A season of simplicity

In 2017, I radically simplified. You can read about what I did to get back to basics after what began as the most difficult month of my life. Or the steps I took to become a digital minimalist during that season. Or how I got healthier as I did so. Or all the books I read as a result of these changes.

Yep, 2017 was a game-changer for me. Boil it all down, and my take away from the last 12 months is pretty dang simple:

less is more

Less is hard for me, if I’m being honest, but it’s been healthy. Necessary, even.

And now, 2018 arrives. My inclination is “Now I gotta get back to doing more, saying yes, and being busy.” The struggle is reeeeeeeal.

But I know what I must do. Resist the urge! As one of my favorite passages appeals: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” This is my season of simplicity and continued rest, which I will gladly accept, as difficult as it may be for me.

To explain how I’m beginning my new year as a result, I’ll leave you with what I just updated my email to auto-replying below. While your season may be different than mine, I hope you discover the same Peace and resolve as I have in my own. 2018, let’s begin.

Hi there,

Can you believe it’s 2018 already? I can’t. As January 2017 rolled around last year, I sought to improve my life and check my personal email no more than once a week, usually on Friday mornings. If you’re interested in how that went, like most people are after receiving my auto-response, it was a revelation.

Heading into 2018, I’m trying to focus even more on what matters. Unless I’ve asked you to email me something specific, I will probably not be responding to your email. Your best bet is to call me directly and talk over the phone if you feel it is important (480.319.0448). In Q1, please know that I will be taking zero meetings outside of those necessary for my work, current commitments, or in my diligent efforts to spend more time with my family, friends, and mentors.

My apologies in advance if this is at all disappointing. I will certainly reemerge, but I feel this is what I am supposed to be doing at this current moment in time. Life comes in seasons, and this will be a season of simplicity, rest, and unparalleled focus. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes.

In love and gratitude,

?Jonathan