Essentialism and Strength

"The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials"

~Lin Yutang

Last week, I finished reading Greg McKeown's book, Essentialism.

Subtitled, "The Disciplined Pursuit of Less."

McKeown begins his book with this quote above.

I began this book as I was closing out this past school year.

That is a time when I'm preparing my summer plans.

Summers begin with a few "essential" tasks.

Slowly, my list grows as I think of everything I've neglected.

Things that tend to pile up during the busy spring season.

I innocently enter this time that has a little more space.

Then I find myself filling that space until it overflows.

So it was good timing and good forture to find this book.

I have developed the practice of asking, "Is this essential?"

That simple question has become a powerful tool.

Helping me gain clarity of what I need to do with my time.

Often, my next obvious step is simply to pause.

When I do, I find myself breathing a little more slowly.

And I've developed the habit of following that practice with a smile.

Pause, breathe, and smile.

With elimination of the non-essentials, it is easier to take those moment.

To pause and reset.

To breathe, take in the moment, and find clarity.

To smile and appreciate the small joys and wonder of life.

For me, this is "the wisdom of life" that Yutang is referencing.

And as I closed out McKeown's book, I found my next read.

Arthur Brooks's book, From Strength to Strength.

Subtitled, "Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life."

His book begins with a passage from Psalm eighty-four.

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage."

It was good timing and good forture to find this book, as well.

I am what Brooks calls "a striver."

A person who strives for success and excellence through disciplined, hard work.

Seeking clarity and focus as I work toward what I see as essential.

Striving for a life well lived in this life of faith, family, self-actualization, and service to others.

When I am busy with the non-essentials, it's easy to lose focus.

That's why I'm grateful for McKeown's reminders, tips, and tools.

When I pursue my purpose, I find peace, love, and joy in life.

That's why I'm grateful for Brooks's lessons, insights, and wisdom.

So today, may we be reminded of this wisdom.

To seek the essentials of life

To find strength on this journey.

And to bask in those moment when we can truly pause, breathe, and smile.

This is essential.

This is a source of strength.

This is wisdom and blessing.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash