5 Simple Steps to a Richer Life (And I'm Not Talking About Money)

Life isn’t just about how much money you have; it’s about the experiences and connections that bring you joy. As a stay-at-home mom in a single-income family, I’ve learned that a truly fulfilling life comes from appreciating the simple things and nurturing relationships. Here are five practical steps that have helped me enrich my life in meaningful ways.

Step 1: Embrace A Minimal Life

Minimal living isn't about living in a bland and boring environment. It's about making room for joy and cultivating peace by decluttering both your physical and mental space. I started my journey to a more minimal life after the birth of my daughter, when I realized how difficult and draining it was having too much STUFF. It was already difficult to find the time and energy to cook, clean, or let my mind relax with a newborn...but add in the burden of too many clothes, books, shoes, toys, pillows, blankets, furniture, dishware, and decor and it was a recipe for postpartum disaster. I massively cut back on the things I own by trying to keep only those items that genuinely bring me joy or serve a purpose (keep in mind, I am STILL working on this and probably always will be!).

Most people agree that decluttering the clothes in your closet is the best way to dip your toe into minimizing. I cut down my clothing from 200+ items to around 40. As you can imagine, this freed up a lot of space in my closet, but I was surprised at the weight it lifted off my mind. I no longer gaze with longing at clothes that don't work for me anymore, or feel the guilt of not wearing a T-shirt that was gifted to me that I feel like I SHOULD wear even though its not my style, or try to decide between 20 different dresses on a summer day. Not to mention, the amount of laundry I have to do (and later fold) is so much more manageble when I have fewer clothes.

To experience the benefits of decluttering for yourself, consider setting aside just 15 minutes a week for a small decluttering task. You might be surprised how much more space and time you'll have for the things that really matter!

Step 2: Ditch Social Media + Cultivate Connections

Strong relationships are vital for a happy life, yet many stay-at-home moms can feel lonely. When our baby girl was about 9 months old, my husband and I moved out of our hometown and settled hours away from our family and friends for the first time in our lives. It was one of the best decisions we ever made, but man, was it lonely. My husband started a new job and quickly made friends, but I was alone with a baby all day (or for weeks at a time during fire season) and I struggled being far from family as a first time mom.

I thought during this time that social media would make me feel less alone, so I often spent all of naptime scrolling and trying to feel connected to other moms through the app. Contrary to my goal, this left me feeling even more alone, disconnected, and caught in a trap of comparison. After a particularly low point, I tested the waters by deleting Facebook, and then deleted Instagram a few weeks later. Soon after, I started making "real life" friends in my community and began feeling more genuinely connected to others. I wanted to hang out with people because I enjoyed their company, rather than getting out and seeing people just so I had something worth posting about.

Deleting social media forced me to focus on nurturing my real life relationships, rather than surface-level acquaintances through a screen. I know it can seem daunting to ditch social media (the FOMO is real), but trust me, soon you won't miss it at all. On the contrary, you may realize that everyone scrolling through social media during every second of their free time are the ones who are actually missing out on the beauty of their real life.

I found that the easiest way to meet other moms without an app is by showing up at the park and just saying hi. Doing this allowed me to connect with another mom that I regularly meet up with now. Something as small as a monthly playdate with another mom, going to dinner with your spouse to meet their work friends, or venturing out for coffee with an old friend can make a huge difference. According to studies, maintaining close social ties can reduce stress by 50% and lead to a longer life, making it a worthwhile investment of time.

Aim to reach out to at least one friend or family member each week. Whether it's a text or a quick call, simple gestures can significantly enhance your mood and sense of community.

Step 3: Romanticize the Ordinary + Find Glimmers of Joy

Everyday life and household routines often feel mundane, but a shift in perspective can reveal their hidden beauty. Simplifying my life and decluttering naturally led me to be able to better see and appreciate how beautiful (and dare I say, magical) my everyday life is.

