This is what summer filming is like 😅 Weird changes in the lighting, traffic noises from the open window. Anyway, which of these 5 resonated with you the most?
Definitely appreciated the complexity bias section. You suggested asking someone if we do this but I didn't have to because I KNOW I do it! I've been slowly backing off on that and overcommitting thanks to a very calm and steady husband and good friends and family who encourage me to not feel guilty about boundaries and simplifying things.
All good suggestions Vera. What resonates the most with me is not over-committing. I LOVE having an open schedule with AT MOST one thing on each day's calendar. I also suggest doing things when you feel the need to do them... within reason. If you are hungry... eat. If you are sleepy... nap. Of course being retired makes these things easy for me. 😄
Thanks for sharing David! :) Yes, flexibility in one's schedule helps with things like that, but it's a great suggestion and something we can definitely try to do as much as possible. :) Have a great day!
i am not retired. I took decisions early on such as not be in debt, keep my family small and i am able to do things how i feel within reason. It’s the best to not over complicate our life 🤗 ❤
I really needed to hear “doing instead of overthinking.” I’ll really spend a whole day “planning” the best way to do something like cleaning the house or like exercising like your example… but really it’s just procrastinating 😭
Hi Vera! Your home, you, your videos... is all so Zen. I enjoy listening your voice. Makes me feel peace. Thank you for these wonderful tips. Xo from Mexico City.
#5 is the most important & challenging for me. I used to say yes to every request & then end up feeling overwhelmed, exhausted & dreading every event. I've finally learned that I require alot of quiet time alone to feel good & just don't have the energy or desire to do as many things as some people do & that's OK! I have responsibilities of course but I *deserve* to enjoy my l life! 🙏😊🌿
Vera, I like how you keep coming up with new content often! This gives us a proof that whatever you are talking about in the videos is working in real life. 😃
Thanks for your work! 😊 I really loved the end of the 2nd point "focus on doing the most important things first and then just see how much time and energy you have left", greeting from France!
Usually I don't like video that tell me what not to do. I find them very negative and I was kind of surprised when I read the tittle. Of course I was so wrong and this video is one of your top 10! Thank you Vera, you are a special person and I'm glad that I found you some years ago Regards from Greece
Aw thank you!! I actually took care not to phrase things in a negative way, even though it's focused on 'things not to do'. So I'm glad it didn't come across as negative. :) Thank you so much for your support, I'm also happy you found my channel!! :) Have a nice weekend
Doing instead of overthinking has to be the one that resonated with me the most! It's such a simple yet powerful point and one that I know I still have to practice a lot. I really enjoyed these 5 tips, they get to the heart of minimalism I think and can help people avoid the pitfall of minimalism, or simple living or even self-care, becoming yet another complex burden instead of something that makes life easier and more enjoyable. Well done for filming in the heat! It's been very hot here too for the past couple of weeks (and set to get to record breaking levels in the next few days 😥) so you have my admiration for filming! I hope that some deliciously fresh breezes and cooler temps arrive with you soon. 😊
Exactly, well said!!! :) Also, yes the weather is similar over here. Monday and Tuesday are going to be the worst... Take care, use sunscreen and stay hydrated! Hopefully we'll get some nice cooling rain soon
Doing the most important thing first resonated with me the most, I actually used that mindset today at work and I managed to do the same things as last Friday but feeling much less stressed. Less stressed also added to a calmer start of the weekend. ☺️
I really needed to hear the last one again about overcommitting yourself... Thank you! I know that feeling of relief when something is gone from my to-do list. Just today I got into such a situation, where, in the end, I could only realise, that it works perfectly fine without my involvement, too... It's good to realise this, and your video now was the perfect reminder... Thank you Vera!!!
I know exactly the same feeling of relief when something gets removed from my schedule; and these are often necessities, like appointments. I also appreciate the focus on simplicity and not having to make everything so complicated! It’s easy to put your way of living in a highly detailed box and make it more challenging than it needs to be. We all need room to just breathe and feel open to possibility. I wish you well in finding the housing you’re looking for and peace where you are in the now. Thanks, as always, for sharing such relevant and thought provoking content, Vera! ☺️🙌
"Winging it" is good. Get to the end of each day unscathed and still sane and you are doing fine. Life has become far too complicated in a way it never used to be. Technology and consumerism is probably the cause. Shakespeare said "things done are won". He's right. Vera is spot on. Lets not allow society to turn us into machines and be denied the simple pleasures that this world has to offer in nature, with friends and family, in youth and when we get old. Alone if necessary.
Very smart..unfortunately our media , marketing and government realize that simple solutions won’t sell or seem innovative enough. It’s like they train us to look for answers outside of ourselves. Your video was a nice relief!`
That's a very good point :) Writing a book with just one page of some simple truths about a certain topic won't make it sell hahaha. So we need something that looks and sounds complicated and therefore marketable. It's the same with making videos on youtube. So I'm really happy this point did seem to resonate with so many of you a lot :)
I decorate our dream home in my mind as well. It helps me drift off to sleep at night to just imagine a place we could have one day. I should mention decorating brings me joy so it's not about being materialistic but to have a "blank canvas" to be creative. ❤️
These tips are wonderful. Wishing too much and not being more grateful is the trap I fall into. It is a joy killer. I am practicing more gratefulness in my life. You never know what is around the corner. Just need to enjoy life and be happy and smile. Thanks Vera!!! 😊
This really resonated with me! I always overcomplicate everything and then it's too hard to keep up with! Everything from diet, to exercise, to routines! No wonder I always "fail!" Definitely time to simplify! It sounds refreshing.
I love your videos because they always possess great reminders for the way I want to live my life. Even more so, I love to watch because they have helped me grieve for my grandparents whom I lost last summer. They were from Amsterdam and spoke English in the same cadence. Hearing you speak and seeing snippets into the life of the someone in the same country in which they grew up just makes me heart happy. Thank you.
