Tuesday, July 24, 2018

LIVING SIMPLY...FIRST STEPS

           The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well being that places harmony in one's life. Peace Pilgrim

 

In my last post I talked about Living Simply. But really what does that mean? It can mean different things to different people as I mentioned in that post. But my question is, " What does Living Simply mean to YOU?"

Is it about downsizing to a smaller living situation? Decluttering and just getting rid of stuff?  Finding more time in your life by cutting back on your activities and obligations? More serenity and calm in your life?  An uncluttered mind? Or maybe it's all of the above.

Some of these areas may not be right for you at the moment, such as downsizing. Maybe this is not the right time for you to move to a smaller living situation. And that's OK. One size doesn't fit all in the case of Living Simply. But you might want to think about which of these areas fits your idea of simple living right now. 

My first step in the process of wanting to live a simpler lifestyle was to take the step listed below.
It helps to find a comfortable place to sit with maybe coffee or tea nearby. Get relaxed and ready to begin clarifying what you really want/desire in your life. Get a new notebook, nothing fancy, but it helps to begin with a nice fresh notebook, and pen or pencil. Now you're ready!

You are going to make three lists: 

1) Make a list of your priorities
2) Make a list of your values
3) Make a list of your passions

The reason for this listing is because when your values, priorities, and passions are clear in your mind,  you are then free to release whatever is in your life that does not uphold them. They are easier to let go of when you have this clarity. You can then release more clutter in your home, more activities in your day, and be intentional as to where you put your focus. Ann Voskamp, author and blogger says, "Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus."

Begin to think about what this list means to you and what is in your life right now. Are you spending time with things not on your list? Are you accumulating unnecessary items in your home? How much time do you spend with things on your "Priorities List"? Does your life seem to match up with the list you made?  As you begin to think about this list and your life right now some things will stand out glaringly and others will need to be looked at a bit closer. Take some time to compare your list with how you are living your life. It may seem like too much "work" if you're not a "list maker" but it really helps to do this before you get started creating your Simple Life.

And while you're at it, check out these items now listed in our Etsy Shop, Gwen And Alma's here!









 

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