30 Days to Simplify: Week Three

30 Days to Simplify: Week Three

Well,  30 Days to Simplify: Week Three!

To recap, the first week, we worked on eating real food. Week two we ditched electronics.

And this week? This week we’re working on something fun:

Be more hospitable.

Back in the day, it was normal for neighbors to stop by for a visit. Nowadays? Not so much. People rush home from work, slip into the garage, and stealthily close the door behind them so they don’t need to talk with the neighbors. There’s been a breakdown, in my opinion, of the neighborhood. Even if you are friendly with your neighbors, it’s rare for someone to pop in unannounced, as it’s considered bad manners. Sure, it’s nice to have some notice when someone’s coming by so you can clean your house. But really, why are we putting on a show? Wouldn’t it be freeing to know you could just call up a friend and say, “Hey! My house is a mess, but do you want to stop by for coffee?” I know this still happens, but it’s an exception rather than the rule.

A few weeks ago, I hosted the inaugural “Supper Club” gathering for gals in my neighborhood. It was a delightful evening of French music, warm summer weather, sparkling water and fun fellowship. If you’re looking for a way to connect with your neighbors, this is an excellent way, and you’ll also meet your challenge for the week! Here’s a pic of our first Supper Club gathering:

Be a good neighbor

So, this week, I want you to practice being hospitable. Call up a friend, invite them over for a slice of pie or some coffee, or maybe even a Paleo Mocha Frappuccino. Check out some of the delectable dessert recipes on my blog and share them with friends! Invite your neighbors over. Spend more time engaging with people, and less time rushing from place to place. Stop to smell the roses. Try to make your home an inviting place to come. Don’t worry about the dishes in the sink or the floor that needs to be vacuumed. Really, at the end of your life, will you say, “I wish I had kept my house cleaner!” or do you think you may look back, wishing you had spent more time with friends and family, enjoying their company and talking with each other? I think you know the answer I’m looking for here.

Now, if you can continue weeks one and two as well, you get a gold star! Even if you’re not eating 100% clean or ditching electronics completely, just be conscious of those things, and try to be more balanced in them.

Not ready to have people over? Hospitality doesn’t only have to take place in the home!

Here are some ways you can practice hospitality:

• Strike up a conversation with someone at the store and actually listen to them when they’re talking.
• Invite someone to come along with you on an outing. Going to the park with the kids? Invite some friends to come with you!
• Send a note or small gift to a friend letting them know you’re thinking about him or her.
• Go on a picnic, bring extra food or drinks with you, and offer to share with a stranger!
• Take cookies to a neighbor and get to know them a little bit more!

Overall, just know that people are more important than things. God made us as social beings, and connecting with other people fulfills a little piece of our heart that can only be filled by companionship.

So are you ready for Week 3? Tell me what you’re going to do to be more hospitable this week!