I identified with no. 4 the most: holding on to what you wish was different. Like you, I'd like to be elsewhere. I've already started to enjoy what I have here. I can relate to most, if not all, of the 5 things you mentioned. Many thanks.
Not over committing is something I know is important but I still keep doing from time to time. I have two days a week set aside that I don’t commit to anything so that I always know I will have those two days for downtime. Recently I have needed to use one of those days to reschedule something but most of the time, they stay free of commitments.
Yes it’s good to get off the pity potty. I don’t like where I’m living but for now it’s good enough and we all must be grateful for the good things we have such as family faith and friends
Aside, you are the only Netherlands person I think of when we read/ hear News about the Dutch farmers & see their tractors. I hope that good, clean foods 🥦🥑🥒🥕 keep growing 🌱.
Vera, these are so simple yet can be so hard. I really need to try harder at appreciating what I have instead of being stuck in what I think would be better.
Thank you soooo much for this video!! I have issues with overcomplication and sometimes overcommitting to things. It's challenging sometimes to just say no, but by the grace of God I am learning. Thanks again Vera for the tips and reminders!
Wow. This was just what I neededhow do you continue to come up with such original and super helpful content? - your presentation is superb , including the length of your videos. Thank you so much. ❤️❤️❤️ Lisa
Hi Vera what most resonated with me is wishing things where different. My husband and I love our house and we have done a lot of renovations but it would be nice to have no neighbors. We are grateful that we have each other and a home. Thanks for the 5 tips. ❤
I resonate with #4 because I wish a lot of things were different in my life right now so living in the present and being grateful for what I do have I sometimes forget. Taking small steps to achieve those things I want to change is what I feel I should concentrate on and I really need to start writing down the things I’m grateful for each day, this is something I was going to do but never did! Ty for a timely video for me Vera! 👌🌼
Overcommitting. Easy. I was always someone who wanted to please people even if they asked me to do something that was overwhelming. I'm trying to do better with this, really hard.
Hi Vera! Love your video, as always. I agree with others -- it's impressive that you are always able to come up with new (still helpful!) content. Number 2 was bang on. I feel like I am so focused on living intentionally, and being present/mindful, that I've tipped too far in that direction. Because before I begin even a simple task, like watching a TH-cam video, doing the dishes, or going for a walk, I find myself pausing and spending so much time asking myself questions like "is this *really* what I want to be doing right now", or, "does this feel like the right choice", or "does this *have* to be done right now". It's becoming counter-productive so I'm going to have to correct the balance. Not being on auto-pilot is important...but not to this extreme LOL. So thank you for the reminder 😀 ❤
Hi Vera, I am big fan of your videos. In this one I couldn’t agree more with the content! I don’t know why people like to complicate their life and try to do 10 things instead of one and get the results?! I WAS one of the these people for soooo long that I harmed myself and my family more than I was trying to perfected😏. Thankfully, ones I understood what “simple “ actually means, my life changed for better 👍☀️ Your videos help a lot as well, I can’t thank you enough for that. I never comment but after watching this one I had to, you are awesome! Thank you for your help😊🙏🏻🙏🏻
Feeling gratitude is important to me and I'm always grateful when you post a new video, Thank you Vera 🌞 I especially enjoy when you add scenes of birds and beautiful skies. I'd like to move also and know I will get there eventually, but for now I also feel gratitude for the place that I have 💕
Wow the complexity bias section where you talk about simplifying your thinking and plans around doing things. This was one of the most helpful and practical things ive seen in your videos because this could really be applied to every area of life. I am an overthinker and perfectionist. I havent been able to budget because it feels to complex. Im not sure where to start there but my i have a huge list of things to do right now and focusing on the most important thing is really helpful. Recently i have been able to train my mind to focus mentally and physically on one task at a time. It has brought order to the chaos in my mind and i picked it up after many years around the hubby being like that lol. If i could just remember to keep things simple in terms of plans would be so helpful.( my husband says K.I.S.S- keep it simple , stupid lol) I think you are naturally a practical minded person so you might undervalue what you have to say in certain areas, but us overthinkers could really use that practical wisdom! I would love to hear about your thinking around areas of life. Because i need help rewiring my brain to think in more simple practical ways. Your thinking on cleaning, do you just do most important? What do you do for a budget? I would love a video about more simple solutions to life tasks etc.I also like the idea to feel your way through life i feel very out of touch with the concept so yes i need that too. Thank you Vera 😊
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Amy!! Happy that part about the complexity bias was helpful for you. Such an eye-opener, right :) Also, yes the K.I.S.S. acronym, I've heard of that one before! :) Wishing you the best and sending you a hug 🤗💖
I actually felt that sense of relief that comes when over scheduled and plans shift so that time is gained (I use these times to reset and take a moment to check in with myself, take care of my needs) this used to feel selfish,but I’m turning a new leaf - it’s a new thing for me to honor my limits and care for myself first- I’m 51- it’s about time!🙏🏻
Excellent video. The "wishing" part of this video spoke to me. I had spent a lot of time wishing for a different situation in my life. I finally was forced to drop the constant, background noise of wishing when the situation I wanted became an impossibility. It was then that one day, and more and more each day, I found a peaceful, content acceptance, which then turned into the gratitude you mentioned too. It was like my wishing was fighting the universe. Once I accepted the situation, I felt free, not bound... in fact, things in my life fell into place so much better and in a different way than I could have ever known or planned. Soooo much simpler too! Btw, I liked this video because it had fewer tips, but a more thorough, in-depth analysis of each... really delved into each point :-) Naomi😊
Thank you so much for sharing Naomi, love what you said about acceptance and gratitude!!! :) Also nice to hear you enjoyed the format of this video. I did try to include fewer tips, so that I could go more in-depth with each of them :)
Part of the problem if not wholly the problem with "complexity bias" is that we have too many choices these days like at the supermarket and online! Decades ago, there weren't as many products i.e..choices! This has complicated life! Also, the contradictions of so many beliefs and products esp. online! Drink coffee, don't drink coffee! Eat eggs, don't eat eggs! Seems like we're living in a world of that old childhood game Simon Says! Simon says do this, Simon says do that! smdh This is especially bothersome to us HSPs, highly sensitive people! imho Thanks for the great tips, much appreciated!♥♥
You are right Vera i want to move to, so i can have a garden however, where i live is very noisy but just around the corner is a duck ppond and today i was sitting there calming myself down and noticed the wild life, the heron, squirrels and ducks and dragon flies and occasional kingfisher, this little oasis had been a God send for me over the last few years, and so many other things, i have my plants and this flat was a safe place for me leaving an abusive relationship and i know that once i leave it i will be very upset its been such a blessing, thank you for sharing i over think and i have missed so much because i will never get that time back again, if i could give once piece of advice, it would be, no one really is that bothered so don,t let fear of others opinions bother you.
