5 Simple Ways to Embrace the Bliss of Less
Written by Katie Tallo.
I lay in bed last night, head on pillow and smiled. I felt blissful. I knew that it was only six more sleeps until my head would rest on another pillow – one where a soft breeze billows, waves whoosh in my ears, and moonlight lights up the wee hours. Ahhh, camping.
Camping is bliss.
The steady drone of distant traffic, summer construction, and electrical appliances is replaced with the sweet sounds of tree rustles, child squeals, and water splashes. We camp in the same provincial park every year on a sandy white beach. We have ever since our daughter was young. She loves it there. Being beach volleyball fanatics, it is the perfect oasis in which to kick off our flip-flops, dig our toes into the sand, and chill out for two weeks.
Yes, camping is bliss, but it has also become something else for me – it has become too much. Over the years, I’ve become known as the Queen of Camping! I booked our site five months ahead, made lists, shopped off-season for the best deals and bought all the latest and greatest camping gadgets and gear. I became the go-to gal for all things camping related. Our vehicle would be busting at the seams, barely any room for the kid. She’d be shoved into the tiniest of spaces amongst the pillows and blankets, holding her breath, door slamming and away we’d go. Camping became so much prepping, packing, unpacking, setting up and tearing down, that we ended up camping less often.
I have never stopped loving camping, but I think I lost sight of what it’s really all about. So it all stops this year. I’m keeping it simple. I’m leaving most of my gear at home. I’ve spent too many summers fussing over keeping my campsite tidy, too many hours standing over a propane grill, and too many wasted minutes engaged with my camping gear.
This year I will embrace the bliss of less. This year, I will engage with my family and friends, my books, my writing, my quiet mornings on the beach, and my vivid, starry nights. This decision to go minimalist wasn’t easy, but I know it will be worth it. As in life, our stuff can suffocate our bliss. Our stuff can get in the way, cause tension, and take up time. I will embrace less. I will be the camping pauper. And, I will really get away from it all.
How to Embrace the Bliss of Less
- Pack light. Set aside everything you could take, your wish list, or in my case, My Big Camping List. Now, cut it in half. Now, cut it in half again. There. That’s all your need.
- Plan less. Get where you’re going and explore organically. If you see something you want to do, do it. Turn down that road, stop into that café, sit on that grassy hillside. If you’re in the mood for something, do it. Lie on the beach, play, eat, walk, read. Let your body and soul be your map.
- Focus on what you love. Remind yourself of times when you felt joy and recreate those moments. I love playing on the beach. That’s me. That’s my bliss. I love holding hands with my husband while we walk and lying in the sand looking at the stars. The zero gravity chairs are staying home. Getting back to basics connects you with nature and with those you love.
- Think differently. I’ve had to change my mindset to embrace less. I’ve had to let go being the go-to gal, the camping queen and realize that those labels don’t make for a blissful vacation — in fact, that’s people pleasing behaviour. Once you do without something, you are suddenly free of it for good. This year my gear stays home and my joy comes along for the ride instead.
- Embrace change. It’s not just doing it that makes minimizing successful, it’s the embracing of it. I am excited to see just how little I can pack, just how little I will actually need and just how much space in my vehicle, my campsite, my day and my heart I will create.
If you’re planning to get away from it all, I hope you’ll consider embracing the bliss of less. As a result of my own intentions, you will likely see a little less of me over the next couple of weeks, but I shall be thinking of you as I play in the sand, wishing you joyful days and blissful nights. See you soon my friends.
Here are some simple get-away-from-it-all resources you might like:
From Rowdy Kittens, A Beginner’s Guide to Bike Camping
From Peace & Projects, A Guide to My Family’s Version of Minimalist Camping
From Zen Habits & Get in The Hot Spot, 5 Ways to Travel More with Less
Photo by Riza.
62 Responses to “5 Simple Ways to Embrace the Bliss of Less”
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Katie, I can’t wait to hear how different this trip is for you (and your family) compared to other camping trips. Sounds like a follow up post in the making! Have a blissful trip!
Courtney, great idea for a follow-up post. Thank you for your bliss-filled wishes.
Katie – have a beautiful trip! And enjoy the minimalist camping experience. You’ll love it.
Sending you hugs.
You are my inspiration, Tammy. Hugs right back at ya.
Oh Katie….this is my favorite post! I can sense the blanket of peace enveloping you (though you might not feel it right now, as you prepare for the trip). Have a wonderful, enjoyable trip. Relax and cherish the time with your family…it’s really all that matters.
Jane
Funny, but I can already feel it. I shall heed your advice and cherish every little bit of family time I can. Luckily, we’re all volleyball freaks so we get lots of together time. Thanks Jane.
