We are drawn to their simple lifestyles and pictorial homes. Their unflinching faith, family values, and solid communities. From our side of the fence, they live charmed lives filled with quaint cottage shops, flourishing fields, and laughing children. We seldom see the work, obedience, and dedication required to being Amish.

But we can adapt many of their traits into our own lives. You don’t need to go off-grid to live a better life. Growing up Appalachian, I can relate to many simpler ways of living, and yet, I have learned many core values from my neighbors and Amish friends that have given me a fresh perspective on what it means living Plain.

The Amish are not so different than us. They are devout Christians with lives and roles just like us. They are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, and face an uncertain world just as we do.

Despite how life is on your side of the fence, implementing some of the simple lifestyles is not as hard as it would appear.

Here are a few simple ways you can live more like the Amish

Find the Quiet~ The world is moving at a racehorse pace. Technology has never been more available than it is today. We have instant news. We are glued to our cell phones, and have countless conveniences that we spend more time paying for than enjoying.

Taking time each day to just listen to the quiet is a good start. Turn off everything around you. Sit in nature. Read a book. Meditate. Whatever works for you, do it.

Live on Less–

If it isn’t necessary, toss it. I’m a fan of frugal living. Even my personal library is small and books that I’ve read are often donated. Purging your home and land of anything that doesn’t serve a regular purpose will allot you a new freedom and less dusting. Most importantly, if you don’t need it, don’t buy it. Stop tossing away your money on things that don’t matter. Learning to cook is far cheaper than going out so often.  

Be more Self-sufficient.

I’m a avid gardener, but I have friends who live in apartments and raise bigger tomatoes than me. Anyone can do it!!! We have been spoiled with the convenience of simply going to the store and purchasing all our needs. Since the pandemic, we all have a better understanding at how hard going to the store has become.

Conserving energy, growing your own food, and living a simpler life might just extend yours. Doing more for yourself gifts you a special gratitude, a feeling of accomplishment, and has many health benefits.

Mike and I continue to simplify our lives. We raise our own chickens, beef, and pork. Hanging laundry on a line, though not a beautiful as my Amish neighbor’s line looks, saved us $90 month. Saving rainwater, is free and my tomatoes don’t seem to mind at all that its from a barrel and not the hose. We hope to add solar, bees, and a cellar soon.

It’s the little changes that can make the greatest impact.

Faith can move mountains– The Amish place God in the center of their lives, every day. A simple prayer in the morning, a few verses in the afternoon, are small steps to a closer relationship with Him. Faith is not reserved for Sunday alone. They live by his word in everything they do. Be kind to your neighbors, and pray for each other.

Clothed in dignity–

We live in times where we feel we must be accepted, but what strangers think of you, is none of your business. What we wear reflects on who we are.

I’m not suggesting you toss out your favorite jeans. I love my pearl earrings and cannot imagine not wearing them, but I don’t wear them for attention, or to outshine my neighbor either. They are sentimental.

If we chase after attention by spending money to look smaller, younger, prettier, what have we accomplished? Life has it’s seasons and we can’t change that. But we can choose not to draw attention to ourselves. Being comfortable is priceless, and looking natural holds a beauty for more precious than rubies.

Fall in love with nature.

The Amish love the outdoors, which accounts for their strong resilience on cold and hot days. Aside from gardening and hiking, fishing and birdwatching are a few of my favorite things to do. No matter what draws you to the sun, go get your fill of it daily, because we can all use a little more fresh air.

Find your village– We all know the Amish have very close-knit communities. Like one very large family, they see over each other from the youngest to the oldest. Community is one of the traits I most admire from my Amish friends. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is what keeps us grounded. Choosing your tribe should take careful consideration.

Twelve years ago we moved and I had to leave all the family and neighbors I’ve known all my life. But in time, I grew to know my new neighbors and found myself part of a new community. Not just my Amish and English neighbors, but my church family as well. I’m surrounded by people who care, both close by and extended, for me. Get to know your community, grow relationships, because how you build your village will determine your steps

Family First–  Next to God, family is the center of the Amish. They don’t practice divorce, only in special circumstances, and each new life is a gift, sent straight from God.

Mike and I have a blended family and yet my life if filled with overwhelming joys. Family can be hard, we all know, but I challenge you to be a better member. Ask for forgiveness, and offer forgiveness. Family was once considered the building block of one’s life, but now society has strangled those notions. Ditch society and get back to the supper table. Take care of your own, your elderly, and your spouse. The family you have is all you got.

A few small changes in your everyday life inspired by our Amish neighbors can change your life in so many ways.