I love your content. Many times you have reduced a complicated subject into simple solutions and simpler point of view. I do think we tend to over complicate life and in the process, don’t enjoy it as much. Thank you for your post.
I feel like I'm getting red of negative feelings and negative energy when I'm watching your videos 👀 really love your ideas to simplify my life it's such a relief this part of (I wish I could, I wish I had) exhausting thoughts 😢 make me feel tired .. you are absolutely right about focus on what we already have 🙏 more fans from Egypt 🇪🇬 😊 Thank you 😊 Vera 👍 big like
I am so happy and so much more productive just winging it as a free spirit but at the same time I do have systems that are natural and my own that work best for me now that I’m living in the moment doing it my way my time and just floating harmoniously with the universe I am happy and free and still somehow manage to get more done and don’t even realize how much I’m doing at the time because I’m just simply enjoying the experience of that moment I got very crazy depressed and kept getting stuck and over thinking and attacking myself like I would not my worst enemy I literally became my worst enemy then I had enough and had to go deep within to heal it’s a process the world can really bring your vibration down if you let it never give up just keep trying to live outside the world in your own is where it is that heavenly space where there is nothing but light love and truth and that is so beautiful you are beautiful more loved and appreciated more than you will ever know❤️✨
Really enjoyed this video. I can relate to most everything you talked about especially over complicating and over thinking everything. I’ve also been doing a lot of wishing my life was different. It’s difficult to find a balance between being grateful for what we have while still wanting more. Good luck with finding a new place to live. I’m sure you’ll find the right opportunity eventually. 🙂
I like to more or less wing it for the most of my time, I like to spread appointments and go with the flow, very simple perhaps but every day is different as is a very week. So I don't have a complicated schedule, I only mealplan so I go shopping ones a week, so I know what I am going to make and need according to my agenda / appointments/ weather😉. No stress during the week or run to the shop for this or that item. If I have a couple of appointments I make quick salades or soup, if I have more time I might choose to make something more complicated as cooking is fun time for me. Have a good weekend!
@@SimpleHappyZen I will, you too!!! , I have lots of watermelon, water with lemon and mint, "yogurt with seeds" and light meals, if you have any suggestions please let me know, I will be starting my mealplanning tonight. I will make a stirfry tomorrow and leftover on monday (Chinese cabbage, carrots, celery onion, noodles) a cooled cucumber parsley soup for lunch on Monday and Tuesday. I have iceberg lettuce and tomatoes that were supposed to become chili but will turn in a salade with a jar of olives and beans out of a can out of my pantry instead of fresh cooked. My kitchen "staff" goes on strike when it's hot down es yours too?😉) I have to go shopping on Monday morning, the less I need to buy the better with the upcoming heat🤔 am I lazy or winging it😂
Sounds yummy!!! We've stocked up on some lazy vegan meals in the freezer haha for the truly hot days. (lazy vegan is the brand btw, you can find them in AH and Jumbo in the freezer, my favorite is the 'chicken' massala) Cooking heats up the apartment too much so like you 'staff', I go on strike haha. But the lazy vegan ones are really tasty and quick to make, so that should work. Also Madeleine Olivia recently uploaded a video with some salad ideas for the warmer days, I really like the one with mango and black beans, and I'll add some tempe to that one.
I also love having a simple meal plan. I have been simplyfing it more and more. Right now it is Monday-meatless or Italian, Tues-mexican or chinese, wednesday- leftovers or easy dinner, Thursday- classic or comfort food, friday grill or fry night, sat- pizza or takeout, sunday- crockpot/instant pot(usually soup, stew or roast). I have seen people do every other night cooking and the next day is leftovers. I like the idea of that. Sometimes if i have leftovers i will freeze or move the dinner to another day.
Great concepts today. Am taking the complexity bias idea and reframing some things in my life. The other 4 were also good, but for some reason that complexity bias concept really turned on a light bulb. Thank you.
Hi Vera. All the things you mentioned were so useful, but the one that resonated the most was #2 do instead of overthink. I tend to try and make sure all is 'perfect' before I even start something, so it's really good for me to focus on the process and jump in the flow of things, instead of preparing myself for them. As always, such calm and inspiring video, keep it up as you do ❤ much love from Finland.
overcommitting definitely! i think it’s important to find a balance that’s suitable for oneself. for me, i want my vacations to be like in the moomin valley tales (😆) where things are calm and peaceful but there’s enough time for spontaneous adventures.
