Essentialism

This past summer, I read a book titled "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less". In it, the author explains how to live and engage with the world by focusing on the values and commitments you deem essential. Today, I am reminded once again of the importance of this lifestyle.



Early on in the book, the author suggests an list making exercise. If you could only do one thing, for the next year, what would it be?

I made my list in August. Here it is:
1. Travel the world
2. Creative Writing
3. Get straight As and focus on my academic work
4. Engage with my community through service
5. Spend time with my family and my Marin community



Because of the place I am at physically (Pitzer College; Junior year), I decided to go with 3: Get straight As and focus on my academic life. This meant removing the non-essential, anything that may stand in the way of that one goal.

I dropped off Hillel board. I chose to not continue with a few clubs I had been a part of for the past few years, even though I enjoyed them. I stayed on with multi-faith service council (following list number 4), and fly home more often to visit my family (item 5).

As I centered my life and my mindset around my academic goals, this meant shaping all my actions and activities around that plan. I established a morning routine (which I wrote more about in this post) and I set a bedtime of 10:30 pm. I vowed to keep up with my planner system (also will be writing more in another post).

And yes, it was tough at first to say no. It was certainly not always the popular option. But my friends accepted my decisions, and respected my control of my life. And, I am proud to say that I am currently acing my classes. My apartment is staying tidy and organized, for the most part. I am falling asleep on time and waking up early to get things done. All because I decided to eliminate the non-essential.

Last night, as the election came to a close, I mournfully asked my dad: "what now?"

He said: "We have each other. We will focus on what is essential and on what matters. We will make our community strong."

Yes, our country is in turmoil. Everything is changing so rapidly and we as a people are both more than ready and nowhere close to being prepared for this. My suggestion for you, today, is to decide what matters in your life. It is so easy to get caught up in the mess of daily life and forget what is really important.

Be an active participant in your life and in the lives of your communities. Clarify your values. Remember what is essential and focus on those aspects of your life. There are some things in life we cannot control, but for what we can, let's make the most of it.

Stay strong, my love to all. - Rivi

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