Hello friends,

As we approach the end of the year and the annual festivities, it's a timely reminder for us to slow down and take note. Life can usually feel non-stop but if we want a life worth living, it's important to create times in the year when we can manually descend and breathe. It is the most introspective part of the year so why not lean in and see where it takes us?

We're usually quite harsh with our lack of achievements by this part of the year hence the big new year changes. But what about the progress with your life overall? The one that you're creating year on year. How is that one going?

It's time to give yourself a bit more credit than you think you're due here. This is your permission to do so. There is definitely something in having unwavering self-belief that can only bring positivity into your life. Plus, I always think there is room to celebrate being consistently good at what you do, even when people start to notice less. It's almost a virtue at this rate being able to find people who do things well and are reliable at the same time.

As much as I'd like the world to slow down, I don't think society is going to any time soon. And instead of fighting it or changing it (this would be another life altogether!), I think we all need to take a moment to look inwards and take responsibility for how we choose to live.

I am a firm believer that the simpler life is the better. Chasing and keeping up is the direct route to misery with no stops. Simple is boring and isn't interesting to the outside world. This is why most people don't run towards nor notice it. But from all we choose to fill our life with, simplicity is the one with the highest returns.

Through simplicity, we create genuine self-respect. We don't feel guilty about wasting time and we lean into the things that only matter to us. The zero guilt comes from the fact that we are ruthless about how we spend our time. How can we feel guilty when everything we do is important to us?

When we choose to prioritise a life of simplicity, we can't burnout. Simplicity has a busy but non-exhaustive nature. Boring to the world but joyous to you. You don't have to keep up appearance because you only spend time with people who you can truly be yourself with. You don't burn out at work because you love what you do and are measured and assured with your expectations of how long your ambitions will take. You're tired (like everyone else) but it's a nice fatigue - one that is hard-earned and you're at peace with that.

A big question here would be - how can you maintain peace in your life whilst downshifting how much you do?

I've never heard anyone be jealous of a more simple life. And beware not to overcomplicate your path to simplicity. It's all intuitive and serendipitous. You always have to remember that otherwise you'll forget to enjoy it.

Have a great rest of your weekend and please write to me with any updates you have :)

Best,

Lawrence