How have you simplified your life?

**baxjul** · 02-01-2006, 08:59 PM

I've cleared out the clutter, and want more ideas on how to simplify.

**tbs727** · 02-01-2006, 09:01 PM

I have simplified my live by cutting down time committments. I also have set chores to do on certain days. That way I don't walk around the house wondering what needs to be done.

**homesteadmamma** · 02-01-2006, 09:19 PM

I cleared most of the clutter.

I've learned to say no.

I've cut back on time commitments.

I've let go of toxic relationships.

It's been a work in progress and has taken years to get to where I am now.

**canadian gardener** · 02-01-2006, 10:16 PM

what CJ said.

I try not to have knick knacks out on surfaces, and have lots of open restful spaces, breathing room in my house. Makes cleaning faster and easier and is easier on the eye.

I try to evaluate stuff whether clothes, appliances, commitments for time, groups that I belong to or teach at on a regular basis to make sure that they are still a current thing in my life. Not clutter.

Just because I loved that sweater 2 years ago and wore it all last year and the year before, doesn't mean it's still a centerpeice in my wardrobe this year and next year it may leave. Just because I loved teaching a class last year doesn't mean I should do it every year.

I try to keep margin time in mind when I commit to a project or a class. There is prep time, set up and clean up and time in the car coming and going.

I love our decision to go to one car. I don't have to bother working at simplifying, that does it for me. What I want to do in town can be done on car day (tuesday) when I teach a bible study in the morning. Or it fits in the evenings or weekends.

less gasoline used too, less cost

and a perfect excuse to declutter my life of obligations I don't want to bother with.

Oh I say sounding so regretful, I'm SOOOOO sorry I can't help you stuff envelopes for your husbands political hopes or glue a craft together to create something truly hideous or whatever it is that I want to escape from.

I don't have a car you know. George and I share a vehicle. If I want to have it, I have to get up at 530 and drive him to work at 630 and go pick him up at 4.

too bad.

AND CHANGE THE SUBJECT FAST SO NOBODY OFFERS TO GIVE ME A RIDE.

works for me

**canadian gardener** · 02-01-2006, 10:19 PM

ps if I truly want to be somewhere, I do all that happily just to get the car for the day, no problem, but we don't advertise that fact.

I have used answering machines at times to keep my life uncluttered from unwanted phone calls or just badly timed calls like at supper or during homeschooling.

**tervsforme** · 02-04-2006, 03:54 PM

I'm a simplify in progress. I've recently become single and I moved to a temporary house and I'm currently decluttering and sorting in a big way. I've listed a bunch of stuff on e-bay from a preliminary pass and I'm starting on a spare bedroom closet this weekend. If I don't want it, I'll list it and if it doesn't sell, I'm donating it. I don't want anything hanging around any more. No second guessing my decisions, just getting rid of all of the extra stuff. I feel so much better already and I've just started...

**foxxyroxie** · 02-04-2006, 05:35 PM

I'm 'uncluttering' my life including gf/bf relationships, psychological baggage from the past, holding on to old memories. I've come to realize that these things have really held me back emotionally and has triggered down to holding me back physically. Unfortunately, it took 2 suicide attempts and 3 hospitalizations for me to finally realize that my life needed a serious 'decluttering'.

But, I thank God, that I am now on the way to a simpler life, by appreciating what I have and not dwelling on what I don't have.
I've come to realize that my 1 or 2 healthy relationships is much better for me than several unhealthy relationships. Treasure what you have, accept what you don't and work harder to get it. If it's really meant for you to have it, someday you will.

**AmyBoz** · 02-04-2006, 07:58 PM

I have simplified my life by not being afraid to part with anything that is not currently enhancing my life. I'm not afraid to part with pretty much any material item in my home.

I am not afraid to say "no" to people.

I also delete any e-mails that look, by the subject line, like something I'm not interested in. I don't want to waste my time reading something that may or may not interest me.

**Maisiedotes** · 03-02-2006, 11:56 PM

I have simplified by not making impulse purchases, even if it is something as simple as shampoo. I make sure I use what I have before I buy more. If it is something like bras or socks, I throw out one pair for every one I buy new, so I never accumulate an excess. I figure, if I need to buy a pair of socks, it must be because I have a pair I can't wear because of holes or whatever.