When is National Simplicity Day? July 12th marks National Simplicity Day, in honor of Henry David Thoreau’s birthday, which is July 12, 1817.
What is National Simplicity Day? National Simplicity Day was created in honor of writer and abolitionist Henry David Thoreau. He was, as one source says, an essayist, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, and historian. Thoreau is best known for his book Walden, which is a reflection on simple living — hence this national day! Thoreau believed that a simple life is worth pursuing because it grants us greater focus and care for the projects we undertake and the people we care about. Thoreau calls for us to do fewer things with excellence instead of many things at an average level.
Fun fact about National Simplicity Day! Henry David Thoreau was one of the first people to push others to hike and explore outdoor activities simply for the sake of fun.
How to celebrate National Simplicity Day:
- Spend the day taking an inventory of your life. Ask yourself, what are my goals? Where do I want to be 5 years from now? What’s preventing me from getting to my goals? What can I do without? Am I caring well for those around me? What is preventing me from caring better?
- Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter.
- Read Thoreau’s book, Walden.
- Detach from the stimulation of electronics for the entire day.
What is the hashtag for National Simplicity Day? You can share about your celebration of simplicity at #NationalSimplicityDay!