Have you ever had one of those moments where life gently nudges you to pause, reflect, and breathe deeply? My recent visit to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, home to the Amish community, was exactly that for me.
I was visiting my kids and together we all went on a two day trip!
A beautiful serene ride and no snow (thank god!) And then I saw the horse and buggy! And that of course made me think about the simplicstic life of the Amish! In a way it reminded. me of the way a sector of the very orthodox Jews live. It is truly a masterclass in resilience, joy, and values we could all benefit.
So, allow me to take you on a journey through the quick lessons and observations I learned—and yes, it includes a smorgasbord of delicious food (pun intended)!
1. Simplicity Isn’t Just Beautiful; It’s Transformative
The Amish live by the rule of simplicity—no frills, no fluff, just essentials. Their homes are devoid of distractions, creating a focus on what truly matters: family, faith, and community.
It made me wonder: how much of our mental energy is wasted on clutter—both physical and emotional? We scroll endlessly, chase shiny objects, and say yes to everything, only to feel drained and disconnected. Imagine if we edited our lives like the Amish: fewer distractions, more meaningful moments. Joy thrives in simplicity, and so can we.
2. Work Is About Purpose, Not Just Productivity
Every Amish chore—whether it’s plowing fields or baking bread—is done with intention. Their work isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about contributing to something larger than themselves.
Think about this: What if every task on your to-do list became an opportunity to connect with your purpose? Instead of have to, we could say get to. It’s not just about resilience; it’s about redefining how we see our daily grind.
3. Food Is Love—and Connection
Ah, the smorgasbord! If you’ve never sat down to an Amish feast, let me tell you: it’s a celebration of flavor and community. We visited a restaurant that was a block size, and I do not kid you! Shady Maple Smorgasbord. You’ve got to visit if you are in this area!
But here’s the thing: it wasn’t just the food that filled me up—it was the sense of togetherness. I was with the people I love! Meals, for the Amish, are about so much more than eating; they’re about connection, laughter, and love. When was the last time you sat at a table without distractions and simply enjoyed the people around you?
So, What Can We Learn?
Here’s my takeaway: we don’t need to trade our modern lives for horse-drawn buggies (although they’re charming). But we can borrow some wisdom:
• Simplify. What’s one thing you can let go of today to create more space for what matters?
• Find purpose in your work. Even the small things can be acts of joy when done with intention.
• Prioritize connection. Whether it’s a meal with loved ones or a quick call to a friend, make time to nourish your relationships.
• Build your community. Don’t go it alone—lean on others, and be someone others can lean on too.
So, what’s your next small step toward living with more joy? Let’s choose it together.
PS: Feeling inspired? Let’s connect! I love sharing stories and lessons that transform stress into resilience and ‘oy’ into joy. Forward this to someone who needs a little encouragement—or book me for a talk that’ll leave your team energized and uplifted!
And as always,
Be Positive. Be Yourself. Be the Champion You Want to See!
