Joyfully Simplified

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

― Leonardo da Vinci

Recent Posts

Jan 1114 min

Feeling Like Your Own Weakest Link?

Have you ever felt like you, yourself, are the weakest link in your very own life? You know, those days when you wake up in the morning...

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Apr 11, 20235 min

The Deep End of the Pool

Remember being a kid at the swimming pool? Or watching your own children as they learned to swim? A little scared at first. Sitting on...

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Nov 7, 20222 min

Spread Too Thin

When I was a young mom I took a series of cake decorating classes. I wanted to know how to make cute, unique cakes for my kids'...

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Oct 1, 20225 min

The Simplicity of Doing Nothing

Hustle and bustle is the hallmark of modern society it seems. Technology has made it possible to be working and interacting 24/7. We are...

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Sep 25, 20223 min

Free Up Space

Love it or hate it - for most of us our phones have become fairly central to our ability to function, in both our personal and work...

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Hi, I'm Laura

I downsized and moved my family to the beach to pursue a more Joyfully Simplified life. I've discovered while on this journey that less really can be more.

Less of what? Stuff, stress, time wasting and misaligned activites and relationships.

More of what? Authenticity, free time and space for creativity, real love, peace and joy.

My Story

Coaching

Life feeling a little chaotic, out of focus or uninspired? Are you longing to feel less fearful and disorganized, and more grounded, authentic and playful again?

Individual one-on-one coaching (group coaching coming soon) by telephone or zoom.

- Midlife Discovery

-Simplicity

-Living Yoga (coming soon)

Learn More

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”

― Ram Dass

Fall is my favorite season. Always has been.

I used to love watching the leaves change colors, but that doesn’t happen quite as dramatically here in Florida. Temps do cool some but the change of seasons isn’t quite as distinct. I miss that. But you do still feel a shift here.

Holiday decorations and coffee flavors start to come out. It’s quieter with fewer tourists here, so the locals come out more. Fall just feels fun. And cozy. It evokes feelings of family gatherings, baking, curling up with a blanket to read, hanging out on the porch watching the birds. Fall feels homey.

Taking my kids out to dinner today after work, just because. Fall feels like that all season. ❤️🍁🍂

Storms. They rage through our lives, both literally and figuratively, often beyond our control, frightening and traumatic. Sometimes giving us little notice that life is about to turn upside down and be changed forever. I’m becoming more acutely aware of this since living in Florida. My family has been safe and untouched personally by either hurricane, but my heart is breaking for the devastation so many are facing.

What can we learn from the tangible weather storms that can also help us navigate the life event “storms” we all face at some point?

1) Sunny days are the time to prepare. Waiting until the rain has begun becomes so much more difficult, if not impossible.

2) It’s far better to over prepare unnecessarily, than to discover you did not prepare enough when it’s too late.

3) Heed warnings. Listen, and respond, to red flags, danger alerts and concerns. Don’t wait too long ignoring the signs of trouble.

4) People matter more than things. Say that again. This is true always, not just in a storm. Act accordingly.

5) Help each other. Before, during and after. In whatever ways you can.

6) The storm will pass, and the sun will shine again. But the suffering and recovery last much longer than the media coverage does.

Prayers for all those affected by Helene and now Milton. Gratitude for the heroes out doing repair and rescue work today. Love to those going through “life storms” too that no one else can see. ❤️❤️

I rarely iron anymore. I used to in another place and time, but these days I have mostly wash and wear clothing, or just tumble dry them enough to take the worst of the wrinkles out. Or honestly sometimes just wear them wrinkled. 😂 Life got so busy over the years that who had time for ironing anyway? Am I right?

But I bought a few shirts recently that require pressing (gasp) At first I was a bit annoyed, recalling it as a boring and tedious job. But now I know how much I’ve changed inside, because these days I’ve discovered to my surprise, I find it an oddly soothing and satisfying task. Watching the steam smoothing out the rumpled fabric is almost meditative. (Does that sound weird or do you know what I mean?)

