Lick what you love Be more Louie.
Conclusion: Your Life Isn’t a To-Do List
The Japanese have a word: “Ma”—the space between things. The pause between notes that makes it music.
Your turn:
- Delete one app tonight.
- Text someone you love. Use emojis.
- Stand outside for 60 seconds. No phone. Just breathe.
Final thought: Simplicity isn’t about less. It’s about making space for the 60 seconds of peach juice.