“A little simplification would be the first step toward rational living.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
What’s one thing you’ll simplify this month?
Mine? Teaching. Less is more. Less done well is a lot more.
I’m excited to hear yours. Let’s get ideas on what else to simplify from each other. Find someone in our less-is-more community and introduce yourself!
Saying NO to invitations when I’d rather just be alone. Recognize that I do enjoy relationships and frequent brunches and lunches, but sometimes my best company is just myself.
I didn't realize until recently that I am probably one of those "introvert/extrovert" types. I love people and have fun being with others but I also love being alone. Once I understood that, I quite feeling guilty about saying, "no."
Yes! I've started doing this a while back. I don't say yes anymore to things I "think I might want to do in a week's time". If I don't feel like it right now, then future me isn't magically going to want to do it so I say no. It's working very well 😁
I've decided to try theme days for my newsletter work. I struggle with focus and completion so I want to try to work on one thing each day instead of 3-4 tasks. This is in my 2.5 morning working window.
Something I did recently, which has surprised me with how it has simplified making meals...I used to watch a lot of cooking shows...and I was always impressed with how the host often had little bowls or containers with the ingredients already measured out so they just stood in one spot and added the ingredients as they needed them. I was used to constantly having to go back to the cookbook to see how much of something, and then go find that ingredient, and measure it out, or cut it up, or whatever I needed, and then going back to the cookbook to see what's next. I really didn't enjoy it. Then I finally bought a set of little bowls and began gathering all the ingredients ahead of time, and I seriously can't even believe how it has simplified the process and made cooking more enjoyable for me.
I am seriously in need of simplifying my obligations. I went a long time without doing much volunteerism and then, suddenly, I took on a LOT. So much so that I am really questioning if it was a good idea. Two things are fast approaching to be off my plate - at least the bulk of it. And then I need to make some key decisions on what I can handle and WANT to handle.
Fewer extraneous medical appointments. I can't overemphasize the time suck that is health care in my life. I have 5 kids (so we're talking annual well child visits, twice a year dental cleanings, annual vision exams for baseline proactive care). One of my daughters has a complex, rare genetic condition with over a dozen specialists. And I've accumulated a lot of physicians for my autoimmune diagnosis.
Baseline care aside, I'm evaluating what additional medical care is actually necessary for my daughter and me, and what can be eliminated or combined into an overlapping specialization.
Jeannie: huge hugs for you. Health is what matters most, so the care you give to yourself and others is honorable and necessary--yet the systems drain us even as we try to do the right things. I'll be thinking of you today as you sort the urgent and critically important from the extraneous and unnecessary.
My goodness! I might be on the opposite swing. I’ve just started using all the rooms of my home daily—sleeping in what was the guest room, only working in the office/BR, and at least walking through the “study/craft studio” every day. I suppose the related “simplification” is that I put things away more often after use so I enjoy the look of my spaces. Also, I’m giving up my unused bike to get more space for garden tools in the shed.
We had to evacuate our rental house by row boat today due to flooding. We’d already reduced our belongings to carry-ons (plus two cats) before moving to Chiang Mai in June, so there wasn’t much to take with us. Still, the experience made me grateful that I own few material possessions, AND it made me want to keep life as simple as possible this next while. Details could easily feel overwhelming at the moment, but we are safe, we found a sparse hotel, we just need to do the basics plus get our work done for remote clients. Nothing extra.
September delivered perspective with surgery and then recovery. All is well, and now I want to continue the joy of really simple things like truly seeing beauty on a slow walk, savouring healthy food, and giving myself sleep when I need sleep.
During October my manta is: 'Simplfy'. So I am looking at everything I am currently doing and looking through the lens of:. 'How can I build my community and help them thrive as we evolve into the future - in the most impactful way?'
While considering the very unpredictable nature of my life. As the caregiver of my autistic, disabled adult son who has many ongoing medical issues and frequent hospitalizations - I write etc in 'cracks of time'. How can I effectively make use of my resources, knowledge and life situation?
I faced the pain of sorting through and releasing books to other therapists and tiny libraries. I found gems. And rereading then sharing others. Lighter load. Oooh. And I labeled the shelves!!
I want to go through my kitchen and eat up my pantry. I want fewer ingredients in my home.
