89. A quick roundup #14
Rediscovering simplicity through decision-making.
interlude
I’m discovering that when life feels overwhelming, it can be useful to simplify not only my surroundings (decluttering) but also decision-making. In practice, this means letting go of perfectionism and control, in favour of my peace of mind. I’m dedicating this post to some such decisions that have recently worked for me.
resources
Simple connection. I’ve decided to care less about the exact format or length of catch-up, and more about the fact I’m making time for my friends. So if it feels difficult to find time for a coffee or dinner with someone I haven’t seen in a while, combining socializing with activities we already do is really helpful. I’ll invite a friend to a workout class, or I’ll join a walk that a friend was already taking with her dog.
Sometimes I get hung up on doing the exact thing we’d talked about doing the last time we met – but like they say, perfect is the enemy of good, so why not suggest something different? Whatever it looks like, just getting together feels so great, as a stress reliever and chance to express ourselves.Listening to new albums all the way through. I gave up podcasts and YouTube talk shows for Lent, which resulted in a forced “decide once” to listen to music whenever my ears were lonely. During those weeks, I caught up on new albums and found a renewed appreciation for the “long play” format. A full 30-60 minute album is an excellent antidote to our dopamine-fueled culture of hopping from stimuli to stimuli in mere seconds.
On that note (no pun intended!), Panda Bear’s Sinister Grift is easily my favourite album of 2025 so far. Sinister Grift also reminded me how much music has the power to influence my mood: when driving, the harmonies keep me calm and help me pretend I’m in California!Letting go of little details. With my wedding quickly approaching, I’m finding joy and ease in making the best decision in the time that we have – and then moving on, no looking back. As the Lazy Genius puts it, “decide once” and commit to that every time the decision arises.
If we need something delivered and set up on the day, for example: maybe 5 years ago, I would have wanted to put in the extra effort to save money by bothering myself, my fiancé, or one of our family members with yet another pickup. But we’ll have so much to do on the week of the wedding, I’d rather pay $20 for the delivery than pay in terms of added stress.
This mindset also translates into everyday decisions. I decided that when I don’t have ideas for a housewarming or “thinking of you” sort of present, I’ll get a potted plant. The last time I did this, I had to buy for two friends at the same time. Instead of spending additional time worrying about which kinds they would like, I bought them both the same kind of potted flower (albeit in their respective favourite colours). I trusted it would be the thought that counted… and it was!
What decision has made your life easier lately? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
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