i resonated with all of these points so much! i definitely feel the pressure to have a certain kind of lifestyle these days as a young professional, but ultimately i know that some things (like eating out multiple times a week, impulsive shopping, being around ppl 24/7) don't add much value to my life or don't fit with my long term goals. i may have very different goals, interests, and even responsibilities to several of my friends, and that is ok :) i think younger me would be so proud of how independent i am, and how my confidence has grown
@@joley8695 so much pressure! I mean, I enjoy the results of my cooking (usually 😂) and if I have the means and the time to cook, why not? I appreciate going out to try new dishes sometimes though
Thank you for this wonderful tips to simplifying life to enjoy it more. I have being simplifying my life , choices and commitments since the pendamic hits and I found it so rewording .❤
Hi Vera and thank you! All 5 points resonate with me. I've learnt that if I want to simplify my life and overcome this overwhelming chaos around me I need to start with myself. The most difficult part was to learn again how to use words "I want" and "I don't want"... (= listen to my emotions). As an adult I lost this ability that every child has, to just say this words and this resulted in my emotions and needs to be neglected, put away. But as soon as I've learnt them it was easier to use "yes" and "no". And "thank you". And "please". Now those are on my magical words list to start with dealing with too much chaos :) 💚
For me, definitely number four resonated the most. My younger brother and l are currently taking care of my dying mother at home and sometimes l get overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding the whole process of being a care provider and having to watch her slowly waste away on what is essentially her deathbed. As selfish and heartless as this may sound, l can’t help wondering what our lives would be like if she wasn’t here anymore and that just makes me feel even worse. After watching your video, l realized that l should be thankful for the opportunity l’ve been given to be there for her and that l should appreciate every moment we get to spend with my mother as it may very well be the last. Although it can be hard sometimes to see things in a positive way -enough to show gratitude- l now know that wishing my life was any different is not doing any good to anyone and it robs me from any lesson or memorable experiences l may gain from it. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, and I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your younger brother are amazing for doing this for her. I think it's very normal to get overwhelmed by something like this at times, and wonder about the things you mentioned. Nothing to feel badly about. I'm happy you got a new perspective from this video, and I hope that it'll make this difficult time for you and your family a little easier. Sending you strength and a big hug, remember to also take good care of yourself!
Hi Vera I’ve missed quite a few of your videos lately I’ve been having building work done so have been in a mess for sometime?? I will watch this one again so many tips here thank you ❤️ the one that resonated for me at the moment was the the term Wishing things were different can complicate your mental space ! I moved to a smaller home to be nearer to family but was really struggling with the lack of space so made an big improvement by extending the property it’s not a massive extension but it has made a really big difference for me!! Will be catching up on your videos now 🤗
This is what summer filming is like 😅 Weird changes in the lighting, traffic noises from the open window. Anyway, which of these 5 resonated with you the most?
I can totally relate! It's especially hellish to film a video when you can't turn on a fan or the aircon hahahah
Let us encourage recycling for a healthier environment and sustainability...
I didn’t actually notice the lighting changes or traffic noises- so don’t worry Vera they weren’t distracting :)
Definitely appreciated the complexity bias section. You suggested asking someone if we do this but I didn't have to because I KNOW I do it! I've been slowly backing off on that and overcommitting thanks to a very calm and steady husband and good friends and family who encourage me to not feel guilty about boundaries and simplifying things.
Add to it pondering or getting inspired through peaceful constructive loving thoughts ...
All good suggestions Vera. What resonates the most with me is not over-committing. I LOVE having an open schedule with AT MOST one thing on each day's calendar. I also suggest doing things when you feel the need to do them... within reason. If you are hungry... eat. If you are sleepy... nap. Of course being retired makes these things easy for me. 😄
Thanks for sharing David! :) Yes, flexibility in one's schedule helps with things like that, but it's a great suggestion and something we can definitely try to do as much as possible. :) Have a great day!
Yes, retirement makes things easier, I agree.
i am not retired. I took decisions early on such as not be in debt, keep my family small and i am able to do things how i feel within reason. It’s the best to not over complicate our life 🤗 ❤
One of the pleasures of growing older !
I love living in reality - minimizing thoughts - organizing thoughts - staying present. So important.
I agree! :) Thanks Sarah, have a great day
I really needed to hear “doing instead of overthinking.” I’ll really spend a whole day “planning” the best way to do something like cleaning the house or like exercising like your example… but really it’s just procrastinating 😭
Haha yes, funnily enough planning and 'productivity stuff' can be a form of procrastination in itself :)
Hi Vera! Your home, you, your videos... is all so Zen. I enjoy listening your voice. Makes me feel peace. Thank you for these wonderful tips. Xo from Mexico City.
Aw thank you so much Lily 🤗💖😭 Have a wonderful day!!
@@SimpleHappyZen You too :)
#5 is the most important & challenging for me. I used to say yes to every request & then end up feeling overwhelmed, exhausted & dreading every event. I've finally learned that I require alot of quiet time alone to feel good & just don't have the energy or desire to do as many things as some people do & that's OK! I have responsibilities of course but I *deserve* to enjoy my l life! 🙏😊🌿
Vera, I like how you keep coming up with new content often! This gives us a proof that whatever you are talking about in the videos is working in real life. 😃
Aw thank you so much for that 🤗💖 Have a wonderful day!
Thanks for your work! 😊 I really loved the end of the 2nd point "focus on doing the most important things first and then just see how much time and energy you have left", greeting from France!
Thank you so much!!! :) Greetings back from NL 🤗🌺🍵
I loved that same quote too. Instead of planning too far ahead you could plan as you go. That would be hard for me but it might be more practical lol
Usually I don't like video that tell me what not to do. I find them very negative and I was kind of surprised when I read the tittle.
Of course I was so wrong and this video is one of your top 10!
Thank you Vera, you are a special person and I'm glad that I found you some years ago
Regards from Greece
Aw thank you!! I actually took care not to phrase things in a negative way, even though it's focused on 'things not to do'. So I'm glad it didn't come across as negative. :) Thank you so much for your support, I'm also happy you found my channel!! :) Have a nice weekend
@@SimpleHappyZen you never are negative. Love the Vera sing too. I wanted to tell you several videos ago
Doing instead of overthinking has to be the one that resonated with me the most! It's such a simple yet powerful point and one that I know I still have to practice a lot. I really enjoyed these 5 tips, they get to the heart of minimalism I think and can help people avoid the pitfall of minimalism, or simple living or even self-care, becoming yet another complex burden instead of something that makes life easier and more enjoyable.
