I love how you recognize you are an introvert and have simplified your life to bring you peace and tranquility. Many of us are also introverts but feel pressured to change our personalities to fit the "norm". Great tips as always!
Society tells us that being quiet is wrong. I was told countless times by my mother to smile more, dance like this etc... Frustrates me to no end. Extraverts are not better just different and to me become annoying pretty quickly
My 10 things 1. Always have a good book on the go, and your next one lined up ready. 2. Check the weather forecast the night before and plan accordingly. Make the most of light, sunny days. 3. Always have your bag organised and ready to go. 4. Do a little housework each day to avoid it piling up. It may be as simple as putting out the trash or doing a laundry, but will always feel as though you have accomplished something. 5. Keep your bedroom window open a tiny bit (on a secure lock) if safe enough to do so. It makes a difference to your sleep quality and skin will look healthier also. 6. Walk through your local park and listen to the birdsong. 7. Enjoy some window shopping or book browsing. 8. Try a new cafe and enjoy people watching. 9. Eat your greens- salads are delicious and nutritious. Experiment by adding different vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. 10. Be grateful each day 💕
I really respect your decision to keep doing videos in a way that doesn't stress you rather than looking at the monetary aspect. Your videos are always enjoyable, calming and informative. Thank you Benita! Always look forward to watching them and can't wait to see your new home!!
I try to make each little corner of my home happy. I choose joy now, even if everyone else is a grump or they don't like it. Sayin no is huge for me and leaving social media. I only wear the things I truly love and make me feel happy, the rest went. I had a croissant, a little cheese, some tea and some delicious fruit for dinner the other night. It was perfect.
I've been subscribed for some time, and I honestly think you are one of my favorite RU-vidrs. Every time you post a video I feel like I'm escaping to a zen place where it's calm, peaceful, and so aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Thank you for inspiring me to keep working on my minimalism journey! ❤
Dear Benita, I am so thankful for what you do. Before watching this video I felt extremely miserable and overwhelmed. You are saving lives here, not just people from extensive shopping.
I truly appreciate that you keep to your fortnightly video uploads, or my Tuesday "sessions" with Benita. There is so much out there to watch online, I feel overwhelmed. I enjoy re-watching my favourite videos of creators I like without feeling rushed. The calm I feel during & after each video shows that you too are relaxed in making them, and it comes through. Thank you :) Oh I am also starting to feel the same way about cooking. I wish we had a Picards downunder.
Benita, yours is the only channel I subscribe to. I binged all your videos at the beginning of March when I was having a really hard time coping with the war in my home country. Thank you for sharing your perspective, your home, and parts of your life. As a minimalist and environmentalist I have learned something in every video and enjoyed them all.
Hello Benita, I recently lost my job, so beside my pain and fear, I try to enjoy my apartment, the nature, because I live close to a forest and myself. Thank you for this video, helps me a lot!❤
This has happened to me too. Finally I saw it as an opportunity to really think about what kind of work I wanted to do and free time to do things in my home that I hadn't got around to. I was fortunate that I had 6 months worth of expenses saved up, though I had to economise a bit. So I counted my blessings (a home,savings, qualifications, health). I wish you luck in getting a better job more suited to you.
I'm a RU-vid creator also, and my grandson said to me the other day when watching me set up to edit content, "Wow, Meemaw, I thought you just used the camera and it went up to the internet fast..." Uhm, no. LOL... I showed him how long it took to transfer cards from the camera and adjust the mic for voiceovers, and all that. He was shocked. I look forward to the twice monthly content... it's like a lovely surprise!
I used to be one of those people who wished you posted once a week. But I am slowly learning that more is not always better. I also like that you pretty much respond to every comment and that would be impossible with a weekly video. Quality over quantity 💯. PS-I can totally relate to the conversation in your head when you wish you would have said…..xyz…for whatever situation happened. I have gotten better because, thankfully, I realize that most times it’s better that I DIDN’T say xyz.
Knowing your limits is a major key to happiness. I am slowly pulling back and learning to say no and I have noticed a shift in my day to day happiness. I can instantly feel the difference when I take on too much, the overwhelm cuts me down and /I am much less productive then if I had just taken it slow.
I am an introvert too. To me, getting out and walking in nature is my greatest solace. I do enjoy a small bunch of flowers too, but sometimes I can only afford spending an extra minute to enjoy them as I am shopping. I like your cloud segments, this is another thing I enjoy, just taking a minute to look up at the sky.
