Things I Do to Choose Simplicity and Grace Each Day

This past week, I turned 30. Now, I wouldn’t say that everything in my life instantly changed, but something inside me definitely shifted. I found myself reflecting on the life I’m living, the woman I’m becoming, and the kind of peace I want to carry with me each day.

The biggest takeaway so far? Life doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it.

Somewhere along the way, I think we all start to believe that we need to have everything figured out. We feel this constant pressure to be everything for everyone, to plan every little detail, and to control what’s happening around us. But honestly? That’s just not realistic. The older I get, the more I realize that peace often comes with simplicity and grace: things we get to choose each day.

Here's some ways that have helped me along the way.

Releasing the "NEED" to control everything.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Romans 8:28

I used to think that if I just planned well enough, worked harder, and stayed on top of everything, life would go exactly how I wanted it to. But this life has a way of reminding us that we're not in control of outcomes.

And honestly, trying to be can be exhausting.

There's always things happening unexpectantly. Delays, changes, and situations that don't make sense at the time. Something I've learned along the way is that peace doesn't come from having control or all the answers. It comes from surrendering.

Surrendering doesn't mean giving up. It means to simply trust God when things are unclear. To remind yourself that all things are working out for your good, even when things get a little uncomfortable. When you find yourself fustrated, here's that reminder to just breathe, release, and trust.

Every action doesn't deserve a reaction.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

Not everyone we encounter will be kind. Some people may misunderstand you, and others may hurt you without giving it much thought.

I remember praying years ago for tougher skin, asking God to help me not feel the need to constantly defend myself. And mannnn..... Did I find myself in some situations. Situations that required me to remain silent and simply be obedient. THAT WAS EXTREMELY HARD!

But over time, I began to understand.

The prayer didn't look the way I thought it would, but the process taught me something . I learned that I don't need to react every time something doesn't sit right with me. I don't need to defend myself every time something is said, because God is fully capable of doing that on my behalf.

When I find myself in situations that feel offensive or uncomfortable, I like to pause and ask myself three things. Is it worth it? Do I need to respond? Will the response be helpful in any way? In many cases, the answer is no, and I choose to let it go.

Over time, I realized that not everything deserves my energy. Some things are simply distractions, and some battles are not mine to fight.

When I decided to stop reacting to everything, my life became a lot lighter.

Protecting my sanity became more important than proving a point, and for me, that's freedom.

Live life on my own terms (With God of course)

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” Galatians 1:10

Living life on your own terms begins with being true to who you are and who God has called you to be. It's not about seeking permission from others, but about seeking direction from God.

The truth is, not everyone will understand the decisions you make, and that's okay. Not every path is meant to be understood by everyone. Many times you'll just have to move forward even when it doesn't make sense to the world.

There's something freeing about that. When you release the weight of other's expectations, the pressure begins to lift. You no longer try to fit into the roles that weren't meant for you in the first place. Instead, you choose to live and enjoy life.

A life centered on God is not built on opinions, approval, or outside noise. It's built on faith and your willingness to follow God's guidance. When the focus shifts from pleasing people to honoring God, there's a sense of wholeness and confidence that comes with that.

Instead of "Why is this happening to me?" asks "What is the lesson for me in this?"

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Every season of life is different, and there will be many times when you don't fully understand what God is doing behind the scenes. As humans, it’s natural to ask, "Why is this happening to me?" but shifting that question to, "What is this season teaching me?" can change your entire perspective.

Some seasons push us beyond our comfort zones, while others humble us in unexpected ways. I can personally recall a season of isolation where God placed me to strengthen my faith and character over time.

When we take the time to reflect, we begin to see that nothing we go through is wasted. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, shapes us into who we're becoming.

Instead of resisting your current circumstances, choose to be present in them. Trust that this season, like the others, has something valuable to offer and is part of a larger plan.

When God gives you insight. LISTEN.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

The moment I stopped overthinking every little thing and became open to listening to what God was guiding me to do, my life became much simpler. Now, that wasn’t always easy for me. I had a mindset where I felt the constant need to manage everything, control every detail, and figure everything out on my own. But when I learned to listen to God’s guidance, things began to fall into place more naturally.

There are definitely times when I may not fully understand or even want to follow what I’m being told, but I’ve learned that obeying God’s guidance saves me from unnecessary stress and problems. Taking heed of the small, subtle warnings and not ignoring the little insights God places in front of me has been a real game-changer.

The confidence I’ve gained from knowing I don’t have to navigate life alone is priceless. There’s peace in trusting that the best person to guide me through this journey is the one who knows me best.