I also want to simplify my herbs and spices but I use quite a wide range of them. I've recently come up with a way I could store smaller amounts in smaller spaces and get rid of my dozens of spice containers. This may not seem like simplification but in my kitchen, it actually would be.
A clear, clean space would free up a lot of mental clutter. I want wide, open counterspace.
Simplifying my commitments - September was chock full of events, trips, hang-outs, and learning, and I'm learning to cut back a bit for the sake of my energy
My writing has always been simple (or, at least, apparently so), but my house is not. My simplification aim is to get rid of STUFF that has been collected over all these many years. I don't need most of it. And whether we downsize (we talk about it, but my guess is we never will) or just die here, we need to make life easier for whoever is coping at that point.
Like so many others here, I'm simplifying the amount of things I have or want to do in a day. I'm realising I can't do all the things and I'm just choosing which ones I want to focus on for now.
This month I’m simplifying my December. I’ve started a gift list for each family member and have already ordered a few gifts. I’ve also told my photography clients I’m planning to take the month of December off (working ahead in October & November instead) so I can fully enjoy my family and the holidays this year. ❤️
After spinning for too long in overwhelm, I invited 2 friends to join me in an October of solid effort. I've mapped out the things I'll be writing and other supporting tasks in each week as I get back in the mode of helping "employed entrepreneurs" be financially ready to leap into a more intentional life. And it's a lot and may not look like simplification, but it feels infinitely simpler because it's finite and I know WHY I'm doing all that I've done -- this ensures much less spinning in circles accomplishing/helping very little
Mine: Less pushing . I am recovering from a stroke. It takes time. I am giving myself the rest my body is asking for, and when the guilt that I am not being productive arrives, I am meeting it with gentle encouragement to notice that nothing bad is happening. That rest is a blessing.
I'm staying focused on learning from authors and seasoned experts who want to share the values that drove them to write their book or create a business.
These values help discover hidden gems about a person's why that become lessons learned
I will limit my non-essential socializing to ensure I’m ready for for the socializing the lights me up, I will be in bed by 11 each night, I will exercise each day ✨
Rather than letting menial tasks pile up (e.g. shredding documents, laundry, desk piles, thrift donations, etc.,) for the dubious efficiency of doing things in big blocks, I’m spending a few minutes a day taking care of it… preventing stress-inducing burdens.
In the same vein, I could simplify my writing practice. I have a tendency to be too verbose and, again, less done well is more.
Saying NO to invitations when I’d rather just be alone. Recognize that I do enjoy relationships and frequent brunches and lunches, but sometimes my best company is just myself.
I didn't realize until recently that I am probably one of those "introvert/extrovert" types. I love people and have fun being with others but I also love being alone. Once I understood that, I quite feeling guilty about saying, "no."
I couldn’t relate more John!
Ditto.
Yes! I've started doing this a while back. I don't say yes anymore to things I "think I might want to do in a week's time". If I don't feel like it right now, then future me isn't magically going to want to do it so I say no. It's working very well 😁
I will be living by this from now on: “ If I don't feel like it right now, then future me isn't magically going to want to do it so I say no.”
Yes to this. Me too.
I've decided to try theme days for my newsletter work. I struggle with focus and completion so I want to try to work on one thing each day instead of 3-4 tasks. This is in my 2.5 morning working window.
Amazing. I love the term "Focus time" for windows like that.
Ohhh me too! I like to set my focus timer for these windows of time - that helps me to not wander!
Something I did recently, which has surprised me with how it has simplified making meals...I used to watch a lot of cooking shows...and I was always impressed with how the host often had little bowls or containers with the ingredients already measured out so they just stood in one spot and added the ingredients as they needed them. I was used to constantly having to go back to the cookbook to see how much of something, and then go find that ingredient, and measure it out, or cut it up, or whatever I needed, and then going back to the cookbook to see what's next. I really didn't enjoy it. Then I finally bought a set of little bowls and began gathering all the ingredients ahead of time, and I seriously can't even believe how it has simplified the process and made cooking more enjoyable for me.