Well done for filming in the heat! It's been very hot here too for the past couple of weeks (and set to get to record breaking levels in the next few days 😥) so you have my admiration for filming! I hope that some deliciously fresh breezes and cooler temps arrive with you soon. 😊
Exactly, well said!!! :) Also, yes the weather is similar over here. Monday and Tuesday are going to be the worst... Take care, use sunscreen and stay hydrated! Hopefully we'll get some nice cooling rain soon
Thank you for sharing 💜 need to listen few time and will be listen a few times more… you are beautiful soul xx
The only thing I would add is the importance of faith & spending time in the Bible each and every day!😊
Thank you so much for all of this ❤❤❤❤❤
Doing the most important thing first resonated with me the most, I actually used that mindset today at work and I managed to do the same things as last Friday but feeling much less stressed. Less stressed also added to a calmer start of the weekend. ☺️
I'm sooo happy to hear that Maria!!!! :)
So true. For me fancy and complicated never last. I keep it as simple as possible.
Exactly :) Thanks Rosemary, have a lovely day!
I really needed to hear the last one again about overcommitting yourself... Thank you! I know that feeling of relief when something is gone from my to-do list. Just today I got into such a situation, where, in the end, I could only realise, that it works perfectly fine without my involvement, too... It's good to realise this, and your video now was the perfect reminder... Thank you Vera!!!
Ah, cancelled appointments and social obligations falling through, bring the greatest joy!
Hahaha yes! Unless I was really looking forward to them haha
I know exactly the same feeling of relief when something gets removed from my schedule; and these are often necessities, like appointments.
I also appreciate the focus on simplicity and not having to make everything so complicated! It’s easy to put your way of living in a highly detailed box and make it more challenging than it needs to be.
We all need room to just breathe and feel open to possibility.
I wish you well in finding the housing you’re looking for and peace where you are in the now.
Thanks, as always, for sharing such relevant and thought provoking content, Vera! ☺️🙌
Loved your comment, thanks Dawn!! "We all need room to just breathe and feel open to possibility. " So true!
Thank you so much. Im going thru same. Super validating. Ty again
I need this video.....Vera you always help me be better. mil gracias 🙏 ❤️
"Winging it" is good. Get to the end of each day unscathed and still sane and you are doing fine.
Life has become far too complicated in a way it never used to be. Technology and consumerism is probably the cause.
Shakespeare said "things done are won". He's right. Vera is spot on. Lets not allow society to turn us into machines and be denied the simple pleasures that this world has to offer in nature, with friends and family, in youth and when we get old. Alone if necessary.
Keeping it simple, like doing the most important thing first. I actually schedule a time to work on my to-do list lol!! Thank you for all the advice.
Very smart..unfortunately our media , marketing and government realize that simple solutions won’t sell or seem innovative enough. It’s like they train us to look for answers outside of ourselves. Your video was a nice relief!`
That's a very good point :) Writing a book with just one page of some simple truths about a certain topic won't make it sell hahaha. So we need something that looks and sounds complicated and therefore marketable. It's the same with making videos on youtube. So I'm really happy this point did seem to resonate with so many of you a lot :)
I decorate our dream home in my mind as well. It helps me drift off to sleep at night to just imagine a place we could have one day. I should mention decorating brings me joy so it's not about being materialistic but to have a "blank canvas" to be creative. ❤️
This is my first time tumbling on your channel,I love you and your editing style.Thank you for the tips
Thank you so much and welcome to the channel!
These tips are wonderful. Wishing too much and not being more grateful is the trap I fall into. It is a joy killer. I am practicing more gratefulness in my life. You never know what is around the corner. Just need to enjoy life and be happy and smile. Thanks Vera!!! 😊
Love that, well said Madelyn!! :)
This really resonated with me! I always overcomplicate everything and then it's too hard to keep up with! Everything from diet, to exercise, to routines! No wonder I always "fail!"
Definitely time to simplify! It sounds refreshing.
Happy to hear this resonated with you!! :) I hope it can help you to get things done simply and quickly :)
I love your videos because they always possess great reminders for the way I want to live my life. Even more so, I love to watch because they have helped me grieve for my grandparents whom I lost last summer. They were from Amsterdam and spoke English in the same cadence. Hearing you speak and seeing snippets into the life of the someone in the same country in which they grew up just makes me heart happy. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing Melissa, I'm sorry for your loss 🌷 I'm so happy to hear that my videos have helped you with that 💖 Sending you a big hug
the complexity bias was really helpful.
I think this is my fav video of yours of all time.
Wow, thank you so much!! 💕💖
Number 5 resonated the most. This is something I need to learn and focus on more in my life. ❤
I identified with no. 4 the most: holding on to what you wish was different. Like you, I'd like to be elsewhere. I've already started to enjoy what I have here. I can relate to most, if not all, of the 5 things you mentioned. Many thanks.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, happy the video resonated with you!! :)
overcommitting myself this resonated as a great idea for me
Not over committing is something I know is important but I still keep doing from time to time.
I have two days a week set aside that I don’t commit to anything so that I always know I will have those two days for downtime. Recently I have needed to use one of those days to reschedule something but most of the time, they stay free of commitments.
That's a really great strategy! :)
@@SimpleHappyZen thanks.
Yes it’s good to get off the pity potty. I don’t like where I’m living but for now it’s good enough and we all must be grateful for the good things we have such as family faith and friends
Haha you're right :) I think 'get off the pity potty' was very funny :D
Aside, you are the only Netherlands person I think of when we read/ hear News about the Dutch farmers & see their tractors.
I hope that good, clean foods 🥦🥑🥒🥕 keep growing 🌱.
I think this is your best video yet!!!
Thank you so much! :)
Vera, these are so simple yet can be so hard. I really need to try harder at appreciating what I have instead of being stuck in what I think would be better.
Happy you got that insight from the video :) Take care, just remember that it's okay that change takes time. One step at a time :)
Thank you soooo much for this video!! I have issues with overcomplication and sometimes overcommitting to things. It's challenging sometimes to just say no, but by the grace of God I am learning. Thanks again Vera for the tips and reminders!
Such great advice thank you Vera 🌹
You're very welcome Louise :)
I find making a morning list keeps me more focused
Such an excellent video! Everyone should heed this sage advice. You put it in such a calming way that makes these 5 concepts very attainable.
