What would it be like if your life was simple,
organized, and carefree?
1. Mind set: What does organized, simple, and carefree mean to you? After deciding to simplify your lifestyle, the next step is choosing the definition of the words. I looked up these terms in the dictionary and all of them have many different
definitions.
For example simple means: easy to understand, not elaborate or artificial, not ornate or luxurious, unaffected, not complicated or complex.
Organized means: to form into a whole from parts, to systemize, to give organic structure, to combine into an organization, or to arrange into a desired pattern or structure.
Carefree means: without anxiety or fear, requiring little care, free of worries and responsibilities.
So what do these terms mean to you?
2. Identify your priorities, values, and goals both long term and short
term: Everyone feels differently about their life priorities. For many of us, it might be our job, possibly career advancement, our family and friends, good health, community involvement, among others. So it is very important to determine what is most important to you. Keep in mind your personal values and also your goals for the future. Always think ahead and keep an eye on the big picture.
3. Evaluate how you spend your time: Do your priorities match up with your time? One way to check this out is to list your top 4 or 5 priorities and then take a schedule and map your time out for one week. Is there any overlap between the schedule and your list? If not it might be time to look at re-evaluating your time and whether some of the things you are doing are really valuable. 4. Begin simplifying an area of your life: Start small and with one area of your life that will allow you more breathing room and space. It might be your wardrobe which could be streamlined, too many media distractions that can be reduced, or your kitchen or meal planning...all simple areas that could be updated. Other areas include paperwork, bill
paying, editing closets and drawers, or organizing a room or area within your home that particularly bothers you or takes up too much of your time.
5. Create a personal sanctuary: Everyone needs a space of their own in which they can relax and refresh. It should be a room or even a
corner of a room that is your own personal escape. It might be a big comfy chair for reading or even the bathtub for soaking in a nice bubble bath.
It should be an area you can retreat to
and your family and friends must respect your right to privacy to enjoy some time with just yourself. Make sure you love it and that it is comfortable. Think big comfy pillows and throws, pictures and paintings, plant life, and some candles.
7. Live healthy: Remember to take care of your body, since you only get one in a lifetime. Make time for exercise, healthy food, plenty of rest, and water (the necessities of life). You may be surprised, if you follow these 4 simple guidelines, how much better you feel, how much less you get sick, and your how much more your health may improve.
8. Find your inner peace: Living simply is not just about your personal space but also about your mindset and your heart. Live honestly, help others, and be the person you truly want to be. Allow yourself to live life to the fullest. This might mean taking a hard look at yourself and your life. Are you the person you want to be or have things gotten out of control? Find
your control and be the person you want to be.
9. Find something you love and do it: Everyone needs to find a creative outlet and something they enjoy doing and can be good at. There is a wide variety of choices that can be made here including gardening, painting, sculpture, and
writing, flower arranging, knitting, or sewing among a wide variety of other choices.
Regardless of your definitions of living simply, carefree, and organized, there are always ways you to improve. Remember it is not instantaneous and will take time, but it is possible for everyone.
