Strawberries

The number one marker of the summer is a ripe, juicy, ridiculously red strawberry. 

And all you have to do is buy them at your local grocery store. So not only are you getting the first, subtle (but important) reminders that the polar vortexes of the past few months are behind us, you get that taste of truly pure, sweet delicious summer in berry form. There couldn't be simpler way to usher in the summer than with a big bowl of fresh strawberries. I suggest savoring every last one while listening to your favorite music or a really good book. A pack of berries might cost $4, but the value of quietly welcoming in the summer is priceless.

Or you could try making an exquisite homemade ice cream 

BURSTING with the essence of the summer.

Nothing makes me happier than when I see spring and summer produce pop up at farmers' markets and in the grocery store. Only then has the season changed - when the (actual) fruits of the earth appear. Take time to celebrate the change in seasons by munching on the fruits of mother earth's labor. They are delicious, any way you slice them. 

And just FYI - They pack quite a nutritional punch too.

The value is tremendous, the cost is nothing.

So often we focus on the cost of what we want that we lose sight of the value. 

But how remarkable is it that you can walk outside, look at the clouds, and actively recognize that you are a part of the universe. You are one of billions, true, but here's an idea to put you at home in your body when you feel like you're just a hamster on a wheel.

1. Do as the picture above says, go outside

2. Squeeze your shoulders up to your ears and then release (repeat five times - or hey, go nuts, it's surprisingly soothing, so keep going if you want to)

3. Take fifteen deep breaths 

4. Rub your ear lobes and smile

5. Go back inside and call or text or email someone who you haven't spoken to in a while just to say hi, how are you, I don't want you to forget that I'm here for you

This is one (entirely free) way to feel more connected to the universe. 

The value is tremendous, the cost is nothing.

20 Ideas to Simplify NOW

1. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.
2. Get enough sleep.
3. Fill up your gas tank when you are in the moment and thinking about it.
4. Smile at people as they drive by.
5. Say thank you.
6. Make a point of getting up just 10 minutes earlier
7. Call your mom, dad, sister, or brother to say "I love you" as often as possible.
8. Clean off your plate when you're done eating and put it away.
9. Give someone a (genuine) compliment.
10. Be polite. Always respect your elders.
11. Let people help you when you need it.
12. Take ten minutes at the end of each day to organize your workspace.
13. Keep a record of your usernames and passwords.
14. Don't eat when you're bored.
15. Don't drink alcohol to appease others.
16. Write thank you cards. They mean more.
17. Take notes when important people are talking.
18. Hug it out.
19. Drink water if you're thirsty.
20. Apologize when you're in the wrong.

Simplicity: the plain and simple definition

Great concept, but what IS simplicity anyway?

I wanted to start with an introduction on what I mean when I use the word "simplicity," as there are many different definitions.

My version of simplicity is not the first or even the second, but the third definition down as it appears on dictionary.com. 

sim·plic·i·ty

  [sim-plis-i-tee]  Show IPA

noun, plural sim·plic·i·ties.

3.

absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness:a life of simplicity.

It represents a lack of excess or pretense. I believe that this is the most accurate way of describing it because it implies a state of being whereby we do not strive for the ornate because we are content with the modest belongings that we have. Complexity arises when we forget that what we have is good enough and we force ourselves to tirelessly strive for more.

This blog is therefore dedicated to grounding us with reminders that we create the majority of our suffering by not appreciating the simple pleasures that exist in abundance. Everyday joyful moments so frequently are left unrecognized as the tiny miracles they are.