Aw thank you so much Ruth, I appreciate it 🤗💖🌱
Wow. This was just what I neededhow do you continue to come up with such original and super helpful content? - your presentation is superb , including the length of your videos. Thank you so much. ❤️❤️❤️
Lisa
Aw thank you so much, I really appreciate that! 🤗💕🌾
I really like your video, everything is good suggestions !
Thank you so much!
Hi Vera what most resonated with me is wishing things where different. My husband and I love our house and we have done a lot of renovations but it would be nice to have no neighbors. We are grateful that we have each other and a home. Thanks for the 5 tips. ❤
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Cathy, glad that point resonated with you :) Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
Great video! Thank you…especially agree with the importance of gratitude. I truly believe it is the secret to contentment (not complacency) in life.
I agree! :) Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Jeanette, have a lovely day
Nog nooit gehoord van de complexity bias! Super interessant, bedankt!
Graag gedaan, ja zeker erg interessant :) Fijn weekend!
I resonate with #4 because I wish a lot of things were different in my life right now so living in the present and being grateful for what I do have I sometimes forget. Taking small steps to achieve those things I want to change is what I feel I should concentrate on and I really need to start writing down the things I’m grateful for each day, this is something I was going to do but never did! Ty for a timely video for me Vera! 👌🌼
th-cam.com/users/shortsaLzjAFyD0Ww?feature=share
Happy the timing of the video worked out for you :) Sending you some happy vibes!!! Take care my friend
Overcommitting. Easy. I was always someone who wanted to please people even if they asked me to do something that was overwhelming. I'm trying to do better with this, really hard.
It's not easy :) Being aware of it and trying your best is the most important thing :) Have a lovely rest of your weekend!
Hi Vera!
Love your video, as always. I agree with others -- it's impressive that you are always able to come up with new (still helpful!) content. Number 2 was bang on. I feel like I am so focused on living intentionally, and being present/mindful, that I've tipped too far in that direction. Because before I begin even a simple task, like watching a TH-cam video, doing the dishes, or going for a walk, I find myself pausing and spending so much time asking myself questions like "is this *really* what I want to be doing right now", or, "does this feel like the right choice", or "does this *have* to be done right now". It's becoming counter-productive so I'm going to have to correct the balance. Not being on auto-pilot is important...but not to this extreme LOL. So thank you for the reminder 😀 ❤
Haha yes! It's all about balance :) Thanks Ellie, so happy you enjoyed the video. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
Thank you for your work❤️
🤗🌷
Also, complexity bias was new to me and definitely an aha moment!
Yes, such an aha moment!! :)
Hi Vera, I am big fan of your videos. In this one I couldn’t agree more with the content! I don’t know why people like to complicate their life and try to do 10 things instead of one and get the results?! I WAS one of the these people for soooo long that I harmed myself and my family more than I was trying to perfected😏. Thankfully, ones I understood what “simple “ actually means, my life changed for better 👍☀️ Your videos help a lot as well, I can’t thank you enough for that. I never comment but after watching this one I had to, you are awesome! Thank you for your help😊🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you so much for leaving your comment Iva, so happy you enjoyed the video! :) Have a happy Monday!
Such amazing tips, I appreciate your videos allot Vera! 😌
Aw thank you so much! :)
Feeling gratitude is important to me and I'm always grateful when you post a new video, Thank you Vera 🌞 I especially enjoy when you add scenes of birds and beautiful skies. I'd like to move also and know I will get there eventually, but for now I also feel gratitude for the place that I have 💕
Aw thank you so much!! 🤗💕🦜🦚
Number 4 resonated with me.
🤗🌱🌾
Wow the complexity bias section where you talk about simplifying your thinking and plans around doing things. This was one of the most helpful and practical things ive seen in your videos because this could really be applied to every area of life. I am an overthinker and perfectionist. I havent been able to budget because it feels to complex. Im not sure where to start there but my i have a huge list of things to do right now and focusing on the most important thing is really helpful. Recently i have been able to train my mind to focus mentally and physically on one task at a time. It has brought order to the chaos in my mind and i picked it up after many years around the hubby being like that lol. If i could just remember to keep things simple in terms of plans would be so helpful.( my husband says K.I.S.S- keep it simple , stupid lol) I think you are naturally a practical minded person so you might undervalue what you have to say in certain areas, but us overthinkers could really use that practical wisdom! I would love to hear about your thinking around areas of life. Because i need help rewiring my brain to think in more simple practical ways. Your thinking on cleaning, do you just do most important? What do you do for a budget? I would love a video about more simple solutions to life tasks etc.I also like the idea to feel your way through life i feel very out of touch with the concept so yes i need that too. Thank you Vera 😊
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Amy!! Happy that part about the complexity bias was helpful for you. Such an eye-opener, right :) Also, yes the K.I.S.S. acronym, I've heard of that one before! :) Wishing you the best and sending you a hug 🤗💖
So sweet 💐Hugs back to you. Have a wonderful day or night 😄
I actually felt that sense of relief that comes when over scheduled and plans shift so that time is gained (I use these times to reset and take a moment to check in with myself, take care of my needs) this used to feel selfish,but I’m turning a new leaf - it’s a new thing for me to honor my limits and care for myself first- I’m 51- it’s about time!🙏🏻
I loved this video Vera 😍. I've simplified so much over the past few years especially saying 'no' to things I don't want to do. 😀
Thanks Helen, yes saying no is such a big one :)
What a gift you are in my life!
Aw thank you so much for the super thanks!! 🤗🌷 I really appreciate it. Have a nice day today!
Excellent video. The "wishing" part of this video spoke to me. I had spent a lot of time wishing for a different situation in my life. I finally was forced to drop the constant, background noise of wishing when the situation I wanted became an impossibility. It was then that one day, and more and more each day, I found a peaceful, content acceptance, which then turned into the gratitude you mentioned too. It was like my wishing was fighting the universe. Once I accepted the situation, I felt free, not bound... in fact, things in my life fell into place so much better and in a different way than I could have ever known or planned. Soooo much simpler too!