I really enjoyed this vlog. Our values are similarly aligned. It brings me joy to see these reflected in other people's lives. Being 62 now, I only came to fully understand myself as an introvert and HSP after reading the book Quiet. That I am not alone in my tendencies gives me comfort and confidence. I am much better at knowing what I want, rather than succumbing to what others want. Seeking contented moments in every day is paramount for me. I love all the information you create, and your approach to living and life. Wishing you a beautiful week Benita 🌼
Letting go of hurtful feelings made a big improvement in my life. Someone asks me why I let the memory of the deeply destructive things that had been done to me continue to be replayed over and over through thoughts of that harmful person. That was a lightbulb moment. Letting go even had a positive effect on my posture as well as my outlook on life overall. Benita, thank you for your many videos, each one beautiful and inspiring.
Thanks Benita, this is just what I need at the moment. As always, your videos are relaxing, inspiring and uplifting. Especially when I’m feeling like I’ve lost my way a little in life!
#5 is one I'm having to work on as well. I get so upset with people who do things that are disrespectful to myself and others even when I can't really do anything about it. Trying to work on not letting these types of people steal my joy. It's really hard though.
I enjoy every one of your videos and often watch them more than once since I may have missed a nuance! So, keep making just enough videos that are ok with you -- because that just makes us happy when you do post a new one!
Dear Benita! Another great video that acknowledges what I try to achieve to lead a happier life….I definitely like the self reflection you are doing! And that your emphasis is not mainly on the money! So keep on with your good vibes! Cheers from Iris😊
Hi Benita! Greetings from Vancouver. 😊 I came across one of your videos about 3 days and now I can't stop watching them. They are incredibly well produced, and I want to incorporate more hygge into my life too. Watching your videos brings me to a peaceful state of mind. Thanks a lot for sharing your lifestyle and tips with us.
Thank you. I also try to find things to be grateful for things I see and hear, like a blue jay’s squawk, or an acorn. Time to be grateful has changed my life.
this is a beautiful list! You have reached the place in life where you have wisdom and discernment. You know what truly serves you and what causes stress. Resenting other people was one of the first things I decided to let go of. A simple life filled with small pleasures and joys is truly nourishing. Being out in nature regularly is one of the biggest sources of peace for anyone. Thank you for this list. ~Darcy
Thank you Benita . As much as I would love to see a new video from you every week I can truly appreciate and respect your decision not to. Have a great day and we’re you next time 😊
I have to admit, when you quit your job I was excited that there would be more videos. When there weren’t, I thought Well, she’s settling in, there will be more later. Thank you for letting us know why that never happened. They are always worth the wait! Love your channel! Excited for your move! 🤍
To echo what a lot of other commenters said, I love when you upload new content but respect your timeline. I can’t even imagine how much time and energy it takes to film, edit, possibly re-film, and more editing, and posting a video. I think we live in such a consumeristic world in which we want more of something we enjoy and we want it now, so slowing down and sticking to our boundaries somehow seems unthinkable. I always enjoy your videos - they are reminder for me to enjoy my own life and always make me feel calmer. Thank you for sharing your tips!
💕Thank you Benita! Sometimes we all just need a reminder to not get so caught up in life and the things we can’t change…me too, grudges😅…its so easy to do but, difficult to bypass. You are the voice of reason! 😉👍🏻
My mantra for life the last few years has been my outer space reflects my inner peace. I love a calm, clean and visually pleasing home. Thank you for your great content and the wait every 2 weeks make your videos even more enjoyable!
Hi Benita, I am a fellow INTJ. I grew up in New York, and love the city life. We have similar tastes in many things. I, too, pencil in museum and art events, as well as concerts and food and wine tastings. Add a good dose of nature and cats and that is a very happy life. Always look forward to your wonderful videos. Good luck with the move!
