It started with Confucius.
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.â€
Natalie Babbitt said “like all magnificent things, it’s very simple.†Clare Booth Luce echoed her words with “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.â€
Guess what the top synonym for simple is. Basic.
When did basic become an insult? For me, it’s removing the noise, sloughing off the unnecessary, and getting back to the essentials.
Focusing on the basics and simplicity has been freeing for me.
When the news starts stressing me out, I log out of Twitter or turn off the television.
When I fail to get into a new book, I stop reading it and return or donate it.
When Rho is being extra extra, I take a deep breath, kneel down and look him in the eye, and propose a game or a dance party.
When I’m hangry, I chug 30 ounces of water and make a smoothie. It calms me down and helps me figure out what I actually need to eat.
And when I don’t know what to wear, I go back to the basics.
Skinny black pants that are suitable for virtually any occasion. One of my many Didion tops, which have the polish of a blouse and the comfort of a t-shirt. A draped trench for that extra something something (and warmth). Classic white sneakers that go with any outfit. A large clutch and silver necklace to finish the look.
Basic? You bet. Freeing? Completely.
Some of my other favorite basic things – my matcha recipe, my go-to book when I’m feeling overwhelmed, and the ultimate comfort food.Â
I share a new outfit on Wednesdays. You can find them all here.
