What is Enough?

What is enough? Thoughts on minimalism and finding your threshold.

Awhile back I was doing some reading online, and I came across a statement that made perfect sense to me. It was the simple question, “Do you have enough?”. Enough what? Enough shoes? Enough love? Enough sleep? Enough of anything, really. It reminds me of the cup analogy in that the word, “enough” represents a full cup.

It resonated with me so well that I began to ask myself whether or not I have enough. Between finding the things that are useful and really spark joy in my life, and asking myself if I already have enough, I’ve been able to go through different parts of my home that weren’t as easy to go through before. I cleaned out my closet, my kitchen, the laundry & linen area, and a few other places that have been a pain in my side. I feel like sometimes we hold onto items that we have multiple of just because

Eventually I started asking our little ones as well. If ever they asked for something that they didn’t actually need, or maybe wanted on a whim, I’d reply with, “Do you have enough?” At first they were hesitant to reply with a yes, but over time they’ve started to put more thought into wants v.s. needs and whether or not something will bring them more long-term joy. During our trip to the Aquarium in Monterey, my older son even passed on getting a souvenir from the gift shop, which I have to say, made me feel quite accomplished (his room is kind of a.. teenagers). Sometimes I have to word it differently for our younger son, as he does not yet grasp the concept of enough.

I love that the question has so many different meanings, along with the vague idea that you should be thankful for what you do have. Each time you ask yourself, you have to reflect on all the things (not necessarily material) you do have enough of in your life, and how you probably don’t really need more.

So what about you, do you have enough?

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Responses to “What is Enough?”

  1. Such a great question to ask ourselves frequently and a great reminder that we all have “enough”!

    xo,
    Brooke || http://www.kbstyled.com

  2. I think it’s extremely important to be thankful for what we have. Whether it’s possessions, health or love, we often forget how lucky we are and start complaining about silly things. It is also important to teach this to the little ones from an early age. They get so many present for Christmas/birthdays they forget about their value or the efforts some parents have to do to provide them with the things they ask for.

    Jessica, I just discovered you blog and your IG feed and I wanted to tell you that you take wonderful photos. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work.

  3. This is such a lovely thought I really like this, I’m going to start thinking that when I feel like I need to buy things or when I feel down and things, I adore this!
    http://www.pagesfrombeth.blogspot.co.uk

  4. This is such a great point. This is something I should remind myself every day.

    xx,
    Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com

  5. Love this thought! I don’t take nearly as much time as I should to sit back and reflect, and this has really motivated me to think about the things in my life that I do and do not have enough of.

  6. This is so true! Taking time is so important!

    Lacey
    http://www.theglittergospelblog.com

  7. I’m a fashion blogger with a full time corporate job and new business venture starting next Spring. I can say that I never have enough time! Its one of those rare things money can’t buy.

  8. I definitely have enough and am very thankful for everything I have. If you really stop and think about it, if everybody asked themselves “Do I have enough,” I think we would have a lot of people who are happier with their lives. I’m going to start reminding myself of this the next time I want something.

  9. a great concept to start teaching at a young age!! super important.
    elle
    Southern Elle Style

  10. I absolutely love this. In a world so full of materialistic happiness, we easily forget what truely matters! What a nice reminder and made me really think about the question too.

    ~Shelbi || http://www.itsallchictome.com

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