This may be my all-time favorite post of yours. And that’s really saying something when you consider how crazy I am about all of your writing. I think this one grabbed me so because I’ve experienced it from both ends . . . being the go-to gal (with life in general) and then experiencing the richness of life that comes with doing less.
I’ve taken on a few too many things lately and just last night was pondering that while I sat by a campfire and looked at the stars. It’s quiet moments like that I want more of . . . not all the other stuff . . .
Have a wonderful vacation, Katie!
Wow, Jean. That’s a terrific compliment coming from you. This balancing act is tricky, but I’m finding a great sense of peace flooding over me as my holidays approach and I slowly disengage from my responsibilities. Can you smell the beach?
I came to your blog Katie via Jean Saurer’s Tweet. And I’m happy I did so!
I’m not one for camping much myself, albeit I now live in a country where the climate is far more conducive to camping than where I used to live – in the UK. So it could well be on the agenda now!
Mind you, camping is not seen as “the thing to do” by Malaysians, whereas, in the west, its very much embraced these days.
Actually, the words you mention within your post are very related to life in general, and also to blogging more specifically.
May I quote you here “Focus on what you love. Remind yourself of times when you felt joy and recreate those moments”.
Ah yes indeed! How many of us are guilty of not even realizing this prime need in our own daily lives to obtain happiness and fulfillment?!
Lovely post Katie, and thanks very much for sharing! Another retweet from me; I simply gotta share this!
Joseph
Thanks Jean for the tweet and for bringing Joseph over. Joseph you’ve nailed the heart of the article. This entire philosophy can be applied to life and blogging and well, anything. Thank you so much for sharing the post. Spread the love.
My hubs and I are at the brink of purchasing a tent for camping. This couldn’t have come at a better time. Any suggestions on a tent for two? Thanks.
So, Tess. Tents? I always go bigger than the “man” indicator. In other words, two-man fits a small dog, whereas four-man is comfortable for two. We’ve always gone for the six-man or eight-man for our family of three, because you can stand up in them while you’re dressing and that’s easier on the back. I’ve always bought Woods or Coleman brands because they are cheaper than the high-end models and seem to be durable. The thing to watch is the cover and how it’s designed. Rain gets in covers that have high corners. Also, it’s good to waterproof it. That’s the extent of my tent knowledge. See, I told you I was to go-to gal.
…but this year Katie’s just going to take a stack of banana leaves and use twine to strap them together, Bear Grylls style.
Sounds painful. Truth be told I rent a tent trailer from a woman who lives near the park and she hauls it, sets it up and I just move in. Okay, that might not sounds minimalist, but after years on the ground in a tent or even on an air mattress, my back couldn’t take it. We seriously play beach volleyball all day long and need a good bed to lay our weary bodies in at night. It’s just like being in a tent with the breeze and all, but it’s way more comfortable. I figure letting someone else do all the set up is minimalist, isn’t it? Sorry, Jane, no banana leaves. I could make a quilt out of them.
Sounds like an awesome set-up! I hope you have a wonderful vacation, and fall into bed each night blissfully tired and happy. Have a wonderful trip!
Depends what you’re doing? are you hiking or are you driving and setting up?
If your hiking a “hike tent” is a must have if your driving up get a big dome tent. Dome tents are the easiest to put up.
DO NOT GET AIR MATTRESSES. They will get a leak everytime you go campling and you’ll loose the plug and you have to blow them up.
Get a self inflating mattress. They’re awesome!
Benjamin, I’m with you on the air mattresses. Every one we ever owned deflated. The hilarious thing is that the one that we don’t care about and use in the water and treat like crap, is the one that’s lasted. Maybe they just want to be set free to swim all day instead of lying, deflated in a hot tent.
Love this, Katie. I know just what you mean, too, having done loads of traveling and camping, though my camping has been more like solo treks, by myself, with a backpack and railpass. Still, I made a big deal at first of finding just the right stuff and all that. Takes a lot of time and effort! With some trips, I never used half of what I brought. Does anyone actually write in a carnet de degustation when they go to France? lmao Well, not me lol Live and learn
Have a wonderful camping trip!
Sounds like you’ve been quite the adventurer, Leah. I never use half of what I bring either and I’m so sick of my stuff getting in the way of life. No more!! I’m living and learning too. Aren’t we all?
Hi Katie – Thanks for the link-love. And have fun camping.
Your description really made me laugh – it sounds like our cars could match (and we cram in TWO kids), but I have to say a little planning for a camping trip goes a long way. There’s nothing worse than having to leave the beauty of nature because you forgot something needed to survive.
But you’re right – minimalism can still be applied.