I find most homemaking chores generally very …well…homey these days. Comforting. I’m slowing down and remaining present in the work at hand, and that’s made all the difference. The repetition I once balked at now feels peaceful. Important in its humble and meaningful way.

You don’t get many awards or accolades for dishes well done, beds made or a crisply ironed shirt. But there’s a sweetness to doing these simple, nurturing and necessary chores for yourself and your family.

I see that now in a way I didn’t fully before. I’m still working, but when home I’m trying to really be there. (Not mentally still at work like I was for so long) and I’m finding a joy in basic homemaking that I had lost for awhile. It’s a cozy feeling I didn’t even know how much I was missing.

Ironing - who knew? But I really don’t mind it anymore.

🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

My poor state is in danger again with hurricane Milton coming in hot on the heels of Helene. The area I live in is not in the path. We will be fine here. But I’m heartbroken for those who are frightened for the safety of their loved ones and homes. Again. So soon.

Prayers going out to my personal friends and all of my fellow Floridians who live in Milton’s way.

❤️❤️❤️

#hurricanemilton #floridahurricane

I mean…it’s true 😂😂 in my 50’s I’m yawning and about ready for bed by 9 pm (who am I kidding? Sometimes it’s 7:30 🤷‍♀️) I don’t have the same tolerance for noise. Or rushing. Or alcohol.

Things like bird feeders and home improvement projects fascinate and delight me. Beach walks and meandering through antique stores are my jam now.

But hey…I’m still fun! I still turn up the rock and roll station in my car…but my music is now considered classic rock. (When did that happen?) I’m still up for adventure though, and love to laugh.

Rock on my friends…even if we do it a little differently than we used to 😂😂😂🤘

This one made me laugh…but also seriously though!

Why do we so often wait to follow our joys and passions? Often until it’s too late to fully enjoy them or maybe ever experience them at all?

Now I’m not advocating irresponsibility. But I am promoting balance. And a healthy understanding that you are allowed to be happy. And excited. Curious. You’re allowed to laugh every day. Do the things that light you up. Dream. Play.

You are not only allowed to love yourself…it’s vital that you do. And part of self love is understanding that you deserve joy.

For me travel is one of my greatest passions and sources of adventure and happiness, so this photo resonates with me and makes me giggle, but also think deeply. Substitute what you love and the message remains the same.

Happy Sunday my friends. ❤️

A year ago today was the last time I dyed my roots. Next Friday marks a year from the day I moved here to start my new life in Florida. A year from downsizing. A year from retiring from my real estate career to do less stressful work. A year from the commitment to sort out some health things (ongoing) A year since I rediscovered yoga and some spiritual practices and fully embraced them.

A year since I firmly decided to choose peace. To love and choose myself. To choose a more minimal lifestyle but to allow for more maximized joy.

This has been a year of many happy days. Also Many tears. Many discoveries. Many acceptances and healings. Many emotions. Many more hours talking to and spending time with my children. Many mixed emotions and patterns interrupted.

It’s been intense. And also slower and more deliberate at the same time. I truly had no idea how much would change within me when I made conscious decisions to change the life around me. Life is still not perfect. I don’t think that’s even possible or the goal. But I do know I will never be the same.

The journey continues forward with many highs and lows ahead I am sure. But this year has been transformative. I am grateful to God for inspiring it continually and to my loved ones for being a part of my life.

❤️❤️❤️

This is brilliant, right?? 😂😂😂

Ok yes we do have to clean stuff. Just has to be done. Dishes, toilets, the works. But we need to get totally over the idea that it has to be perfect. I mean…why? Who are we trying to impress?

Life is about balance. Sometimes good enough really is good enough and we can stop, take a break, play with the kids, smell the roses.

Happy Wednesday my friends. And happy October.

🍂🍁🍂🍁🎃

Gooooood morning everybody. It’s a beautiful day here in Florida, and I’m feeling grateful for simple joys and blessings.

What is making you feel happy today? Share with me in the comments and let’s spread a little happy around today.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Of all of the purposes and accomplishments possible in life…at its essence to love and be loved is the greatest of all. Love is at the heart of every good thing.

