I know with less choices, I am a happier and calmer human.

This is why I needed to find a solution to my closet/clothing chaos.  

I HAD TOO MANY CHOICES IN MY WARDBOBE!  AHHH! 

Does this wadrobe struggle speak to you too?  

Ya'll I found the solution to this chaos!  

I decided the best way for me to streamline my clothing and stress would be to create a rule.  A rule that was a well thought-out and intentional plan to make me feel hella happier!  A rule that allowed me to be a better wife, mama, teacher and overall human being.   

I created a wardrobe rule that is super SIMPLE!   The only RULE I follow is...

Having less, keeping less, and buying less catapulted my life in a direction I could have never imagined. 

My eyes are open and I've never felt more alive and happy in all my years of being on this beautiful planet.  There are no words to describe entering motherhood.  I can try to use words to tell stories about my journey, but I find like most things, motherhood is better to be felt and experienced.  Motherhood by far, has and continues to be the most fascinating and biggest challenge of my life.  But with all challenges I know it's important to seek answers, strategies, guidance, and most of all SUPPORT. 

When seeking support I came across a podcast called Simple Families hosted by Denaye Barahona almost two years ago.   She dives deep into finding solutions to help families live happier and healthier lives.  After listening to one episode I was hooked.  Denaye brings insight into everyday topics such as child development, parenting and simple living (a term that was still new to me).  Not only was the content she provided educational, but she delivers this information in a way that is so AUTHENTIC and RELATABLE.  Finally, I thought, someone is expressing their own flaws and mistakes and being OPEN + HONEST about living in the day to day.  

Needless to say I have been learning a little bit more each day about living a life with less because of Denaye and her work. 

I now have more joy, love and meaningful experiences since beginning my journey into simple living. 

Her podcast makes me feel supported.  I've convinced myself that Denaye and I are gal pals.  She's with me in the car on the way to work, walks with me around my neighborhood as I push Lucille in the stroller, and sometimes even shares a glass of wine with me as I'm preparing dinner.  She's there to express the hardships of motherhood, as well as to guide me to find the light and joy in motherhood instead of the dark, stressful abyss of parenting that you can easily get sucked into. 

This blog post is beginning to sound more like a "thank you" letter, which I was not intending, but hey I'm going to go with it none the less.  The intention of writing this blog post is not only to express gratitude to Denaye, but most importantly share to others that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  Support and valuable resources are at your fingertips! 

You don't have to feel stuck, no matter what season of life you're in. 

One click, one podcast, one episode listen has ultimately altered my life to one I wake up excited to live each and every day.  Simple Families was that life-changing resource that pivoted my direction in life to one of more intention, patience and kindness.  Her podcast was the right support for me and I know she could be the right support for you if you feel lost in parenthood and need a slight tap in a different direction.  

And yes, this is only Part One of the positive influence on how Denaye has transformed my world as a wife, mother, friend and teacher.  While you're waiting for Part Two, I encourage you to check out her podcast Simple Families, as well as her book Simple Happy Parenting.  

Thanks to both of these amazing resources, I have started loving more, asking more, listening more, enjoying more, creating more and just being an overall HAPPIER human. 



                 Always craving health + happiness,
                                             Jillian 


P.S. Want to hear more about the positive changes my family has taken to live a much happier and simpler life?
Check out our podcast that my husband and I host all about SIMPLIFYING the chaos to be happier and healthier!