Simplify Your Life with 3 Steps
When I think of simplifying lifeI think of bringing things down to its essence. It sounds great but is not necessarily easy to accomplish. In today’s blog, I’m going to share a strategy for simplifying your life in 3 simple steps.
1. Soul searching
Simplifying life starts on the inside. The first step is to ask yourself some essential facts of life questions. You can do this by setting aside a couple of hours of uninterrupted quiet and answer these questions:
How do YOU define success?
You might want to tackle this question from a different angle and ask “how would you define a life lived with no regrets?” How would you spend your time? How would your life be different?
What matters to you most?
What do you hold sacred? When do you feel most at peace? What brings you the most fulfillment?
What characteristics do you value in your friends and family?What makes you happy? What activities give you the greatest joy?
After answering these questions you will begin to see some patterns developing. Most of us will discover that we very much value people over stuff. We cherish time — with friends and family, with nature, with ourselves, with a good book. Much more so than a 60 hour work week, a huge house and an expensive car.
2. Simplifying Baby Steps
It is very helpful to perform the soul searching described in part one as you start on your path to a simplified life. But it’s not an absolute necessity that you engage in that “examination of conscience” before you take steps to simplify.The idea of simplifying — slowing down, feeling more calm and peace in your life, smelling more of those roses — may just be appealing to you. You may know intuitively, with very little reflection at all, that you are not thriving in your current life situation.
Turn off your ‘devices’ during meals (and at other times, too)
So this is my first Simplifying Baby Step: Turn off your phones (iPads, tablets) during meals. And, further, during visits with other people. If this sounds radical, ponder this thought: What did we all do before cell phones? We paid attention to those we were with. Not to sound too dramatic but isn’t that the essence of being human?
Connect with your people
You have an inner circle of people who need you. This is especially true if you have young children. There’s nothing wrong with taking time away from schedules and hanging out with the family, eating a meal and playing board games.
Walk or bike
This step will be easier for those of us who live in “walkable” neighborhoods. You’ll see your neighborhood differently and get exercise in the process.
Use your library
You’re already paying for your local library. Use it. Download ebooks through the library’s online system. Don’t forget all of those beyond-books-extras. From DVDs to free computer access to numerous classes and workshops.
3. Create Your List
Divide up your tasks into must-dos and want-dos, and eliminate everything else. You have to do some things even if it doesn't fit into your life philosophy, like pay taxes, eat and sleep. These are necessary things that you can't avoid (without suffering horrible consequences, at least). On the other hand, you have your want-dos, the things that you love doing when you're not paying your taxes, calling your mom, and fixing the garbage disposal.
Simplifying = Peace & Joy
The best things in life really are free (or nearly free): Hanging out with friends and family, laughing, petting your cat or dog, walking around the neighborhood on a crisp fall day, singing in the shower…The suggestions in today’s blog will get you started toward a more authentic, less stress-filled simple life.Get started — and enjoy your simplifying journey!
Until Next Time,
Venniece