Now I think I have to revisit my camping list before the weekend…
You are very welcome, Melissa. I still remember how inspiring your article was and how it got me thinking about camping again. Campers are a special breed. Poor kids, they are always the last thing we pack.
Katie! Good on you for breaking down the list of shtuff and minimizing. I too have made a decision to ‘lighten up’ in terms of my personal interior baggage : ) and physical space baggage in my home…This weekend it’s donate, toss or burn time…Time to make space for the things that really matter: nature, play, spontaneity, appreciation…all of the things you’ve touched on. Your blog looks fantastic btw, and I really enjoyed this post. GO KATIE!
Elana, you are a wise one lightening up the internal baggage. I guess it’s all connected isn’t it? We’re on the same page, you and I. Have a great weekend trashing time. Thanks for the compliments on the new look. I love it. Nothing like a face lift to make a gal feel all shiny and new again.
Awesome post! I found your blog through Rowdy Kittens and I think it’s great
Fortunately I haven’t camped enough to have accumulated so much “stuff” but I know exactly where you’re coming from. It feels good to go camping almost au naturel
I lived out of a tent for a few weeks and I fell in love with minimal plans/gear and just a handful of possessions.
I hope your trip is beautiful and renewing!
Thanks Vanessa, I’m so glad you stopped over from Rowdy Kittens. Tammy is such a great supporter. I like that expression “camping au naturel”, feels good. Thank you for your kind thoughts for my trip. I hope to blissfully renew my tired self.
Oh the bliss of less is a tough one for me….but Andy does not allow me to check luggage when we travel – even internationally and even for weeks – so my life is as “less” as it is but between us, I do enjoy traveling light and focusing on the other aspects of life such as being where I am and taking it all in. Brilliant guide to not just camping. You are on top of your game with every post, Katie, and my momentum is truly gathered up when I visit here….Thank you so much!
Farnoosh my dear. I did not know you had yourself an Andy. I do too. Seriously, my husband’s name is Andy. Good on him for insisting on carry-on only. It’s the best when you don’t have to deal with the waiting, risk or annoyance of check-in bags. I really appreciate your continued support of my blogging efforts. I’m am so glad your momentum is truly gathering. That’s just awesome.
Now that is a sweet coincidence – yes Andy is my better half, my hubby and you shall meet him in Blogoplooza (as he calls it) in October! Thank you and enjoy the well-deserved holidays, Katie!
Katie, I think the ‘Bliss of Less’ may be taking over the world! I know I’m certainly embracing it myself and it seems that everywhere I go, others are doing the same…it’s wonderful! Less baggage both emotionally and physically ~ works for me.
Have a wonderful break. Your words of wisdom will be missed, so your camping trip provides a great opportunity to read over your older posts.
Hi Joanne, I think you’re right about the bliss of less. I’m so glad it’s working for you and I really appreciate your kind words. Yes, read over old posts, dig into the cleanse if you haven’t finished it and I’ll be back with more momentum before you know it.
YAY Katie! I’m thrilled to hear you’re going to take a vacation!!!! – and a minimalist one so you’ll really have the opportunity to breathe and just be.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, simply divine
Thanks Aileen. I can feel your enthusiasm and it warms my heart. It will be divine.
Fabulous post and a beautiful surprise to see a link to Get In the Hot Spot at the bottom! Thank you:)I’m trying to plan a camping trip in Sep on Fraser Island – it’s suppose to be one of the most gorgeous spots in Australia. Just me, the hubby, our 3 kids and 374,33467091,30485 grains of sand. Hope they don’t all end up in my sleeping bag:)
Thanks Annabel, lovely to see you here and it was my pleasure linking to you and Leo — a double whammy! Watch for sand in the teeth, that’s the worst. Have fun on Fraser Island! I can’t believe you have three kids and do all you do. You must have oddles of momentum! Take care.
This is a wonderful post! You’ll never get me to camp for fun, as my idea of fun is beach by day, hotel by night, but your message resonates with me big time. All the ultra-preparation just gets us more and more wound up, doesn’t it?
Thank you Meg. Not everyone is a camper. I’m a total combination of both. I can camp, but put me up in a luxury hotel any day. You’re right, ultra-prep sucks the fun out of either option.
How perfect timing for this post, last month we went camping with kids and planning to go again next month. I felt we took too much stuff, we had to or so we felt with packing and unpacking was a day chore. So much for simplifying it.
Great 5 tips, I like specially the plan less and think differently. I will be sharing my camping story shortly too. Thanks for the inspiration.
I’m so glad you are enjoying camping with your kids, Preeti. Camping is an odd one. We do it to get back to nature, but we bring so much stuff we can’t even squeeze in our kids. I’m so happy you found the tips useful and were inspired. Happy camping.
