How a Cicada Bug Inspired A Simpler Life

My bug-obsessed son recently found the shell of a cicada bug at our family cottage. Amazing, the brown-coloured shell shed by the cicada looks identical to that of an intact, but hollow bug. The cicada’s new skin is a vibrant green color, making the bug’s metamorphosis from an underground nymph to a winged adult bug complete.

I recently began to think about how, in a quest to simplify my life, I may have a thing or two in common with the cicada. We were both probably quite happy in our lives, despite the fact that there were a number of things weighing us down.

For the cicada, it was the weight of the earth it lived under, but for me, it was the ‘excess’ of material objects cluttering my home. As a mother of two young boys, I find it way too easy to accumulate items to keep my family well-fed, dressed, educated and entertained.

Then, I realized that this clutter also extends to the excess volume of activities, schedules and demands overloading my mind. Perhaps finding a peaceful and satisfying resolve would require shedding my shell, just like the cicada, so I could find my wings to reach new heights?

This blog is a diary of sorts as I find ways to shed things which are in excess in my life. Some modifications may be small, others big, but all are changes that I hope will improve my overall health, happiness and well-being.

I view this blog as a way to share ideas and stories with people who also think that Less is More (at least more or less), while also making myself accountable to the goals that I publish weekly.

My first goal is to finally come to terms with the pre-pregnancy clothes that are collecting mothballs in my closet. I’m pretty sure if I can’t categorize my excess pounds as “baby weight” if my baby just started kindergarten. By de-cluttering my wardrobe, I hope to improve my body image by ridding myself of the reminder that I still can’t fit into about half my clothes.

From a practical standpoint, I also hope to get use out of some long-forgotten clothing hiding at the back of my closet which deserves a second chance. I’ll report back soon on how the process went and whether it was a positive change.

Readers, anything you’re hoping to shed in your quest for simplicity?