Simplify your life

We all have so much 'going on' some of us say we are just so 'busy' yet can't put the finger on what it is that is keeping us 'busy'. The complexity of life just seems to get in the way! The word 'busy' is an overview of what you are doing... the demands of our life. Being 'busy' can be an excuse at times so that you don't take on more or indeed put off taking the time to try and get 'unbusy'. Sometimes saying you are 'busy' is what you need to say because you feel guilty when you are not 'busy'. I much prefer to know what my 'busy' is. I love having direction and clarity as to what I am busy doing. To help me to gain clarity I try and simplify my life. Whilst simplifying your life won't happen overnight it will help free you up to move in a more purposeful and directional way.

Breaking our lives into 4 key areas -

Simplify your things - Look at your 'stuff' - those millions of bits and pieces that surround you. Whether it's in your drawer, closet, work desk, car, garage, kitchen get sorting! Start by going through each area/space and put into three piles - 1. Keep 2. Maybe 3. Go Split the maybe and go into - Throw, repurpose, give away. Action it quickly - if it's garments keep the stuff you want/need then immediately put everything else into the three piles of throw, re purpose, give away - then do what you say. With paperwork like finances - superannuation, bills, refunds, tax - sort your piles out into immediate, next week and to do. Again, action as soon as the pile is there. I encourage you to action the hardest first so that it's out of the way. Moving forward try giving away or throwing away a garment when you buy a new one! When an invoice comes in file and action it. When an email asking for details lands on your desk ACTION IT when you open it then file it out of your inbox.

Simplify your time - Everyone has 24 hours in a day. Start to use your 24 hours smarter rather than harder. Saying 'no' is such a basic but difficult concept. Try it. No need for justification, No is a sentence! Try to mono-task instead of multi-tasking. Doing one thing until it's finished. Schedule a walk with friends and talk then, speak whilst driving (hands free of course), do an activity with a group of friends you would otherwise see separately, ditch that hour of escapist TV and pick up a book you have on your 'must read' list (if all you do is read self development books and watch documentaries and listen to self help podcasts, give yourself permission to watch a voyeuristic TV show and chill out a bit!) Don't be hard on yourself. It's ok to be protective of your time. It's ok to spend time with and on you.

Simplify your health -

Do you only pay attention to your health when it stops working? It's time to listen to your body, to nurture it, to eat happy, to exercise, to set boundaries, to drink water... if over indulgence happens pull in the reigns as soon as you can and course correct - get back on track ASAP. What's done is done now get back in control. Don't become busy regretting what you have done. Get curious about your health. Knowledge is power and even at times of ill health you will have tools to question medical practitioners and professionals. Being curious about your health will pay dividends.

Simplify your relationships -

From family to friends to intimate relationships always show respect. Relationships can be complicated especially if you are consumed by them. If it's time to let go of a relationship do so with kindness and then move on. Let go of any anger that is holding you back so that you can move through issues and find resolutions or release that relationship. Have meaningful conversations - hear to listen and don't create your own drama by reading things into conversations. You are allowed to ask and friends and family will thank you for this, it makes everyone feel good.

These tips highlight the fact that we should stop worrying about what could have been. We spend so much time, anxiety and energy with worry - worry about what others think, what we should do, when we should do things, who we should spend time with - Start doing things for you and make your life simpler so that you can take control of every aspect of your life.

Start today...

Thanks for reading.

Dawn