Btw, I liked this video because it had fewer tips, but a more thorough, in-depth analysis of each... really delved into each point :-)
Naomi😊
Thank you so much for sharing Naomi, love what you said about acceptance and gratitude!!! :) Also nice to hear you enjoyed the format of this video. I did try to include fewer tips, so that I could go more in-depth with each of them :)
Part of the problem if not wholly the problem with "complexity bias" is that we have too many choices these days like at the supermarket and online! Decades ago, there weren't as many products i.e..choices! This has complicated life! Also, the contradictions of so many beliefs and products esp. online! Drink coffee, don't drink coffee! Eat eggs, don't eat eggs! Seems like we're living in a world of that old childhood game Simon Says! Simon says do this, Simon says do that! smdh This is especially bothersome to us HSPs, highly sensitive people! imho Thanks for the great tips, much appreciated!♥♥
The kind of content that makes me want to watch again..or read.
Wonderful :) Thank you!
Very relatable and great tips, thank you 😊
Thanks so much💐🙏God bless you
This is one of your best videos.
👌
Wow thank you so much!
Oh man......that complexity bias sounds SO familiar, especially several years ago. Great suggestions!!
Thanks so much! :)
You are right Vera
i want to move to, so i can have a garden however, where i live is very noisy but just around the corner is a duck ppond and today i was sitting there calming myself down and noticed the wild life, the heron, squirrels and ducks and dragon flies and occasional kingfisher, this little oasis had been a God send for me over the last few years, and so many other things, i have my plants and this flat was a safe place for me leaving an abusive relationship and i know that once i leave it i will be very upset its been such a blessing, thank you for sharing i over think and i have missed so much because i will never get that time back again, if i could give once piece of advice, it would be, no one really is that bothered so don,t let fear of others opinions bother you.
Do not over think and sometimes follow your heart or intuition but with a simple careful thought first ...
Lovely! :)
Great video Vera! The first and the fourth. You have given a new way of looking at things and life which is mind blowing! Thanks vera
So happy to hear that!! :) Have a wonderful day!
I love your content. Many times you have reduced a complicated subject into simple solutions and simpler point of view. I do think we tend to over complicate life and in the process, don’t enjoy it as much. Thank you for your post.
Thank you so much for your kind comment Susan!! :) Have a wonderful day!
i definitively fell into the complexity bias trap, thanks for pointing it out!
You're very welcome :) Take care and have a nice day today!
I’ve been lucky enough to retire after 38 yrs - it’s took a good 17 months to wind down and chill and start looking after “me”
❤ thank you!
You're very welcome Celeste! :) Happy Mpnday!
Very helpful advice! I've watched so many of your videos and this one is my absolute favorite 😍 everything you said resonates with me! Thank you 💌
Aw thank you so much, that's so nice to hear :) Have a great day!
Absolutely love your channel. I try to apply your advices every now and then and they feel good ☺️. Keep the good vibes 👌
Thanks so much André, that's nice to hear! :) Have a great day!
I feel like I'm getting red of negative feelings and negative energy when I'm watching your videos 👀 really love your ideas to simplify my life it's such a relief
this part of (I wish I could, I wish I had) exhausting thoughts 😢 make me feel tired .. you are absolutely right about focus on what we already have 🙏
more fans from Egypt 🇪🇬 😊
Thank you 😊 Vera 👍 big like
Thankn you so much for your kind words!! Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful :) Take care and have a lovely week!
@@SimpleHappyZen you deserve more than thousand like 👍 👌 💓 waiting for your next ideas 💡 😉 😀
I loved the advice to not think about how you look to others with what you have (or do not) but instead, how you feel! Great video Vera.
Thank you so much, so happy you liked it! :)
Watching your video for the first time love it plan to watch all of them! Subscribed you ❤
I am so happy and so much more productive just winging it as a free spirit but at the same time I do have systems that are natural and my own that work best for me now that I’m living in the moment doing it my way my time and just floating harmoniously with the universe I am happy and free and still somehow manage to get more done and don’t even realize how much I’m doing at the time because I’m just simply enjoying the experience of that moment I got very crazy depressed and kept getting stuck and over thinking and attacking myself like I would not my worst enemy I literally became my worst enemy then I had enough and had to go deep within to heal it’s a process the world can really bring your vibration down if you let it never give up just keep trying to live outside the world in your own is where it is that heavenly space where there is nothing but light love and truth and that is so beautiful you are beautiful more loved and appreciated more than you will ever know❤️✨
Really enjoyed this video. I can relate to most everything you talked about especially over complicating and over thinking everything. I’ve also been doing a lot of wishing my life was different. It’s difficult to find a balance between being grateful for what we have while still wanting more. Good luck with finding a new place to live. I’m sure you’ll find the right opportunity eventually. 🙂
Aw thank you Ronda, I appreciate that :) Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
Vera you are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing with us 🌺
Aw thank you Sanja!! 🤗🌺💖
I like to more or less wing it for the most of my time, I like to spread appointments and go with the flow, very simple perhaps but every day is different as is a very week.
So I don't have a complicated schedule, I only mealplan so I go shopping ones a week, so I know what I am going to make and need according to my agenda / appointments/ weather😉. No stress during the week or run to the shop for this or that item. If I have a couple of appointments I make quick salades or soup, if I have more time I might choose to make something more complicated as cooking is fun time for me. Have a good weekend!
All great!!! You have a nice weekend too, and stay safe and hydrated next week!
