As you purge and get rid of many things that add no value to your life, you will be in a better position to look at the more important things in your life, some of which may be causing stress and frustration. Are you involved in too many things and stretched too thin? Is your schedule crazy and making you feel pressured much of the time? Then it is time for some major simplification!
Everything you do and have requires energy. When we are too busy we miss the precious moments of today. Opportunities and relationships and things that matter slip through our fingers and elude us. Elaine St. James wrote a powerful little book titledSimplify Your Life (one of my favorite books). In her book she recommends many common-sense changes that can truly simplify your life and give you many extra hours a day and a week to enjoy life and focus on what matters. She recommends decluttering, simplifying your schedule, approaching your work from a fresh new perspective, building a simple wardrobe, and planning simple meals.
Smart phones, social networking, and all the vast array of technological devices can help in running our businesses and personal lives, but many of us waste countless hours staying connected to people in cyberspace when we have no relationship with the people who live under our own roof. Technology should make life easier and less complicated, but in reality the obsession with technology has robbed us of time to take care of important life responsibilities and to stay connected in real-time, face-to-face relationships with those we love. I hear stories everyday about family members who eat dinner with their faces glued to their smart phones. Cellular devices have almost become an appendage for some folks—and this is causing the demise of their marriages and relationships! If you want to simplify your life, put some tight boundaries around your use of your electronic devices and focus on the relationships that matter.
Simplify your schedule. If you are too busy, ask yourself why. What needs to go? A quality life is not a life in which you don’t have time for anything but work. We miss the treasures in life and the beauty of each day when we have strapped ourselves with too much pressure and stress. I can speak to this issue from years of living on the fast lane of multitasking to the max. I stressed, pressed, and maxed out my life trying to make the most of every day! I had to hit the wall (not only hit the wall, but slammed against the wall) several times to figure out this was a ridiculous way to live life. Actually, to live in a constant state of self-imposed pressure is not living. Take a close look at what needs to go in your life—and let it go. Get rid of the activities in your life that do not give you life. As you shed activities and clear your schedule, you will start to discover the wonderful things that God has for you. Pray and ask Him what needs to go—He will clearly speak and make Himself known to you. He will guide you and give you clear direction about how to live a simple life that is worthy of living.
I love this! Less can really be more. And it’s very freeing as well.
Brenda thank you for inspiring me. It is so nice to have a closet of clothes I actually wear, dishes in my cupboard that I use, no excess linens…just what I love and use. We have had many trips to the donation sites and sometimes it’s been hard to let go, but living in an uncluttered space brings me peace. I now have time for other pursuits rather than taking care of things I don’t love or use. It’s very freeing!
Debbie, I have found staying busy and productive is a key to a healthy life. The less we do and the less engaged we are the more we have time for introspection and regrets. Thanks for visiting the site. Come back again soon..
Debbie, thanks for stopping by. It has been great to read all of your various comments.