Like all your followers, I really enjoy your approach to life. I’m an introvert too, but as I have grown older I have become more outgoing, I’ve managed to find a great group of friends and I’m enjoying life more. Like you, I have let go of “the small stuff” (petty annoyances about things I can’t change) and I now focus on the important things in my life (family, friends, happiness). 🤓🇦🇺
Great tips, really. I hold grudges too. I find I am more aligned with Scandinavian content creators like yourself and Jonna Jinton - and I think the reason is because I live in Canada. Of all the youtubers I have watched, the Nordic, especially Swedish, are the most relatable. The climate seems identical. I also think people underestimate the driving impact climate has on people, their personalities, and way of living. Even though Canada is made up of immigrants from all over the world, it doesn't matter because ultimately the climate wins, and has moulded all our personalities/lifestyles into a similar shape. The lifestyle of your country is so so similar to Canada it's astounding and yet familiar. If it weren't for the language barrier I could easily move to Sweden and feel at home. As a second generation Canadian (non European origin), and single mom to a teenage son, watching your videos feels like home. To be honest, I think Canadians are more similar to your country (including our public policies like health care and education) over our friendlier southern neighbours. And I think you would like Canada and "get us" so to speak.
I am away on my own at the moment .Everything is calm,neat ,tidy,peaceful and happy. I am enjoying the lightness and not looking forward to going home to the usual chaos caused by the husband
I admire you Benita. Not only have I learned a lot from you. I also benefit from the calm and peace that you transmit. Thank you for being a very good role model.
Very happy for you that you make a conscious decision to not hold grudges and feel more joyful. You are right, the other person does not remember or understand why and how he-she might have hurt you. Although, I would add that if there is something really hurtful, its best to be upfront about it and clear the air in a mindful transparent fashion. Love your videos and I command the courage that you have in opening up to us. 🥰
I like when she said put yourself in their shoes...if we can understand their perspective it makes it easier to forgive , here is a proverb: 'the insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to overlook a transgression' 😊
Oh - would love a Picard here in the SF Bay Area. This was great Benita. I am taking about 3 months off from work to go through every room and remove all visual clutter, stuff I don't want, need, etc. Wish me luck.
Thank you for this great video! As an introvert I found myself giggling a few times as I can relate to many of the things you mentioned! I’m always looking to make things less stressful and these were great ideas!
So enjoy your videos and I’m sure it’s because you enjoy making them. Please never feel forced to do something that doesn’t make you happy, even if we love watching how you navigate life.
I just loved these ideas. Some of them I do, but many I don't and would benefit from. I particularly loved no.10 -- much as I'd love weekly videos, I'd rather have you stay happy and enjoying your RU-vid life than burning out and giving it up. Your whole attitude to life, as summed up in these points, is so balanced. Most RU-vidrs seem to aim for life lived at breakneck speed: yours is more what the Benedictines described as "an ordinary life lived extraordinarily well" -- and apparently 147K of us are here for it.
Your list of simple habits is meaningful. A few I’ve incorporated in my life in recent years, while several more I will incorporate. Through our choices, life can be enhanced. Thank you for sharing.
I love ALL of your videos 😍😁, and as much as I would love to see one of your videos I totally understand the amount of time and work that goes into making a video of excellent quality. They truly are a treat ☺️. Loved your list and I especially appreciated how open and honest you were about how you have held grudges and how they didn't bring you any joy. I am so looking forward to seeing your new apartment ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️
I wish my drawers whether kitchen drawers, or where I keep tools, or even my desk drawer were as organized as yours! I know that would make me happy! Do you have tips on how to do that? Or maybe a previous video that I can watch? That would be really appreciated!
Dear Benita: Thank you for uploading this video, I was anxiously waiting for it. It is important to reflect on our way of living or how our thoughts affect us. It is very generous of you to share your reflections. Greetings from Bolivia.
Your videos are so calming and peaceful…I look forward to every one of them. Thank you. I loved the part on not loving cooking and just accepting the fact that you don’t. I am there with you on that.
You give us plenty to think about for two weeks, it’s a perfect schedule. Thanks for your inspiration, particularly with this video. It’s brilliant. Hugs to M&B. Good luck with all things moving. 🌻
Thank you for this video! I agree, smiles are a beautiful thing. You never know who you touched that day with a smile, and yours is lovely :0) I am going to try and do number 9!! As, I get older I have been self reflecting quite a bit. I adore your videos and I will enjoy them on Tuesday :) Have a lovely day Julieann
lol, i dont enjoy cooking also, for years and years i am trying solutions, how to spend less time cooking and having enough good and healthy food for the next days. A video about how you deal with cooking and what do you eat or your tricks and tips could be interesting for people who dont like to spend much time cooking. and thanks for the nice videos that your are making, i love your vibe, 🥰
I immediately recognized that Opera from Picard, my favorite dessert. But I love fresh food too much, frozen food is really for emergencies. And I, for one, enjoy your low video output. Some content creators produce too many videos and end up repeating themselves, at some point, I either tune out or play on accelerated mode. I don’t have time to watch dozens of videos every other day. Glad you found your ideal pace, it makes us appreciate your content even more.😊
All great points to keep in mind for peaceful living. Yes more revenue would be great but to sacrifice your peace of mind is not worth it. I appreciate it more when the videos are spread out, keeps it fresh and exciting!! Looking forward to your move next year for more great content!
