Livevine

Think about the first sentence of this post. By scattering the word into sections using upper and lower case, the word becomes distracting. Clutter works in much the same way by creating distractions that add complexity to daily living. Simplifying your life allows you to focus on those matters that are of most importance to you. Even organized “clutter” is less distracting than disorganized “Cl UTt e R.”

Starting with this post I will be putting up random ideas on how to simplify your life.

Tip of the post: DE-CLUTTER!

Get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past 12 months. Start with one room, drawer or closet and branch out from there. Once you have gathered up unused items, donate or sell them. The main point is to rid yourself of excess clutter. A de-cluttered environment invites a sense of peace and calm to take up residence where clutter once dominated. With less “stuff” filling up your personal space, there is: less to clean, less to take care of, less to sort through, and less to manage. Leaving you with more space, more energy and more time to engage in the things that create lasting enjoyment.

1. Laughing out loud

2. Saying no (and not feeling guilty)
3. Looking at old pictures
4. Making a list of 23 things you love
5. Getting a massage
6. Telling someone how you really feel
7. Being honest with yourself
8. Encouraging a friend
9. Getting organized
10. Taking a long bath
11. Reading a book
12. Expressing your needs
13. Being in love
14. Telling the truth
15. Living your values
16. Getting in touch with an old friend
17. Exercising
18. Spending time alone
19. Listening
20. Sharing your real opinion
21. Going home
22. Taking a trip
23. Feeling inspired

People get stuck in a rut thinking they don’t have the time to change. Making over your life doesn’t have to take a large chunk of time or energy. It can be as simple as taking 10 minutes each day to do something different for you or someone you care about.

10-minute makeover ideas:

• Just stop! Don’t clean, don’t eat, don’t check your email, or do the laundry, just take a break and clear your mind. You might be surprised how clear things become when you take a cleansing break from the demands of life.
• Say thank you. Phone a friend, sit down with  your child, or have a conversation with your partner and express your gratitude.
• Get in touch with your divine side. Pray, meditate, find some solitude and honor that part of yourself that is fed spiritually.
• Do something nice for someone. Nothing fancy or elaborate, just a heartfelt act of kindness. Make a bed, pick up some flowers, or leave a note.
• Change your routine. Mixing up the pattern of everyday life changes the way we see the world. Take the scenic way home, tickle a loved one, or say hi to a stranger. By introducing novel change, your view of the world shifts.
• Embrace the positive. Instead of rolling out of bed thinking about the all the obligations that lay ahead, set your sites on the positives. Yes, it’s going to be a fabulous, joy filled day!

Creating change in your life doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. It’s the little 10 minute make-overs that make “difference” happen.