Simplicity: A Short Story

Once there was a wide eyed, young bride, happily wed to her true love, but overwhelmed by life and the many responsibilities that came with each step further into adulthood. It seemed as though her life consisted mostly of burdens, bills, and tasks that brought her very little joy. It began to weigh on her so heavily, a toll was taken on her mind and body, and her health suffered as stress and anxiety began to overtake her...

One day, as she looked over the piles of clothes that needed washing, the overwhelming stack of dirty dishes, and the seemingly endless bundle of unpaid bills, an idea struck her. She didn't need all those extra clothes, dishes, or even most of the bills. She only had them because that was all she had known. She was raised with all those things and everyone else she knew had them. Suddenly, she realized she had been blindly following what she'd seen done before her, like a member of a herd of cattle. With newly opened eyes, she set out on a mission to free herself from debt, clutter, excess, jealousy, grudges, false beliefs, and any other chains that were holding her back. 

She came across many obstacles as she traveled mostly alone on her journey. Many people did not understand her new ideals. There were often Sirens along her unbeaten path trying to pull her back to the congested highway that she had recently exited, urging that it was safer, less bumpy, more glamorous, less lonely--normal. Occasionally they bested her, and she found herself once more stuck in the flow of traffic, but because she had escaped before, she was more prepared to do so again with more ease. 

Step by step she simplified her life and slowly began to break free from the bonds of materialism. Along the way, she gained a few allies who shared her goal, as their route would on occasion meet up with hers. She even ran into some of her own family on her path, including her husband, and she fell into step with them. They were able to support one another on their quest, and she felt less and less compelled to go back to the highway. 

With her new found freedom, she discovered many interests that she was finally free to pursue, including a love for writing, photography, nature, and a passion for helping people, especially other women. She started sharing her adventures, hoping her new knowledge would help inspire others to break free from their chains as well. She began to experience much more happiness in life as she let go of stress, worry, and unnecessary burdens, and learned to live in the present by basking in the joy of each moment, no longer distracted by fear of the future or regrets of the past.

The young bride and her true love were finally ready to greet the healthy, beautiful baby girl who was soon born. The little family continued on their self built road together, striving to experience each beautiful moment to the fullest as they went, helping others on the way. 
And they were happy.