Prioritize quality time. Service. Laughter. Listening. Prioritize love.

Have a beautiful Sunday my friends. ❤️

Thank you to all those who reached out to check on us and offered prayers during Helene. You made us feel so loved.

As it turned out our area here was very lucky this time and has had little to no impact other than light rain and breezes. We are totally fine with no damage at all. Honestly I spent the day lounging with my family, watching movies and reading.

My heart goes out to those to our east that were not so fortunate. 🥲 It’s been a monster storm with more issues yet to come. Sending up prayers of comfort to those in her path. ❤️

At this time we are only having light rain, and projected to be in the tropical storm area later, not in the direct hurricane path. But an hour or two east of us could get hit terribly. These things are not entirely predictable, so we will all have to wait and see how the next 48 hours unfold.

Prayers to all those affected by this gigantic and powerful storm.

#hurricanehelene #floridastorms #floridahurricaneseason #floridalife

But seriously though…

I mean Helene is a little extra…but there’s always something isn’t there? And we get through it. But it’s an illusion that there will ever be that perfect time when we have no stress or problems. Doesn’t exist.

So we may as well be happy now. We have our storm snacks ready, our candles in case power goes out, car is full of gas in case the track shifts and we end up having to evacuate (not looking like it at the moment. Should be only a tropical storm where we are unless something changes) and a bottle of wine cuz…well why not? 😂😂

As long as we have power we’re going to try to just chill and watch movies. School is cancelled in advance, so we may play some games and just see how it goes.

Prayers to those living an hour or two East of us that are currently projected to get the direct hit.

#helenehurricane #tropicalstormhelene #floridaweather #floridaliving

About an hour from my house is the cutest little zoo!! In Crestview, FL - they have farm animals, giant tortoises, exotic birds, snakes and even larger zoo animals like a lion, tiger, bear, giraffe, and jaguar. It’s fairly inexpensive admission and you can buy food to feed some of the animals. Totally fun little day trip if you’re local or visit the area. Haley came with me and we were some of the only people there. It was adorable and quaint in every way, and the animals seemed well cared for and loved.

❤️❤️❤️

Happy Tuesday friends. Storm is coming. But I’m feeling oddly calm. I’m finally learning…

It will possibly pass us. Then any worry I did was for nothing.

It will possibly be bad. And we will prepare and deal with it if so.

That’s kind of the way of things isn’t it? Sounds so simple when put plainly like that. And yet I’ve spent so much of my life stressing. Mulling over a million potential tragedies…most of which never happened. And those that did were never once benefitted by me being in a frantic state. Never.

So I’m going to skip that part this time and just deal with what is. Go buy supplies then go to the zoo. Feels weird to not be overly handwringing. But I like it. 😄 (Not saying I’m not taking the storm seriously. I’m doing all we’re being advised to do.)

Love ya’ll.

I suppose there are multiple opinions on this question…but as far as we know for certain we only get one shot at this life. And the present moment is the only one that is entirely “real.” Some would argue it’s all we ever truly have.

Today matters. We allow it so often to become eclipsed in the swirling thoughts of yesterday and tomorrow. But today matters.

In this moment we are alive. Breathing. Thinking. Feeling. Loving. But are we allowing ourselves to fully experience that? To lean into the wonder of each of our senses? To approach the day with the curious mind and open heart of a child?

Dogs and kids…watch them. They remain present. Whatever emotion they are feeling they are fully feeling it. They’re all in. Are we all in? Given that this moment is truly all…let’s make sure we are all the way in it.

Happy Monday everybody. Have an amazing week.
❤️❤️❤️

Don’t forget to give yourself credit for the hundreds (yes hundreds, maybe even thousands) of small successes you have every week.

We can become so focused on the large extraordinary goals we are reaching for, or the mistakes we make or setbacks we are facing, that we stop even noticing all of the things we did right today! The things we’ve done a million times so they don’t seem special anymore. Or that feel insignificant by comparison.