@@SimpleHappyZen I will, you too!!! , I have lots of watermelon, water with lemon and mint, "yogurt with seeds" and light meals, if you have any suggestions please let me know, I will be starting my mealplanning tonight. I will make a stirfry tomorrow and leftover on monday (Chinese cabbage, carrots, celery onion, noodles) a cooled cucumber parsley soup for lunch on Monday and Tuesday. I have iceberg lettuce and tomatoes that were supposed to become chili but will turn in a salade with a jar of olives and beans out of a can out of my pantry instead of fresh cooked. My kitchen "staff" goes on strike when it's hot down es yours too?😉) I have to go shopping on Monday morning, the less I need to buy the better with the upcoming heat🤔 am I lazy or winging it😂
Sounds yummy!!! We've stocked up on some lazy vegan meals in the freezer haha for the truly hot days. (lazy vegan is the brand btw, you can find them in AH and Jumbo in the freezer, my favorite is the 'chicken' massala) Cooking heats up the apartment too much so like you 'staff', I go on strike haha. But the lazy vegan ones are really tasty and quick to make, so that should work. Also Madeleine Olivia recently uploaded a video with some salad ideas for the warmer days, I really like the one with mango and black beans, and I'll add some tempe to that one.
I also love having a simple meal plan. I have been simplyfing it more and more. Right now it is Monday-meatless or Italian, Tues-mexican or chinese, wednesday- leftovers or easy dinner, Thursday- classic or comfort food, friday grill or fry night, sat- pizza or takeout, sunday- crockpot/instant pot(usually soup, stew or roast). I have seen people do every other night cooking and the next day is leftovers. I like the idea of that. Sometimes if i have leftovers i will freeze or move the dinner to another day.
Yes, I oftentimes will also cook every other night, and have leftovers next day. Or cook extra curry, and I'll only have to cook rice the next day. :)
Great concepts today. Am taking the complexity bias idea and reframing some things in my life. The other 4 were also good, but for some reason that complexity bias concept really turned on a light bulb. Thank you.
So happy it turned on a light bulb for you!! :) Have a great day
Hi Vera. All the things you mentioned were so useful, but the one that resonated the most was #2 do instead of overthink.
I tend to try and make sure all is 'perfect' before I even start something, so it's really good for me to focus on the process and jump in the flow of things, instead of preparing myself for them. As always, such calm and inspiring video, keep it up as you do ❤ much love from Finland.
I’m getting better at saying no!😍
Great job! 🤗🌾
I loved the complexity idea. This is an issue for me, which I am happy to consider this week
Happy you gained something new to consider from this video :) Take care and have a great day!
overcommitting definitely! i think it’s important to find a balance that’s suitable for oneself. for me, i want my vacations to be like in the moomin valley tales (😆) where things are calm and peaceful but there’s enough time for spontaneous adventures.
hahahah I love that!!!
Gracias Amiga!
Number two! I need to get those bolts sewn into shifts, kirtles and gowns (medieval wardrobe here I come!).
Awesome, enjoy!! :)
I always love your videos Vera ❤️ I do a spin class two times a week because I love it 😊
Thank you so much!! :) Wow I'm jealous hahaha, I could never get into spinning
❤️ obrigada 😌
🤗😄
Thanks for advice.
i resonated with all of these points so much! i definitely feel the pressure to have a certain kind of lifestyle these days as a young professional, but ultimately i know that some things (like eating out multiple times a week, impulsive shopping, being around ppl 24/7) don't add much value to my life or don't fit with my long term goals. i may have very different goals, interests, and even responsibilities to several of my friends, and that is ok :) i think younger me would be so proud of how independent i am, and how my confidence has grown
That's wonderful Tina, you can be proud of yourself!! :)
I know what you mean about the eating out multiple times a week.I just don’t like it but there’s a lot of pressure isn’t there?☹️
@@joley8695 so much pressure! I mean, I enjoy the results of my cooking (usually 😂) and if I have the means and the time to cook, why not? I appreciate going out to try new dishes sometimes though
Thank you for this wonderful tips to simplifying life to enjoy it more. I have being simplifying my life , choices and commitments since the pendamic hits and I found it so rewording .❤
Hi Vera and thank you! All 5 points resonate with me. I've learnt that if I want to simplify my life and overcome this overwhelming chaos around me I need to start with myself. The most difficult part was to learn again how to use words "I want" and "I don't want"... (= listen to my emotions). As an adult I lost this ability that every child has, to just say this words and this resulted in my emotions and needs to be neglected, put away. But as soon as I've learnt them it was easier to use "yes" and "no". And "thank you". And "please".
Now those are on my magical words list to start with dealing with too much chaos :) 💚
Love what you shared, thanks so much! :) Have a happy Monday!
For me, definitely number four resonated the most. My younger brother and l are currently taking care of my dying mother at home and sometimes l get overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding the whole process of being a care provider and having to watch her slowly waste away on what is essentially her deathbed. As selfish and heartless as this may sound, l can’t help wondering what our lives would be like if she wasn’t here anymore and that just makes me feel even worse. After watching your video, l realized that l should be thankful for the opportunity l’ve been given to be there for her and that l should appreciate every moment we get to spend with my mother as it may very well be the last. Although it can be hard sometimes to see things in a positive way -enough to show gratitude- l now know that wishing my life was any different is not doing any good to anyone and it robs me from any lesson or memorable experiences l may gain from it.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, and I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your younger brother are amazing for doing this for her. I think it's very normal to get overwhelmed by something like this at times, and wonder about the things you mentioned. Nothing to feel badly about. I'm happy you got a new perspective from this video, and I hope that it'll make this difficult time for you and your family a little easier. Sending you strength and a big hug, remember to also take good care of yourself!
@@SimpleHappyZen Once again, thank you Vera.
Lovely altogether. Thank you☘️☘️☘️
Thanks so much Nancy :) Have a great day!
Hi Vera I’ve missed quite a few of your videos lately I’ve been having building work done so have been in a mess for sometime??
I will watch this one again so many tips here thank you ❤️ the one that resonated for me at the moment was the the term Wishing things were different can complicate your mental space ! I moved to a smaller home to be nearer to family but was really struggling with the lack of space so made an big improvement by extending the property it’s not a massive extension but it has made a really big difference for me!!
Will be catching up on your videos now 🤗
I needed to hear this today. Thank you!
You're very welcome Erika :) Take care and have a great day!