It’s amazing how fast a year can come…and go! I’m not one for resolutions, but it never hurts to set goals for yourself. This year I’m focusing more on living each day intentionally, and one at a time. I’m also embracing the simple. Growing up Appalachian, I know how to live simple and frugal down to the penny, but one can never stop learning. And I have learned so much from my Amish friends and neighbors how many more simplicities I can incorporate in my life. If one of your goals is to live a simpler, more efficient life, here are a few tips from the Amish you can merge into your days.

Put Faith First

Trust God.

Putting our trust in others is hard, I know, but faith is all about trusting in Him to know our needs. Be brave enough to trust, and cling to your faith. The Amish take time each day for devotions. It only takes a few moments in prayer and meditation to feel closer to God. I have dedicated my year to reading daily, praying more, and worrying less.

Love Family

“Even when you don’t want to”

One of the things that impresses me the most about the Amish is their strong family values. Respect for one another and that closeness that can never be severed. I understand not everyone has family near them, but family is who we bring into your lives and hold dearest to us. I have dear friends I can call family.

When our children were young we had game nights, movie nights, and camping trips. I found these some of the greatest times of my life. Each limb has such and important role in the family tree. It doesn’t matter if you the wise old grandmother, the struggling young father, or the kid making everyone laugh and want to jump in puddles again, be present and spent time with each other. So find your role, and be part of your family.

Community

“Know your tribe, and love them hard.”

Can you remember what it was like to have that group of friends or grow up in that small community where everyone knew everyone? I remember the old men who used to sit at the country store. They always had the greatest stories to tell.

Friendships begin with community, and the Amish know how to do…community. There is always someone to look up to there and we can learn so much by the mistakes of others. When you need advice or have questions, there is someone with the answers. Like family, you are there with each other and for each other. And when a need a rises, many hands make lighter work. If you don’t feel like you are part of a community, volunteer. It’s the best way to meet new neighbors and forge everlasting friendships.

Be present

Turn off all the noise

The Amish don’t have electricity in their homes and I have learned what a blessing that can be. We have filled our homes and lives with so many distractions, no wonder we’re always stressed and feeling pulled in too many directions. The world can be loud enough, so turn off that t.v. and set down that phone.

Set goals for yourself and get away from the distractions we have created for yourself. When my writing career took off, I found myself whirled into the world of constant flow. I love social media, mostly because it allows me to connect with many of you, but too much of anything is…too much!!!

I began turning it all off, one day a week and it has been the best decision I’ve made in a while. I’m not ready to live off-grid or anything, but I have adapted a few things I have learned from my Amish friends that allows me more freedoms. Freedom to be present in every moment without the ping of a message coming through my phone. During this transition, I found I enjoy my own company, and any chance I get to simply sit in nature and listen is a blessing. I’m learning about birds, how Labradors run a lot faster than I do, and that squirrels will throw nuts at you if you stay in their way too long. I’ve found greater joys in my garden, and how water troughs and grandchildren bring more happiness than who is trending on twitter. I have also found fresh joy in reading and admiring a sunset from our porch. Set a goal, and go live life.

Be frugal. 

Mike and I have had the honor of eating in a few Amish homes. Like my childhood, meals are home-cooked and remind me of simpler days. Last year we went through a bout of eating out because we were constantly traveling and not only did this affect us financially, it increased our waistlines too. Yes, I now have twenty pounds to lose thanks to quick and convienant.

Want simple, healthy, and cheaper. Cook your own food.

Christmas has just past and now is a good time to consider homemade gifts this year. I mean really, how many air fryers does one household need. There is something satisfying in making a gift with your hands. I have gifted many a guilt and story myself, and never have I even been told I should have gifted something better.

Another frugal way to simplify your life is simply, and my favorite, is growing your own food. I mentioned this before and my dear author friend Elaine reminded me that not everyone has a place to garden. Bless her heart for showing space is not barrier to this issue. Elaine grew vegetables by the bushel in pots in her apartment. A tomato or cucumber plant doesn’t require that much space. You’d be surprised by how much food can be grown in a small space.

Hanging laundry out to dry can save you big at the bank, and it smells better too.

Be Healthy

Leave the keys and tie your laces tight

One of the healthiest ways we can improve our lives is by simply walking. The Amish travel mostly by horse and buggy, but walking and biking, and sometimes riding a shooter, is a way of life. Want to improve your health, take a walk, enjoy your neighbors or simply watch the birds play. Fresh air and exercise is good for the body.

I have spent time with many members of the Amish faith and always find them relaxed and never in a hurry. They seem to smile in a way that makes happy look better. Slowing down, finishing what we start, and being present, are all great ways of bettering our lives. Through discipline, faith, and a taking the plain path, we may find better versions of ourselves too.