The Art of Simplifying Your Life
May Not Be So Simple … The End Result Is!
You have all heard about the Art of Simplifying Your Life. What does that mean exactly? Well, it’s different for everyone, we are all unique beings and are needs are also unique. For some simplifying is living off grid (too much for me). For others downsizing say from a three or two thousand square foot home to one, half that size. For others is having an open schedule to do as you please. For me it’s freedom on many levels.
The process of arriving at a simplified life can be a difficult road. If downsizing, the process of decluttering and getting rid of possibly sixty to seventy percent of your belongings can be an arduous and overwhelming process. It was for me. As a matter of fact, I am still in the process of letting go. I still finding myself trying to get away with keeping things I don’t need by shifting them into another location which at the end does not work. Clutter is clutter and if you no longer use or need something let it go! I once read somewhere that if the item costs less than twenty dollar and/or you can re-purchase the item in less than twenty minutes, set it free. Don’t let life and things collect dust. All that surrounds us should be given the light of being useful and alive.
I told myself several years ago, “I want to live a simpler life!” Well, I repeat the question what does that mean? Define your life as you wish it to be. Here is where you need to sit down and ask … what in my life is overwhelming me? Where am I feeling resistance? What can I do without? Why do I seek a simpler life? As 2023 comes to an end take time to imagine a life that flows. What will you do differently in 2024? What will you eliminate from your busy schedule or home? Schedule it. Make it fun. Bring a friend along. When decluttering I listen to an inspirational video on YouTube on decluttering or call a friend to stay inspired.
For me I define a simpler life as follows:
Having less clothes but nicer clothes that I use often. Easy to just pull an outfit together. For this I redefined my style. What helped was viewing videos on YouTube on how to find your style, reorganizing my wardrobe and creating a capsule wardrobe. I donated tons of shoes, clothes and accessories that no longer define me.
Having less to do that I don’t want to do. Like going to work for people that do not align with what I want now in my life. I also resigned from boards and stopped participating in organizations that no longer played a role in what I wanted for myself.
To have the flexibility to come and go.
To be able to manage my day my way.
Release overwhelm, anxiety, and stress. Still working on this.
More me time for the things that matter and bring joy. Time for personal development. Time to quiet the soul. Time to quiet the mind and just be.
I did not want to feel pressured by a long list of things that I do not want to do. I stopped saying yes when I really wanted to say no and just stay home and rest. When asked to participate in an event or activity rather than answer on the spot give yourself time, time to think it over. You can respond with, “let me check my calendar, I’ll get back to you” or “I’m sorry I have previous engagements.” The Art of Saying NO can be liberating. Start practicing this lovely art.
When you take moments of quiet time to ponder, recalibrate and reconsider it helps with the flow of life. Take a moment to evaluate, are you content with your life as is or can it use a bit of tweaking here and there.
Wishing you all blessed holidays. Stay Inspired and Live Fully!!!
“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of what they have” - Unknown.