For example, when you're doing the dishes, enjoy the satisfaction of cleaning and making those plates and bowls sparkle. Appreciate the feeling of the warm water on your hands, have fun with the bubbles that the dish soap make, and enjoy the view from your place at the sink. Right now our kitchen overlooks our living room and a large picture window to the front yard, so my heart explodes when I watch my little girl reading a book or cuddling with the dog on the couch, or I can see the snow-capped mountain peaks or shimmering gold leaves through the living room window. Instead of viewing every task in your everyday life as a chore, try to make it a cozy, relaxing, and special experience. Put on a movie or some music, light a candle, put on your favorite comfy socks, have a glass of wine or a cup of tea, and appreciate how wonderful life can be.

Capturing these little joys in a gratitude journal can help you track and better appreciate them. Try to reflect on three joyful moments you experienced each day. You could even share these happy moments with loved ones around the dinner table, making the joys of life more vibrant and memorable.

Step 4: Prioritize Self-Care + Learning New Things

Many moms overlook their own needs in favor of their families, but self-care and pursuing your own interests is essential for overall wellbeing. I recognized that taking time for myself greatly improves my ability to care for my family.

Quick self-care activities can include savoring a hot cup of tea or coffee, reading for just 15 minutes before bed, doing a restful activity during naptime, or putting on my favorite, yummy-smelling lotion after finally getting to shave my legs (IYKYK). Some other ways that I care for myself are trying to get regular movement and exercise in, taking the time to get ready in the morning, properly nourishing my body, and learning new things that I'm interested in.

I have found that learning new skills is a game-changer and an important form of self-care as a stay-at-home mom. Crafts like crocheting, knitting, sewing, or embroidery can have a learning curve, but are a relaxing way to unwind when you get the hang of it. It can feel so empowering, fun, and satisfying to learn new skills, and having a list of things that I want to learn gives me so much to look forward to. Here is a little list of my own interests that I hope to pursue in the future if you need a little inspiration:

• crochet (currently learning)

• sewing

• learning German

• sourdough

• photography

• watercolor painting

• canning/preserving

Remember, learning new skills doesn't have to be perfect and self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. It's about listening to what you need and ensuring you replenish your energy, so you can support your loved ones with love and patience. Next time you have a few minutes to yourself, try doing something just for you!

Step 5: Do Nice Things for Others

Have you ever had someone hold the door open for you with a smile, or offer to take back your grocery cart when you've finished unloading it? These small acts of kindness take hardly any effort, but they can really leave a positive impact on someone's day. From a purely selfish perspective, doing nice things for others can also make YOU feel much happier and more fulfilled. Lately, I've been looking for more small ways to serve others, whether it is a stranger at the grocery store, my neighbor, a stray animal, or a family member.

Some simple acts of kindness could include:

• paying for a coffee for the person behind you in the drive thru

• giving your spouse a massage after work or making their favorite meal

• taking baked goods, produce, or flowers to your neighbors

• giving some love and a treat to a stray dog and trying to find its owner (if its safe to approach and do so)

• telling a friend or family member how amazing they are or how much you love them

• making a postpartum meal or gift basket for a new mom

• smiling at everyone you come across

Start a daily habit of looking for ways to incorporate acts of kindness into your day. It doesn't have to be difficult, expensive, or take a lot of time. If you have good intentions and act on them, it will brighten someone else's day and also leave you feeling more positive and fulfilled.

A Journey to Richness

True richness in life comes from the connections we create, the moments we cherish, and the joy we find in simplicity. I am a work in progress and sometimes I fail miserably at these five concepts, but I always come back to them because I know how much better I feel. You don't have to execute them perfectly to reap the benefits, you just have to show up for yourself and TRY. By implementing minimalism, building genuine relationships, romanticizing everyday life, practicing self-care, and doing nice things for others, I have been taking steps toward a more fulfilling life filled with love and gratitude, and so can you!

As you embark on your own journey, remember that a rich life is possible no matter what your income. Let's support each other in creating lives that are rich in meaning, starting with the steps we take today.