Thank you for sharing this video, I always feel calm and ready for a weekend after I watched your video. I am like you, like my house clean simple, and with bits and pieces of fresh elements that I purchase from places that I enjoy spending time in. Yes, these little things in life do bring such serendipity to my life.
I enjoyed your new video. I also do many of the same things for my happiness and well being, especially not worrying about things I have no control over. Congratulations on your new home. Wishing you much happiness and many blessings in your new home.
I guess I should stop holding my 40 year grudge against the entire city of Durham. I haven’t been there or even set foot upon their train station platform since they rejected my university application in 1980. I imagine they have plenty of Bastard Burger outlets there too. 😂
There is much wisdom in this video. I also find your videos beautifully done and visually appealing. I am looking forward to following along as you move and decorate your new space. You have also influenced my “style” for the better.
I do so enjoy your videos. I am not a minimalist and have a very different lifestyle here in a small city (compared to Stockholm) in South Dakota, USA. Even so, that is probably why I love "visiting" you. I loved visiting your beautiful city several years ago and your 'out and about' sections often bring back happy memories of that time. You make a very good example of minimal living, but I feel cozy with my books, fabrics and knitting close by (but neatly tucked away). Thank you.
Oh my gosh, this video is so lovely and serene, I could watch forever! Thank you for sharing your sweet home with us Benita. I'm going to buy a wooden brush for my dishes, and can't wait to check out Organic Basics!
Such good advice ... regret having learned such important things so late in life ... wasted time. Now that time is more precious I've become very aware of what makes me happy or not...what is important or not and more importantly as you say... not use precious time doing what I don't enjoy and finder other ways to deal with them...
one of my pleasures is to watch your videos!!! It brings me joy to see how simplicity can bring order to life. Of course the biggest joy of all is the kitties, just like you. I only recently learnt social media for my jewellery business and it is hard work. You are right not to put too much stress on yourself. Health is far more important. Have a lovely day and I look forward to seeing you next time.
There was an introverted speaker who told that an extrovert gains 5 points by going into groups, and an introvert loses them. That made me aware. I lose by going into the crowd. An extrovert loves the dynamic of a full house, but an introvert loses the calm and tranquility. For holding grudges, as long as a person is "dangerous" to come into my tranquil life, the person isn't allowed in. I learned that because grudges started to form. It is my reflection that makes that, my brain that makes that image. So it is me who needs to change. We made that journey together, Benita. Even the pictures with me looking down my nose are the same, and I love to laugh. Thank you for sharing this video with the world, the more people realize this the better ;>*
Again, your stressing the quality of life is way better than doing anything that just pleases others, and ends up making you feel stressed and resentful. Of course, it is nice and pleasing to do for others, but we can modify our process to make it more enjoyable. Funny thing about me is I love to cook, but I don’t enjoy cleaning 😂. But I’m obsessed with a clean environment and cleaning videos! I watch them to learn how to cut my cleaning time, yet maintain a clean and tidy environment. I also make lists, but I love this color coded calendar method. *Note to self: must adopt. Thank you again for great, inspiring ideas in your usual calm and relaxing BL style 🤩
Your videos are so visually appealing and soothing. I really appreciate that I either learn something or have a good habit reinforced. Sometimes you offer a challenge. Thank you. "...plenty of wine and snacks" makes every evening a success.
I really enjoyed this video and can’t wait until you move into your new place. I love all of your videos and think it is really nice that you do reply and acknowledge your followers. Thank you for that. All the best and thank you for the wonderful tips on how to enjoy one’s life more.
I swear I am you and you are me… a Sagittarius ♐️ at heart! Thank you Benita for keeping it real! Love you and your content and can’t wait to see your new place!😘
