“Less is more.” It’s a simple phrase, but when we lean into it, it can transform how we live. Simplifying life, whether it’s clearing out distractions, reducing clutter, or focusing on what truly matters, can create deeper meaning, bigger impact, and a sense of harmony we all crave.

I was inspired to talk about this topic after watching a TV show, and one of the characters reflected on how the news used to feel richer and more meaningful before the 24-hour news cycle took over. I recalled that we grew up in a time when news came in short, focused bursts—at 5 o’clock, 10 o’clock, or 11 o’clock—but not constantly. 

It got me thinking about how less can often feel like more in our lives. Simplicity and scarcity sometimes bring deeper meaning and impact because they allow us to savor moments instead of being overwhelmed by them. So for today’s Wise Walk, let’s slow down together. Let’s reflect on where in our lives we might benefit from this “less is more” approach. 

    • What awareness or epiphany did you have regarding how less is more when reflecting on the evolution of the news cycle?
    • What other areas of your life come to mind when you think about where less might be more?
    • How can we incorporate the idea of “less is more” into our lives if we’ve drifted away from simplicity?
    • How can we create and share moments that are unique, individualized, and impactful because they are less frequent?
    • What am I definitely committed to showing up for?
    • What am I going to say NO to?
    • Can we find the ebb and flow within us that works for us?
    • When is less more?
    • What are those areas in our life we want to be more intentional about?

I can’t believe 2024 is almost over, and here we are in December. As part of my Wise Walk, I’m planning to journal on this idea of when less is more. 

It’s my chance to reflect, go inward, and explore what shifts I want to make in 2025, where I want to focus my energy, and what I want to be more intentional about.

I invite you to do the same. Take some time to reflect on what stood out for you in today’s episode. Where in your life could less be more? Or where have you already seen the benefits of this mindset? I’d love to hear your thoughts and takeaways, so feel free to share them with me.

Until next time, take care, enjoy this season of reflection, and keep walking your True Stride.

 

In this episode:

[00:47] The news seemed more meaningful when there wasn’t a 24-hour news cycle.

[03:32] When I have less distractions, I have more energy. The quality of what I put my energy into is better.

[05:08] When I have less clutter, I have more space which means freedom, peace, and harmony.

[06:31] Another simple thing that came to mind was when we have less complaining, we have more gratitude.

[08:53] When we are able to notice what we’re investing our time in, we can create more balance.

[10:25] Each of us have things that we can work on and bring to light and be more aware of.

[11:51] Is there someone in your life that can help you with what you need to work on?

[12:14] Can you get curious about things in your life that are causing anxiety?

[13:48] It’s about finding what’s better for us in that “less is more” category.

[15:17] This also applies with gift giving.

 

Memorable Quotes:

  • “Any time or any energy that we put forward for complaining is less time that we have to be grateful.” – Mary Tess
  • “Space means freedom. It means peace. It means harmony. What a lovely idea for me to focus on less clutter in my life, so that I can have more space and freedom and peace and harmony.” – Mary Tess
  • “Sometimes one thoughtful gift means more than several that dilute its significance.” – Mary Tess

 

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Mary Tess Rooney

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