Most of us need the crutch at times; but of course it is idiotic to use the crutch when our own legs (our own loves, tastes, habits etc.) can do the journey on their own. ~C.S. Lewis
I know people who travel with several huge suitcases and carry-ons for a short trip, even if there’s no way they’d use everything because it makes them feel safer.
Others have a lot of clutter in their homes for the same reason—having more stuff makes you feel secure, more prepared, and ready for the just-in-case.
Many people are super busy and distracted, because busyness and distraction feel productive, and aren’t boring.
Smokers don’t want to quit smoking, because it helps them deal with stress.
What do all these people have in common?
They rely on crutches.
The idea of crutches first occurred to me when I was quitting smoking—I realized I thought I needed smoking because it helped me cope with stress, and gave me pleasure. But cigarettes were just a crutch—I could deal with stress even without smoking, but I had to learn other methods of stress relief. I could get pleasure without smoking, but I’d have to learn something new.
I’ve learned. I now deal with stress easily without smoking—I meditate, drink tea mindfully, run and workout, go for walks, give myself more space in the day, and let go of the expectations/ideals that are causing the stress in the first place. I find pleasure in all of these things, in socializing with good friends, and in a good book, and don’t need to smoke to find pleasure anymore.
I let go of my crutches.
You can’t simplify without letting go of crutches either. Owning or bringing a lot of stuff for security, for example, is a crutch. Being busy so you won’t be bored, or so you’ll feel productive, is a crutch.
You have to find other ways of fulfilling these needs, without the crutches.
Some ways to do that:
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