Fighting the Fog: Link Style

Photos from our days in N.C.—these souls are worth slowing down for. Also, now I have baby fever and the sudden urge to chop all my hair off... again. Someone intervene, and quick! 
(Just about the hair. Babies are always a good idea. : )

Sometimes I read an article (it usually starts here) and then I get caught up in following link after link, absorbing an assortment of articles dealing with similar themes. I find myself completely in awe of—and incredible grateful to—the men and women who are living their lives purposefully and slowly and taking the time to share it with others. Living with purpose is one of the most difficult things for me, and I don't think I'm alone. Too many of us are trudging through our days and weeks and years, and time doesn't stop to give us a breather, or help us reconfigure things before a decade has past and we realize we have no idea what. just. happened.

I've mentioned a couple times that I am drawn towards simplifying, and de-cluttering because the opposite makes me feel insane. But the second reason is this: I feel that if there is too much around me, piles constantly threatening my peace, and a to-do list a million years long, I'll miss it. I'll miss my life, my kids, my husband, my friends. I'll miss all of it and wake up in 50 years like I've been walking through a foggy forest my entire life with a dull sense of smell.

Certainly there are seasons of our lives that are just hard, and there is nothing to be done but walk through them, one foot in front of the other. I'm not talking about those times. I'm talking about where our "normal" is set. Am I okay with the way I would describe myself and my attitude during those "neutral times" of no big transitions or life changes?

As I wrestle with this question, among others, I thought I would share some links that have encouraged me, and have provoked me to think differently and fight the fog. I hope they lift your spirit this day and give you new energy as you prepare to start a new week with renewed purpose! Feel free to share any links that have encouraged you this week or weekend.

The Lost Art of Life Pruning (The Art of Simple). I've already linked to this once, but if you missed it, check it out. This is an article that will stick with me.

10 Life-Affirming Reasons to Embrace Simplicity (Slow Your Home)

Cheap Plastic Rubbish (Little Eco Footprints)

3 Questions to Ask Before Making Any Purchase (Becoming Minimalist)

How to Create a Weekly Rhythm (Slow Your Home)

Both Slow Your Home and Little Eco Footprints are new to me, but I'm excited to do some more exploring. The content looks excellent.