Remember the movie “Matrix Reloaded?” The first flick (the Matrix) was smooth, free-flowing and a neatly put together movie that all could follow and take in easily. And then, this cool flick garnered a sequel which exploded into a gazillion little subplots and alternate storylines with a bunch of new characters that really became hard to keep track of, not to mention events that didn’t make a whole lot of sense. And that ridiculous rave/orgy had folks scratching their heads. When we left the movie theater, the group I saw the movie with turned to me and said, “ummmmm… that flick was needlessly complicated.”

I think that example explains the typical state we often find ourselves in; frequently complicating things and doing way more than we need to. To some, simplicity comes either. And to other’s, keeping it simple comes as an ordeal. Life’s already complicated process needs no assistance in us trying to one-up it all the time. We’re brought down with complications when you factor in obligations, goals, plans, problems, self-expectations, expectations of others, pressures, and other stuff in general.

Personally, I’ve discovered that I’ve added physical attachments that have inhibited some of my sense of inner peace and balance, but at the same time, has brought me happiness and joy. Some of my peace came at a price, but I’m glad of my accomplishment.

The most recent choices in the last couple of years have actually “complicated” my life, rather than simplified it. Yet, in some weird kind of way, I don’t regret making them. Isn’t that a beaut? Do you want credentials for blogging about simplifying your life? Do as I do and do the opposite! – lol But on the real, I was telling my best friend recently that most of the major issues that I have gone through in my life, have been haphazardly created by me.

It was me who made things more complicated than they had to be; whether by thought or by actions. And even though I have come through scar free (emotional and otherwise) on “most” of them, it bothered me that I didn’t take the simple way out. I mean, what guided me down that path anyway? Was it a sense of excitement and not
wanting to stay still and (gasp) simple?

The people who know me best, know that I’m at my best when I’m dabbling in something. Anything! Not when I’m relaxing or taking it easy. I just LOVE staying busy and active. Sometimes I’m too active. Recently, I pulled out several comic book boxes from my art room’s corner. The more comic books I buy, the more the need arises to keep the inventory in check and in a way that will help me retrieve that special book later with ease.

My 14,000 plus collection is on an excel spreadsheet. Laugh, but it really comes in handy when I have to find Fantastic Four # 167 when the Hulk knocks the ever-living snot out of the Thing. Now, can you imagine my looking for that ONE issue amidst 14,000 books? Of course not. That’s because I took a weekend off 15 or so years ago devoted to cataloguing all of that stuff. Once in a blue, another weekend every several years or so is required to update the inventory, but nothing like that monster weekend way back when.

All this done in the spirit of making things simple for myself. It’s really not as hard as I tend to make it. Just a little attention to detail every once in a while. Which poses a question to me. Am I complicating things purposely because I’m attempting to appease that thrill seeker side inside of me that loves challenges, or is my execution simply… flawed?

When I’ve set my mind to simplifying things, it takes a fraction of the effort to execute it. As usual, it’s just one of those other questions that I will always have for myself. A quote I picked up recently read “It is my belief that the key to my life and my happiness is to just keep it simple” – In total agreement with that statement. And not in just one or two ways, but in every aspect possible.