But…

The simple acts of life often have the most cumulative impact. When you think of a loved one that’s passed away, for instance, what memories are the most special? Their remote and epic successes? Or the times they held your hand, told you they loved you, baked you cookies, and just spent time with you?

Congratulate yourself for getting the dishes and housework done…it’s a gift to your family even when imperfect. For getting up to go to work even when you were still tired. For feeding the dog and watering the plants. The ordinary things.

It’s fine to reach for larger successes too if you wish to, of course. Just be sure to celebrate the little wins along the way.

❤️❤️❤️

Eden Gardens State Park- nature walk with my daughter Haley and her dog Goose. Beautiful weather. Beautiful views. Beautiful conversations.

Moments like these are why I do all of the rest of the crazy and hard parts of life. To make days like today possible.

Time with people you love. Quiet strolls though beautiful places. Peace. Gratitude.

❤️❤️❤️

#edengardensstatepark #edengardens #floridastateparks #timewithfamily

In two weeks I will be at the year mark on this crazy hair grow out journey. I still have some dyed ends, but they don’t bother me anymore now that it’s almost all natural in front. In many ways I feel like I’m finished, even though technically I’m not.

But my fear is finished. I don’t second guess this daily anymore or worry what others will think.

My angst is finished. I’m not obsessing about looking older and ruminating on all that means. There’s an acceptance and peace now. I’m getting older. It is what it is. Hair dye never did change that anyway.

My roots are finished. I’m no longer enslaved to them and their maintenance. I might still put tinted toners on occasionally for variety and fun if I feel like it. But roots is one worry I have permanently checked off of my life list.

My need to conform is finished. Ok not totally finished, that’s a lifelong struggle I’m still working on. But it’s better. Much better.

Posts about this journey are finished. I did them mostly to support others who were considering doing it but afraid. And to keep myself motivated. But I don’t think I need to do them anymore. It no longer feels like a path I am on. More a destination I have arrived at. I’m going to grow it out longer now, but the silver is here to stay.

One year - that transformed so much more than just my hair. I will miss my brown hair much in the same way I think fondly and wistfully on my youth. With gratitude. Now I’m headed into my silver phase of life and honestly am pretty thankful and happy for it too. Different…but still a beautiful time.

#silverhair #greyhairdontcare #silversisters #oneyearsilver #silverhairgrowout

Finally returned to the beach today, after months of conceding it to the tourists. Don’t get me wrong - I’m grateful to the tourists. Ya’ll fuel our economy all year long and I’m happy to share in the summer. But now comes fall…that blissful time when locals have a sleepy beach town, perfect weather and uncrowded spaces. This is when we breathe and fill our cups back up with the peace that we came here to find.

This song…Hey You (Pink Floyd) really hit my heart this morning. It’s never had quite this effect before…I never really heard and felt the words. But then I’ve never been 4 years single before either. It’s a particular set of emotions that can be hard to put to words but music sometimes can. An odd combination of lonely yet filled with self discovery. Longing yet contentment at a level never previously found. Reaching but yet protective.

To the singles out there today, I just want to tell you that I see you. You are beautiful. Life is beautiful too. You’re ok. You are loved.

❤️❤️❤️

I’ve been consciously simplifying my life and slowing down for awhile. Haven’t been posting as much. What am I doing instead?

Writing…on actual paper in a notebook.

Focusing on studying the yoga sutras and chakra systems - my orange bracelet is to keep me focused on the sacral chakra this week.

Leaning into getting to know the sweet residents better at the assisted living community I work at and hearing their stories.

Having morning tea on my back porch watching the birds at my bird feeder.

Fixing up my house. Decluttering. Creating peaceful welcoming gathering spaces.

Sharing meals with my kids.

Just…life. Nothing extraordinary…except I’m discovering that actually it is. These are the moments that make up a beautiful life. The quiet, simple joys.

Happy Tuesday my friends. ❤️

Can we normalize being a regular person?

This is me - no makeup, hair still wet from my shower, a few pounds I’m still trying to lose but probably never will. Chilling at home on a stormy day in my yoga pants. This is how I look most of the time. It is what it is.

