# The Joy of Less ![rw-book-cover](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/418pnqoWSQL._SL200_.jpg) ## Metadata - Author: [[Cary David Richards]] - Full Title: The Joy of Less - Category: #books ## Highlights - If de-cluttering and simplification is truly important to you, then redefining your habits and attitudes to the things and people in your life in a more simplified way, as well as reducing your tendency for creating new clutter and chaos, is foundational to your minimalist journey. ([Location 218](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=218)) - I’ve found in my travels, (I’m no spring chicken so there have been quite a few travels, along with a few trials and tribulations) that your life’s purpose can be somewhat of a moving target. ([Location 243](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=243)) - My point is that your life’s purpose will probably not be something that is carved in granite. It will be a work in progress as you go. You don’t need to worry about defining it as a solid hard truth that has specific parameters, as long as you are continuing look for it and make the effort to recognize it as it begins to make itself known to you. ([Location 257](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=257)) - Which brings us back around to following your bliss. If you can identify those things that truly speak to you, the things that when held in your mind you can feel the truth of them in your gut, those things that truly make you happy, the things that make the hair stand up on your arms. If you can identify those things and then take steps to move toward them, then you will be well on your way to clarifying your life’s purpose. If you can focus in on those things and either flush, rearrange, redefine or delegate the rest. That is when your life will truly become simple and in the process your life’s purpose may come into much better focus. ([Location 263](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=263)) - Here are some questions, the answers to which will begin to help you reveal your bliss: What humbles you? What fills you with awe and amazement? Where have you noticed grace in your life? What words fill your heart with joy? In what environment are you most fulfilled? ([Location 270](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=270)) - “Simplicity, clarity, singleness: these are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy.” - Richard Holloway ([Location 294](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=294)) - If we can de-clutter our emotions, let go of our attachment to being right, practice forgiveness and just be gratefully in the present then when we get to the de-cluttering process we can do it for the right reasons. It will make more sense. ([Location 311](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=311)) - Our ego’s attachment to being right all the time gets us in more trouble than a fox in a hen house. ([Location 314](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=314)) - Most of the time, when you really think about it, the things we get upset about and dig our heels in over, really aren’t that important. A good question to ask yourself is: Would I rather be right or happy? Just let it go. ([Location 319](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=319)) - You should be a conduit through which emotions travel—fully felt, briefly acknowledged and then sent on their way—not a net that catches, solidifies and justifies them. If you can find a way to consistently practice this discipline you will be truly on your way to a life of simplicity and serenity. ([Location 332](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=332)) - When I practice releasing I always use my whole body. I take in a full breath and consciously blow it out while extending my arms and hands wide out in front of me as I imagine whatever emotion I am releasing flying away from me. ([Location 345](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=345)) - Understanding that life will always default to more complexity is key to knowing that simplifying your life is an ongoing daily routine that will require some focus and intention. Developing a habit of releasing your emotions and being in the present will allow you to keep the complexity from overwhelming you. ([Location 350](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00SINAEVG&location=350))