simplify your life tips

**Sara Noel** · 10-01-2007, 10:26 PM

People often wonder where to start to simplify their life, so let's share some tips and suggestions.

Decluttering is an obvious strategy, so I'll start with another example.

I started with prioritizing my values. What were my most important things to me? my goals? etc.

**Darlene** · 10-02-2007, 09:33 AM

My tip is to open your eyes and see the beauty around you, bring nature into your life. It's so calming & makes you look at everything differently.

**Jayne** · 10-02-2007, 09:59 AM

Stop trying to keep up with the "Joneses"...you don't have to follow all the latest fashions and trends

**lwlynch** · 10-02-2007, 10:04 AM

One Day at a time!

**HeatherB** · 10-02-2007, 12:20 PM

Try and remember how lucky you really are. Whenever I felt down when I was pregnant, afraid of a C-section, I would remind myself that there are women in this world living in one room mud huts, giving birth on a dirty floor with no hospitals or doctors, worrying about where their next meal would come from. I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it, but we are so lucky to be living where we live.

**zenmama** · 10-02-2007, 01:42 PM

Slow down!! I read a wonderful book last winter called In praise of slowness. It talks about slowing down in all aspects of life. The best part was slow food : cooking from scratch, using the freshest produce available and enjoying you're meals with the ones you love, and a nice glass of wine. AHHHH!

**pip** · 10-02-2007, 01:45 PM

Having a routine helps me stay focused and calm.

**peanut** · 10-03-2007, 03:37 PM

that led to a simpler life for you? I'm acquainting myself with the simplicity movement and am looking for a place to start. It seems so overwhelming at times. I've been on the frugal bandwagon for several years now, but it's really only part of the simple lifestyle.

We've cut back some outside commitments, and I've slowed my life down to fit in exercise and an afternoon tea break. I guess routines entered my life along with simplicity.

Areas where I seem to be having difficulties is with relationships. Saying 'no' to people, and ridding myself of draining/demanding relationships. Anyone else have these issues? How did/do you deal with them?

Jean

**ilovechocolate** · 10-03-2007, 05:24 PM

I have clothes that mix and match with lots of the others. I buy very basic shoes that fit me well and will last a while. I get compliments on my skin even though I use VERY inexpensive cosmetics. I don't wear eye makeup exept on special occasions---this saves time in the morning and lots of money. I moved to a smaller house closer to my job.

**Edna_E** · 10-03-2007, 07:47 PM

Start the day by checking out the day. A cup of whatever on the porch is a good start for me - but when the weather is nasty, sometimes I do it from inside just looking out the window.

**PrairieRose** · 10-03-2007, 08:16 PM

For me it's really picking and choosing the things I decide to be involved in. It took me a while to realize that I didn't have to do it all to be happy.... . I also agree with appreciating the little things. That makes a huge difference for me.

**Jaded** · 10-03-2007, 10:24 PM

Learn to say no, nicely, but firmly.

Take some time each day for yourself. Mine is when I wake up in the morning. I sit down with my coffee, and just relax before I have to get ready for my day. This last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, and it's the time of day I love the most. If I don't have anywhere to go, I'll walk around the yard with my coffee and just look at things. The other day I went out, and the yard was full of butterflies!

**PrairieRose** · 10-04-2007, 08:33 AM

Can I add that keeping my house picked up and neat most of the time helps me feel more in control and peaceful as well. When I let things slide I stress out (not to say I'm a perfect housekeeper b/c I'm surely not) but it only takes about an hour a day to keep things looking really nice around here and that makes me very happy.