Here are the concluding ten tips to help you stay on the course of simplicity:
1. Take a few minutes at the beginning and end of the day for organizing yourself (loose papers, wrap up projects, tidy a space). This practice provides closure at the end of the day and peace to the beginning of the next. (I usually tidy the kitchen and pick up the dog toys around the house everynight before bed... Then, I can wake up to a clean house - it makes all the difference in my day!)
2. Let go of things that no longer work for you - especially habits and old ways of doing things. (Watching TV in the mornings slows me down and makes me less likely to read, write, and exercise - I gave it up for Lent and don't think I'll go back to it!)
3. Replace inactivity with activity whenever possible. Even if you're watching TV in the evening, have something to do while watching. (I've needed this for awhile!)
4. Set a timer for 7 minutes and see how much you can get done in that small amount of time! (I'll be trying this with my Memory box project - organizing all the scraps and things I've collected over the years to remember specific moments. It's a bit overwhelming to even look at!)
5. Consume less and reuse more. Use products you already have around the house to organize your space - a great way to bring loved items into daily use!
6. Check out www.freecycle.org to find free organizing products that can be reused.
7. Understand that procrastination has a domino effect, not only delaying you from doing the task at hand, but also creating more work as you begin something new. (Yep!)
8. Allow for spontaneity in your life - don't over plan! (YES.)
9. Take an opposite view of possessions: The key is not having what you want, but wanting what you have. (This has become an important lesson for us as we've been living closely to our budget... We're happier when we don't make lists of the "things" we want.)
10. Know the difference between sacrifice and deprivation. Sacrifice comes from a place of powerful decision making. Deprivation comes from powerlessness. Embrace the power to choose what you are willing to sacrifice. (Our budget has taught us this.)
Good stuff, huh? What tips do you have for maintaining simplicity in your life? I'd love to hear them!
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Meditation.
2. Intuition.
3. Blue skies!
4. Sunspots.
5. Yesterday was my 800th post on this blog!!! Uffda!
6. A good workout.
7. Gas coupons.
8. A fun evening with my confirmands.
9. Slinkies.
10. The hubby telling me he's "so glad he married me." Awww...
QotD: If you could add one hour to the day, what would you do with it?
Read. For pleasure only.
Posts
3 comments:
I open my mail by the recycling bin in the garage. That way the "clutter" mail never even makes it in to my house to pile up.
I do that, too! (Except we pick up our mail about once a week - so I sort it on the kitchen counter as soon as I bring it in.) Great habit to get into!
We are glad Mike married you too!
Post a Comment