I'm making some suggestions for how to manage our cluttered, busy lives. If you feel overwhelmed by your stuff and life in general, maybe it's time you simplified. How? Here are some suggestions:
1 - Be content with what you have.
2 - Give generously.
3 - Work hard and finish what you start.
4 - Thin out your stuff.
5 - Examine your priorities. Say "no" when necessary.
Which people and things are most important in your life? Make sure your life habits support and don't work against them.
For example, I know people who say they value their spouses and children, yet they accept too many responsibilities from other people that make it impossible for them to spend much time with their families. If they asked me how to simplify their too-busy lives, I would tell them to cut down all the extra evening activities that wear them out. Save your time and energy for the people you love!
Women tend to feel like they have to solve everyone's problems and "fix" situations they encounter. I've realized that I can't fix or solve anyone's life. All I can do is offer reasonable help and pray. I get asked to do a lot of things that I know I don't have time for. One of my standard answers is "If I take on one more responsibility I might explode, sorry." I don't accept another thing without carefully weighing the impact on my marriage and my health. Tony always helps me see things from a good perspective, so I love to discuss new plans with him before I consent!
6 - Set goals.
I'm a big fan of "baby steps" and setting realistic, simple goals for our lives. Goals can be organizational, financial, occupational, educational...
If you're young, you probably have a few ideas of what you would like your life to be. Those are goals! Make sure you don't work against them. Write them down and remind yourself that you are heading in a good direction.
If you're frustrated with your messy house, set a realistic goal to organize just one room. Get help if you need it, and work slowly and steadily toward finishing. The great feeling of accomplishment will push you toward the next step.
-If you're out of shape, make a realistic exercise plan.
-If your relationships need some fine tuning, invest time in your loved ones.
-If you're in debt, get a second job and put all the money toward paying off the loan.
-If you want to buy a house, save money.
-If you need a job, devote lots of time and energy seeking one.
-If you want to simplify your life, start getting rid of the things that bog you down, keep the important ones, move toward your goal of simplicity.
Goals focus your attention on what's important. So think about them and keep moving in the right direction.
Part Four next week:)
3 - Work hard and finish what you start.
4 - Thin out your stuff.
5 - Examine your priorities. Say "no" when necessary.
Which people and things are most important in your life? Make sure your life habits support and don't work against them.
For example, I know people who say they value their spouses and children, yet they accept too many responsibilities from other people that make it impossible for them to spend much time with their families. If they asked me how to simplify their too-busy lives, I would tell them to cut down all the extra evening activities that wear them out. Save your time and energy for the people you love!
Women tend to feel like they have to solve everyone's problems and "fix" situations they encounter. I've realized that I can't fix or solve anyone's life. All I can do is offer reasonable help and pray. I get asked to do a lot of things that I know I don't have time for. One of my standard answers is "If I take on one more responsibility I might explode, sorry." I don't accept another thing without carefully weighing the impact on my marriage and my health. Tony always helps me see things from a good perspective, so I love to discuss new plans with him before I consent!
6 - Set goals.
I'm a big fan of "baby steps" and setting realistic, simple goals for our lives. Goals can be organizational, financial, occupational, educational...
If you're frustrated with your messy house, set a realistic goal to organize just one room. Get help if you need it, and work slowly and steadily toward finishing. The great feeling of accomplishment will push you toward the next step.
-If you're out of shape, make a realistic exercise plan.
-If your relationships need some fine tuning, invest time in your loved ones.
-If you're in debt, get a second job and put all the money toward paying off the loan.
-If you want to buy a house, save money.
-If you need a job, devote lots of time and energy seeking one.
-If you want to simplify your life, start getting rid of the things that bog you down, keep the important ones, move toward your goal of simplicity.
Goals focus your attention on what's important. So think about them and keep moving in the right direction.
Part Four next week:)
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