But it’s true isn’t it? Most of us don’t have perfect skin, magazine worthy homes, or fancy cars. We don’t have perfect careers, perfect relationships or perfect lives. We’re not supermodels, super wealthy or celebrities. We may have extraordinary experiences, but in between we’re generally pretty ordinary.

Can we as a society just be ok with that now? Can we stop curating, and filtering and chasing after perfection? And celebrate the beauty in being just good, honest, hardworking people that love others and do our best every day to live decent lives?

Just my thoughts on this rainy, cozy day in Florida. Here’s to all the regular people!! In my eyes you are amazing!

❤️❤️❤️

Before and after - swipe to see the almost finished project!

Omg you guys. I started this pantry months ago…meaning my food has been in boxes on the floor for that long. Not fun. This project fought me every step of the way but it’s finally almost done!! All that’s left is hanging a couple of wood and wire baskets and hooks for my step ladder and aprons. But I’m happy with how it’s turning out.

Everything that could go wrong - did! From scraping the ceiling, to hanging the paper to getting the shelves level and solid…it just was one mishap after another…one “we are missing one bracket or screw” …just on and on…delay after delay. I was beginning to despair we would never have a functional pantry again, and would forever have a kitchen that looked like an episode of hoarders. 😂

A few finishing touches and we can finally put the food away!! By the end of this week I will have a pantry!

Life lesson learned…even when things are hard, stay with it. The end result is worth the effort. And when it feels like the end or resolution will never come…stay with it. Then all of a sudden one day…it’s done.

Stay with it! Keep the faith don’t beat yourself up. Everything worth having is worth putting in the effort and having the patience for. Thank you to my son Kevin and my neighbor Kent for their help along the way.

Next project…my new office. Stay tuned.

#pantryrenovation #pantryorganization #pantrydesign #pantrymakeover #diyprojects

I’ve been binging this show with my kids and highly recommend it for anyone who has dogs or loves dogs. Cesar is so knowledgeable about canine psychology, and really trains the humans as much, or more, than the dogs.

For anxious or angry pups he talks a lot about helping them reach a state of calm surrender. It’s mentioned often in every episode, so that phrase “calm surrender” has been very much on my mind as I go through my days recently. I’ve been pondering on how important learning to achieve this mindset is for humans too.

We can’t avoid anxiety completely. We all encounter situations throughout our lives that are upsetting, or frightening or painful. And our nervous systems by design will trigger and place us into fight or flight mode in these moments. This is important to our survival, so that we will be equipped to respond to danger. It’s a good thing short term and when facing a real and imminent threat. The trouble is, though, that in society today we are often running on a ramped up nervous system on a chronic, long term basis. Stressed about small things, or past or future fears, or the ten thousand possible outcomes, etc etc etc. to where it becomes habitual to feel like you’re running from a Tiger, even when not much is going on. The hustle culture and uncertain political and financial times we live in fuel this further.

The effects of long term stress are literally killing us, so learning to achieve a calm surrender state, both physically and mentally, is more important now than ever. With dogs Cesar essentially quiets the environment and gets them to simply be still, while holding space for them in calm confidence. You can literally watch as the tense animal relaxes. It’s a beautiful transformation to witness as the peace washes over them.

It works for people too, in much the same way. Stillness in the body and mind first. Quieting the noise. Calm surrender. Peace.

It can be done. Like anything it takes practice. But this self soothing technique may be the greatest gift you give to yourself and may actually extend your life and improve the quality of your relationships.

Go watch Cesar work his magic. So much fun.
🐾🐾🐾

11 month silver hair update…just had several inches of hair cut off plus layers, some fringy bangs and a toner to tame the orange ends…and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel at last. One or two more haircuts and I should be finally fully transitioned to my natural grey. What a relief that will be. Then I’ll probably grow it out a little longer again ? But who knows? I can do fun things with colors or low lights underneath, or whatever for fun and variety, then if I feel like it without ever having to deal with the dreaded demarcation line again!! Or without coloring the crown where my scalp got so sensitive.