Katie,
Your trip sounds so relaxing. I think you’re giving yourself a great gift this year with bringing less and not being the go to gal. At a certain age I think we finally realize we can’t spend our lives people pleasing and putting our needs on the back burner. Reading on the beach and hearing the waves lapping along the shore – it’s going to be heavenly. Enjoy yourself!
Angela, I can’t believe how relaxed (and anxious) I am about this year’s trip. I haven’t even started to pack and it’s already Thursday. Usually, I’m packed and prepped a week ahead of time. Yes, I can’t wait to read. I just got a luscious looking book from a friend called “A Fine Balance” about India. I can’t wait to sink into it. Thank you for your kind wishes.
Hey Katie Great Post.
I really liked your story it made me think a bit when I used take my kids camping I guess I was the go to man, taking the kids camping on my own. I wished I had, had some of your suggestions back then, as we could all barely move once we had packed every thing in the car . Your post made me think that this concept could be easily applied to our daily lives as in learning to live more spontaneously my wife would be happy with that! and live with less stuff and embrace change. I guess this this may be more of a challenge to achieve as we go about our daily routine.It would also challenge us to step out of our comfort zone and find things that we enjoy doing. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Stan, thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. Sounds like we all have similar camping experiences. You are so right about applying this concept to daily life. I hope you and your wife find your way past your stuff. There’s a wide open space for possibilities on the other side of that pile. Best of luck.
Wow…you actually made me want to go camping again! Funny how when we strip down all the nonsense what is left is just the pure kernel of what it is that matters. Enjoy every simply lovely moment of it.
Go, CC! Go camping! It’s the best. Stripped down, sounds good. I shall enjoy. Thanks so much for the enthusiastic send off.
Love your post, Katie!! Jst took me on a short, imaginary holiday:-)
Plus, I like your tips on traveling light. Hmmm.. as someone who is definitely the world’s worst packer, I can surely use these.
Thank you!
Ahhh, thank you Prerna. That’s so nice that you floated off on a mini holiday. There’s a lot of fear in packing — fear of being without something when really we can always make do. I have trouble letting go that fear so this will be a challenge. So far so good.
Sounds so fun! Isn’t it amazing how we make things complicated? I too, am trying really hard to make things more simple…just plain. Enjoyed the post!
Thanks Misty. I hope your search for simplicity brings you great joy.
Simply Courageous! Just going to a condo on the beach looks like I’ve packed everything including the kitchen sink. Going so. . . lite would make me feel like I’d walked out the door without my clothes on – LOL. I think when I’m not packing for all my crew, then less will work beautifully. As I said, you are more courageous than I – I hope you soar over your holiday!
Thanks for the well wishes Bluecottonmemory — and yes, I’m back already. How time flies when you’re doing nothing but digging your toes in the sand. Turns out I didn’t need any of that stuff. I just needed a little love, sun and sand. Life was blissful on the beach.
Great post! And I really want to say what a beautiful design for your site. The logo is simply gorgeous.
Thank you. It was designed by Chloe Adeline at Simple Rabbit. She’s brilliant and I do love the feeling of my blog now. It’s like coming home.
Got to agree with you Katie. Where’s there’s less there’s bliss. Simple unobtrusive things that burn bright inside us without the need for outer stimulation of assets, gadgets or possessions. Bliss lies within and unearthing it is to release the most potent yet also most gentle force into our life. Bliss is a kiss of tranquility. Enjoy yours with pure abandon!
Very simply put, John. Perfect in fact. Potent but gentle, so true. And yes, I did enjoy my tranquil time away. Thank you for your lovely comments.
I love this post katie and hope you’re having or had a great time. Like you I like camping when its simple – it’s great with friends and it can be good alone. I’m soon doing a bike camping trip – this will be a first and it feels exciting!
Thank you Mark. Had a great time. Camping is so back-to-basics: naps, laughs, fireside chats. I completely let go my need to go on-line. It really didn’t have any pull even though I had my laptop and access just a few minutes away. I didn’t open it once (my excuse was all the sand might wreck it) and I really was too busy watching the waves. Bike camping sounds like quite the adventure in minimalist camping. Have fun!
I appreciate your minimalist approach. I haven’t been camping in a while but your five points apply perfectly to every day life. I tend to pack too much for trips but I don’t clutter my daily life. I light, breezy, casual approach is always best for vacation and life. Loving blessings and much love!
Hi Andrea, I think you’re right. This is a great approach to life. Sounds like you embrace it fully. Thank you for the loving words.
Wow! Thanks for mentioning me here Katie. You’re a very popular woman, for a reason I think:) x A