Simplicity is the name of the game here at Linen & Grace Home! Simplicity brings balance, freedom, and joy. When we begin to live simply by starting at any of these 10 points, we want to know where else we can simplify in our lives. With that being said, I believe in living with things that spark joy and are meaningful to telling the story of the home without being excessive. So where can we simplify?
Possessions – This is a no brainer, right? I recently read this saying, I’m not sure where, but it says “Clutter in your physical environment is the reflection of what is going on in your mind.” Too many material possessions complicate our lives to a greater degree than we ever give them credit for. They drain not only our bank accounts but also our energy and our attention. They keep us from the ones we love and from living a life based on our values. Invest some time in decluttering and simplify your physical environment – your bank account, your house, and your mind will thank you for it.
Time – Most of us have filled our days full from beginning to end with time commitments and time-sucks. Social media, constant e-mail checking, work, religious endeavors, hobbies, dates,…the list goes on. When possible, release yourself from any time sucks and time commitments that are not in line with your greatest values.
Goals – Goals are what motivates us to become better. I have goals for my blog, my career, and my life BUT I should try to reduce the number of goals that I am intentionally striving for in my life by about one or two. If we have 3-5 goals, we try to split up our energy and focus. It doesn’t always work out. But by doing it this way, it not only improves the success rate but also my peace of mind to focus on achieving my goals!
Negative Thoughts – Negative emotions are feelings that we have to feel. Without the sad times, our lives are incomplete. It is also true that resentment, bitterness, hate, and jealousy have never improved the quality of life for a single human being. So use fewer words. Keep your speech simple. Mean what you say. Avoid gossip. Practice gratitude. Practice forgiveness. Surround yourself with thoughts, individuals, and things that set your soul on fire!
Harmful Toxins & Chemicals – Avoid unhealthy food. Avoid using unhealthy cleaners and unnatural medicines. Try instead to replace these things with natural or organic substances. Try to allow your body to heal itself naturally as opposed to building a dependency.
Screen Time – Putting all your time, focus, energy, and attention on television, movies, video games, and technology is very addictive and affects your life more than you think. It has a profound impact on your attitude and outlook. I’m going to try and simplify my screen time by decluttering my phone and computer as well as participate in a social media detox or a cell-phone free weekend as a challenge.
Multi-Tasking – Multi-tasking is stressful and it lowers productivity. I don’t know about you but it also gives me strong anxiety. While single-tasking is becoming a lost art, we need to learn it. We need to handle one task at a time, do it well. When it is complete, then we can move onto the next task.
Learn To Say No. This is a tough one. My natural temptation is to say yes to everything. Thankfully, my husband helps hold me accountable and guard our schedules. We need to say no to some things so we can say yes to others: spiritual time, time with friends, reading and learning and getting real rest each night.
Debt – This is an important one. If you owe lots of debts to lots of different people, there is pressure to pay it all back. Try to snowball debts. Start small and then work on the bigger debts. Get rid of credit cards! Shop more sensibly. Make a budget. This is a hustle but oh so worth it!
Automate Systems – I mean automate your morning, evening, cleaning, and home-making routines. Online grocery shopping is the bomb.com. I am so excited that we now have our groceries delivered. Automatic billing and payments are also wonderful and can help with #9 tremendously.
Here at Linen & Grace Home, an intentionally made home and life means that what has to get done will get done and that when we pare life down to it’s most basic, beautiful form (whatever that means to each of us), we are left with room to savor life with all of our hearts, minds, and souls.
If you are interested in starting cultivating an intentionally made home and life, subscribe to receive the Home Simplified Challenge from us! Let me know in the comments what you think!
Love,
Leave a Reply