The toner darkened the natural brown I have on top a tad too but she swore to me on all that was holy that it would wash out in 6 to 8 weeks with no trace. It still looks quite white in outdoor light. Crazy how different it is in this lower light.

I’m almost there ya’ll!!! This has been interesting haha

#silverhair #silversisterscommunity #greyhairtransition

We all have that thing…you know the thing…the dream, the purchase, the reach out, the goal, the trip…even the lingerie you bought but have never worn or the fancy cheese you’ve always wanted to try…whatever…

That thing we’re waiting for. I’m not talking about something we CAN’T do. Just something we haven’t done, because the timing hasn’t felt perfect. Or we decide to save the money instead of spend it even though we could. Or because we’re just not in the habit of saying yes to our “want to’s” or someone else told us we were wrong to even want it.

You know what I mean and very likely you had something come immediately to mind as you read this.

Go do it. Give yourself that gift. Buy the dress, ask the girl/guy out, try that new restaurant, take the trip, try the class … open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving. Saving for what? A special occasion. But why? Why can’t today be special?

Walk on the beach, smell the roses, stop in the middle of the day just to breathe. What are you really waiting for after all?

When I bought my house last October the carpets were filthy - I thought it would be one of the first things I did before even moving in was clean them. But other projects took priority, then the furniture was in, then extra budget money always seemed to need to go elsewhere. Then I started working and time was at a premium too, so now 101/2 months later my carpets were still gross. Funny how when you live with something for long enough you even kind of stop noticing ??

But today is the day! I finally bought a home carpet cleaner (quotes to have someone else do it were outrageous) and I am half appalled and half giddy delighted as I’m digging into this project.

It’s going to take a couple of long days honestly. Because I didn’t do it up front I’m having to move furniture, and this is such old, stubborn dirt it’s taking around 7 or 8 passes in each section to get it up, but they are at last coming clean!! And we can actually see what color this carpet really is. A light beige, not a dingy grey! Ew. You can see in the photo how different it is!!! Disgusting that we’ve been living with it this way so long.

Life lessons relearned (I never seem to fully learn this the first second or even tenth time??):

-do the thing you know you need to do as soon as possible. Waiting so often makes it harder
-you deserve a clean fresh home and so do your loved ones. It can truly change your emotional state if things are dirty Vs. Clean. This is an important tenant of both yoga and Feng Shui because environment and mental/spiritual well being are so connected.
-even though it’s hard work, take the time to do things right.
-a little music makes chores more fun.

Even though this carpet is still pretty dated I’m amazed how well it’s cleaning up. It’s going to look, feel (and probably smell 😂) like a whole new house!!

I got rear ended on the way to take my son to school this morning. The damage was fairly minor, only some small scuffs and dents, and no one was injured thankfully. But it’s been a reminder to me how quickly things can happen. A serious accident would have happened just as fast and unexpectedly as this little one. Or a life altering diagnosis, relationship change you didn’t see coming, financial reversal…stuff happens and often when we left the house that morning we had no idea what was coming.

Good things can also work this way…a random trip to the mall and you can meet the love of your life out of the blue, or a business opportunity presents suddenly that you’d never heard of before. You get the idea.

The point is that we never fully know what’s around the bend. Life can hit you when you least expect it for better to for worse. So it’s important to learn to be flexible and not overly attached to current circumstances. So we can roll through the ups and downs. It’s a skill that takes intention and practice like anything else. But it’s an important aspect of resilience.

Today was a small inconvenience. I’m grateful for that. And for the life reminder that accompanied it.

🧡

Less- stuff, stress, rush, worry.

=

More- peace, love, creativity, joyfully simplified life.

My new website/coaching is based on these ideas. I don’t have much content on there yet. Just a few posts I moved over from my old site for the moment. But this is my direction going forward. And it makes me smile. ❤️

Www.joyfullysimplified.com

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Hi, I'm Laura

Coaching

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Recent Posts

Hi, I'm Laura

Coaching

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Join me on Instagram

Join my Email List