Sunday Inspiration: Do Less

 

Sunday Inspiration: Everything and Nothing

 

Sunday Inspiration: Not Simpler

 

Simplify

My One Word for 2023 is Explore. In the spirit of exploration, I made the decision not to stop at one word this year - but to also have a word for each month.

During July, I am exploring the word Simplify.

Life is complicated. And we can make it even more complicated with our endless busyness.  All the endless activities, the mental and emotional stimulation, the multitasking, and the "stuff" that we cram into our to do lists, our days, our brains, and our home.

Simplify started stirring in my brain as I was listening to an episode of the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast with Ruthie Gray. She was talking about learning to say no and prioritise. Suddenly, it was as if something clicked in my brain and I thought to myself, "I try to do too much at once." 

My main focus for the month is to simplify my monthly and weekly goals as well as my to-do list. I'm simplifying my monthly goals by limiting the number of goals I set myself. Staying focused on a a few top priorities. I will be setting my weekly goals based on the smaller steps I need to taken in order to reach those monthly goals. 

My daily to-do lists will be created by breaking those weekly goals down to even smaller steps. And I'll be keeping them simple by trying not to add a dozen other items each day - just the absolute basics and priorities. Less multitasking. Fewer distractions.

I started simplifying my eating habits last month when my word was Healthy, and I'll be keeping that up for this month. Simple, unprocessed foods: lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. That doesn't mean boring - I'll be trying some new recipes and making some favorites we discovered last month. It just means keeping ingredients to their simplest form - unprocessed, less added sugars, etc. I have to admit - it's been a struggle for me.  But I am slowly making progress.

We'll be going to California for a week later this summer, and I would really like to simplify what and how I pack. I have been thinking about this since our trip to Ireland and the UK last fall, after dragging all my luggage around airports and train stations. It would be nice to stop over packing and simplify what I take on trips. My ideal situation would be carry on only. 

What other areas of life can benefit from being simplified?

Sunday Inspiration: Trivial Things

 

Sunday Inspiration: Two Steps

 

25 Things You Can Declutter TODAY (without guilt or regret)

As many of you know, my One Word for this year is Simplify.  Part of my process for this year has been to begin simplifying what I own.  In other words - decluttering.  It has been a slow, off again - on again kind of a thing for me.  But over the past 7 and a half months there are a few things I have come to realize I can donate or dispose of easily and without guilt. 

On those days when you feel a little overwhelmed with where to begin or that you just can't face some deep cleaning type decluttering - having a list like this can help you keep making forward progress in some form.

1. Old Magazines:  If you haven't read them by now, you aren't going to.  Drop them in the recycling bin!
2. Old Cosmetics:  You're not wearing them for a reason.  And there's a good chance they've expired by now.  Toss 'em!
3. Unread Books:  If it's been sitting on your nightstand for months and months - you're likely never going to read it.  If you change your mind, you can check it out from the library. 
4. VHS and Audio Cassette Tapes:  You probably don't even have a way to play these anymore. 
5. Accessories for Cell Phones you  no longer use:  Cases, head sets, charging cords, etc.  If you don't use the phone - you don't need the extras for it.
6. Stretched out Hair Elastics, bent Bobby Pins and Broken Clips: If you're like me you have a whole bunch of these in a drawer or box somewhere.  Probably mixed in with all the ones that actually function.  I don't know what we're saving them for.  
7. Lids to Food Storage Containers that have no matching container:  I know... you think you'll find the match eventually.  Trust me - you won't
8. Like wise... Food Storage Containers with no matching lid.
9. Unused toiletries:  The ones you received as a gift and never use.  The cute little bottles you brought home from that hotel on your last vacation.  Samples.
10. Old Nail Polish:  Is it a color you never wear?  Thick?  Has it separated?  Toss it and treat yourself to a bottle of a cute new color!
11. Recipe Books You Never Use:  If you suddenly discover you wanted a certain recipe, you can probably find it online. 
12. Treats Your Pet Won't Eat:  Is someone else in the house going to eat it?
13. Any Expired Food in your Pantry, Cabinet, Fridge or Freezer:  Expired food?  'Nuf said...
14. Expired medications:  Just be sure you dispose of them correctly!!  Check out the FDA GUIDELINES
15. Paper or Plastic Bags:  What are you saving them for?  You're gonna get more...
16. Scraps of Wrapping Paper:  Do you ever really use all those little leftover pieces?
17. Socks with No Matches:  I'm marking this one "Note to Self".  I keep a mesh bag of mismatched socks thinking the partner will show up someday.  Probably time to give it up.
18. And while you're at it:  Any Socks with holes in them.  
19. Or - Tights with Runs
20. Video or Computer Games the kids have outgrown or you don't play anymore:  Lots of places have buy back programs where you can get some credit toward new ones!  Or give them to a friend with younger kids who will enjoy them. 
21. Old Prescription Eyeglasses:  Donate them!  Many eye glass providers have collection boxes, or contact your local Lions Club for information
22. Packets of Anything that came with a take out order:  ketchup, salt, soy sauce, etc...
23. Old Planners or Calendars:  Do you think you might need to know what you were doing on an exact day a year or more ago?  
24. Old Herbs and Spices:  That bottle of seasoning you bought for that one recipe that you made that one time?  It's gotta go.
25. Pens and Pens:  I am the worst for this!  I have a pretty serious pen addiction, and it would be embarrassing for both of us if I told you how many pens I have in my house right now.  (Whatever you're thinking - it's more than that)  Keep a few of your favorites and get rid of the rest.

Sunday Inspiration: All Your Needs

Sunday Inspiration: Satisfied With What You Have

Sunday Inspiration: Less is More

Sunday Inspiration: A Quiet Life

My One Word - 2017

This year my One Word is:

For me, this means...

To simplify my possessions, my to do list, my activities, what I eat.

To simplify life in general. Making make room for what truly matters.

To make quiet spaces for focusing on my relationship with God and the people he has placed in my life.

To do less, so I can so it better.

To have less, so I can appreciate what I have more.

To get rid of old routines and habits that no longer work or make sense.


What are your goals or resolutions for 2017?