Summary: (http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) I don’t normally bring close friends onto Smart and Simple Matters. It’s not because I don’t have amazing friends (I do) or because those amazing friends don’t have vivid insight to share (they do). It’s just because a lot of my friends don’t live their lives around simplifying, organizing, and/or being money wise. But one of my best friends – Jessie Kinowski – has more wisdom about simplicity through having more “nothing” than anyone I know. I recognized that Jessie needed to be a guest on SASM when she told me last year: All I want more of is… nothing. I realized there was something more that I wanted and that I had the power to control that. In this episode, I heard the knowledge flow when she told me things like: The whole point about getting to a place where you’re comfortable with nothing is being on a path that doesn’t lead anywhere… that can actually be a good thing, like a cul-de-sac. It doesn’t go anywhere. It’s a dead end. But those are some of the most highly valued properties because they’re secluded and they’re private and they’re safe in their own community. Or: You don’t have to think about what’s next if you can focus on what is. [Tweet that (http://clicktotweet.com/cbI51)] So pour some tea or coffee and get ready to hear about a whole lotta nothin’ (not in a Seinfeld “this is a show about nothing” kind of way, but in a deep, spiritual, and powerful “let’s strip away all the excess in life until the only thing we want more of is … nothing” kind of way). Warning: don’t play drinking or eating games with the word “nothing” while listening to this episode (even if you’re just drinking tea). What You’ll Learn * (http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Nothing-to-Give.jpg)How to deal with other people’s unexpected reactions when you rapidly evolve. * Why getting to nothing and being comfortable with it is amazing. * How one day in seventh grade can fundamentally change a person. * Why you’ve never truly arrived at the answer. * How living at the end of a cul-de-sac can lead to beautiful nothingness. * Why you should prioritize yourself (without being selfish). * What to do to let go of expectations. * How to stretch positive experiences with self-reflection. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: * Choosing Conscious Health (http://choosingconscioushealth.com/about-kristen.php) * Resources: * The Value of Simple Declaration (http://valueofsimple.com/declaration) * Joel’s isolation tank experience (http://valueofsimple.com/isolation-tank) * Practicing Dying to Simplify Living (http://valueofsimple.com/practicing-dying) * Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_Admission_Test) * Books: * Choosing Conscious Health for a Vibrant Life (http://choosingconscioushealth.com/about-the-book.php) * Other SASM Episodes * SASM 011 – Becoming an Accidental Daily Money Manager with Jen Koontz (http://valueofsimple.com/smart-and-simple-matters-podcast-011-with-jen-koontz) Topics * [08:35] Jessie’s seeds of awesomeness * [14:27] How experiences build upon each other * [18:47] What happens on a path that doesn’t lead anywhere * [23:46] Jessie’s experiences in the float tank * [33:47] Finding balance and The Value of Simple Declaration * [39:05] Tipping points and the ripple effect of being unbalanced or dissatisfied * [43:10] Choosing uncertainty over unhappiness * [51:25] Self-reflection and letting go of expectations Special Thanks I want to give a special round of thanks to all the people that have provided an outpouring of digital hugs, high-fives, congrats, and kudos since the birth of my second son, Clark. I feel extremely grateful to be in the kind of community that celebrates the joyous moments with you.
