It's TIME to SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE!!

By Lisa A. Mascaro

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Living the simple life is indeed a scary thought for many people. However, the trend in the millennium has shown that people are beginning to downsize, voluntarily. What does that mean? What research tells us is that the more we have, the more we want. And the more we do, the less that really is enjoyed. So how do we solve this never-ending problem? You got it, simplify.

This topic raises the hair on the back of most people's head. "I have worked so hard for all these things, why would I want to get rid of them." Good question... but look at what was just said... I have WORKED SO HARD.... The question now is, are you really able to use the material things you have while you are working so hard to have them?

Simplification is a constant task in our every day lives. Obligations build up and it feels like we have no time for ourselves or our loved ones. True! What causes this intense yearning to have more, do more, be more? The media, our friends, our family, all these things bombard us with so much stuff, it just never ends!!!!

So where do we start? We start slowly. Very slowly. If you were to go thru your house and begin throwing things out, selling your car and selling your huge home, your family and friends may think you have lost your marbles.

First, think about your values, and what is important to you. Some examples may be:

Spending time with family.
Acquiring great wealth.
Adventure and travel.
Contributing to your community
Health and Fitness
Socializing with friends
Spirituality
Expressing yourself
Achieving powerful influence

Next, look at the things that are your core values, and begin to weed out all the things that get in the way of those values.

Write down a list of goals that you want to achieve. Be crystal clear on the precise things you want to focus on. Make sure these goals are not mediocre. Only focus on the things MOST IMPORTANT!

Here are some ways you can begin simplifying your life:

Look at your life and begin saying NO to the things that get in the way of your goals. “No” seems to be one of the toughest words in the human language, yet one of the most effective.

Cut back on TV time. TV fills most people's lives for at least 6 hours a day. Think about all the things you could do with that 6 hours a day.

Don't subscribe to magazines you don't have time to read. They take up space and serve no purpose if you really don't read them.

Don't participate in organizations that fill up time with nonsense. Only participate in ones that are contributing to your goals and adding to your well being.

Set up your bookkeeping via computer. You can now pay most of your bills automatically on the computer. This will save time and energy each month.

Hire someone to do the nitty gritty things that take you forever to do or that you procrastinate on.

Clean out your closet. Anything you haven't worn in 5 years is taking up valuable space and cluttering up your life. Look at all the clothes and shoes you have. Are they still in style? Try on everything. Anything you don't fit into NOW, and haven't fit into in the past year, get rid of.

Cut back on debt. Cut up your credit cards, except one Visa or MasterCard. Only use this if you can pay it off each month. Live within your means and set up a budget to do this. Most people waste money without thinking by using their Vsa card and then having to make monthly payments.

Plan time for a vacation each year. If you don't take time out for yourself and some relaxation, your work will suffer. (And so will everyone else around you!)

Live closer to your work. If this is impossible, join a car pool.

Organize your time to do things on a schedule so that you are more efficient with your time. For example, if all your tasks are in the same area, like dry cleaning, grocery store, and gasoline, organize it so you do it all in one trip, rather than doing it on three different trips. You would be amazed how much time this saves you. Be aware of the people who waste your time with endless gossip and useless chatter. It is one thing to be a friend, and another to listen aimlessly to garbage.

Take time for you, write in a gratitude journal, take a bath, read a good book. And don't forget to tell the ones you love, that you love them.