SEPTEMBER 2020

On some days I think I want my life to be more simple, but then am I really ready to make it so?  How do we go about making our lives  less stressful and more calm?  

The first thing might be to decide what we actually want out of life. How do we now fill our days? Are there things we can cut out? Are there things we can do without?

The picture above states four things to "downsize" for a more simple life:

1. Our "stuff". 

(This season is a perfect time to clean out our stuff and throw away or give away what we do not use.)

2. Our schedule.

(Let's take a good, hard look at our crazy, out-of-control schedule. Weed out those things we don't have to do. To make time for those we love, we may have to give up some "things or people" who aren't as important to us. Re-evaluate our priorities.)

3. Our expectations.

(Do we expect too much of ourselves. We must realize we cannot be everything to everybody, and we cannot do everything! Let's make our expectations realistic to accomplish.)

4. Our negative thoughts

(Let us try, make a goal to change our negative thoughts to positive ones. Negative thoughts bring us down in spirit and in attitude. Let us think only those thoughts which would lift us and give us encouragement.) 

We are the ones in control of what we do. Oh, we may say, "No, I have to go to work and I have responsibilities." This is true for most people; however, we are in control of our attitude as to how we go about our day, how we work, how we think, etc. Often we become stressed and feel out of control due to our own thinking. 

Let us re-think how we do things. If we desire a less stressful life, it is within our power to slow our rushing and running in all directions. We may take mini-breath-breaks throughout our day and in this time take a moment to relax our shoulders, breathe in a slow deep breath through our nose, hold it for ten seconds, and then blow it out slow and steady through our mouth. Take this time to thank God for our many blessings.

I have chosen a "cottage style life" for myself. Several years before retirement my husband and I decided to move to a more rural area and live our lives more as we  wished; a more quiet life. 

A circa 1890 cottage home called us, and I am happy here. I feel God gave me Main Street Cottage to love and live in contentedly and simply. 

Wherever we may live we can find the life we desire.  If you find yourself always desiring something else, something more, or somewhere else it may mean you are not content within yourself.

To find a center within ourselves of contentment and calm is a much needed place for us in these trying days in which  we are living. We may feel afraid, worried, stressed of what might be ahead. Worry is a common plight for all of us, but God does not want us to worry. The Bible tells us again and again not to worry, not to fret, not to be afraid. It is good for us to read these verses and perhaps memorize them for help when we have days of worry.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest."

Matthew 12: 28

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14: 27

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5: 7

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."

2 Thessalonians 3: 16

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests  to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4: 6-7

One of the things I loved about Main Street Cottage when I first saw it were the huge old oak trees in the yard. Well, twenty years later I realize how much time and trouble tress are, and expensive to maintain. I still love them, even though they are an effort, especially in the Fall of the year.

Raking leaves and picking up limbs and debris which have fallen from the trees  gives me good exercise. I am trying to think positively here!  

Let us  think today of all the good things the Fall or Autumn gives us.  What do we enjoy about this season?  Cooler weather comes to my mind. Living in the South means we still have some hot days to go through in September; however, we may have a bit cooler temperature. The color of leaves begin to change in September. We will start to see tinges of oranges, golds and yellows in the landscape. 

We can start thinking about pumpkins and fall decorations. I love to decorate my home for Autumn.  The cottage seems to look its' prettiest with Fall colors. I have special dishes I put on the table during this season. Those who know me, know I love dishes.

I enjoy setting my table with dishes in keeping with the seasons. Changing the looks of your home for the seasons is simple to do. Some decorating ideas for Autumn:

1. Place seasonal colored pillows on sofa or chairs to bring the season into a room.

2.  Drape a soft throw or quilt, in an Autumn color, over a chair or at the end of your bed.

3. Have flowers throughout the house in orange, yellow, wine, and red hues.

4. Pull out any pottery (if Autumn colors) you may have to use as vases or decorative pieces.

5. If you have wooden bowls, spoons, trays and such use these at this time of year.