Pretty much eat the same thing every day :)
I am seriously in need of simplifying my obligations. I went a long time without doing much volunteerism and then, suddenly, I took on a LOT. So much so that I am really questioning if it was a good idea. Two things are fast approaching to be off my plate - at least the bulk of it. And then I need to make some key decisions on what I can handle and WANT to handle.
Fewer extraneous medical appointments. I can't overemphasize the time suck that is health care in my life. I have 5 kids (so we're talking annual well child visits, twice a year dental cleanings, annual vision exams for baseline proactive care). One of my daughters has a complex, rare genetic condition with over a dozen specialists. And I've accumulated a lot of physicians for my autoimmune diagnosis.
Baseline care aside, I'm evaluating what additional medical care is actually necessary for my daughter and me, and what can be eliminated or combined into an overlapping specialization.
Wow! 5 kids. And you're so right about the time suck. I can't imagine that times 5.
Jeannie: huge hugs for you. Health is what matters most, so the care you give to yourself and others is honorable and necessary--yet the systems drain us even as we try to do the right things. I'll be thinking of you today as you sort the urgent and critically important from the extraneous and unnecessary.
Thank you, Andi.
I’m writing once per week, and confining my posts into four hours rather than eight. They will be shorter and simpler, at least that’s the idea! 🤞
Love that! Limited time to complete.
My goodness! I might be on the opposite swing. I’ve just started using all the rooms of my home daily—sleeping in what was the guest room, only working in the office/BR, and at least walking through the “study/craft studio” every day. I suppose the related “simplification” is that I put things away more often after use so I enjoy the look of my spaces. Also, I’m giving up my unused bike to get more space for garden tools in the shed.
This seems like simplifying to me! Streamlining=simplifying.
This definitely counts. Looking at what we have and finding a place we can find it is at the heart of simplicity. ❤️
Continuing to devote more time to reading. Life is simple when you are reading a great book, especially one you've read before.
This: "Life is simple when you are reading a great book, especially one you've read before."
We had to evacuate our rental house by row boat today due to flooding. We’d already reduced our belongings to carry-ons (plus two cats) before moving to Chiang Mai in June, so there wasn’t much to take with us. Still, the experience made me grateful that I own few material possessions, AND it made me want to keep life as simple as possible this next while. Details could easily feel overwhelming at the moment, but we are safe, we found a sparse hotel, we just need to do the basics plus get our work done for remote clients. Nothing extra.
So glad you're safe!
September delivered perspective with surgery and then recovery. All is well, and now I want to continue the joy of really simple things like truly seeing beauty on a slow walk, savouring healthy food, and giving myself sleep when I need sleep.
Wonderful that you've recovered!
During October my manta is: 'Simplfy'. So I am looking at everything I am currently doing and looking through the lens of:. 'How can I build my community and help them thrive as we evolve into the future - in the most impactful way?'
While considering the very unpredictable nature of my life. As the caregiver of my autistic, disabled adult son who has many ongoing medical issues and frequent hospitalizations - I write etc in 'cracks of time'. How can I effectively make use of my resources, knowledge and life situation?
Such a great mantra.
Thanks Sarah
I’ve simplified my workout routine to a 15 minute, single kettle bell routine. It’s so simple (not easy) that, it’s hard to justify skipping it.
Love this!
I faced the pain of sorting through and releasing books to other therapists and tiny libraries. I found gems. And rereading then sharing others. Lighter load. Oooh. And I labeled the shelves!!
I want to go through my kitchen and eat up my pantry. I want fewer ingredients in my home.
I also want to simplify my herbs and spices but I use quite a wide range of them. I've recently come up with a way I could store smaller amounts in smaller spaces and get rid of my dozens of spice containers. This may not seem like simplification but in my kitchen, it actually would be.
A clear, clean space would free up a lot of mental clutter. I want wide, open counterspace.
I’m working on my closet and simplifying choices that get to stay. If I haven’t worn it the past couple years then it’s not taking up space anymore.
Closet is next for me.
Less control. It’s a constant letting go.
Grant me the serenity.
Amen.
Simplifying my commitments - September was chock full of events, trips, hang-outs, and learning, and I'm learning to cut back a bit for the sake of my energy
My writing has always been simple (or, at least, apparently so), but my house is not. My simplification aim is to get rid of STUFF that has been collected over all these many years. I don't need most of it. And whether we downsize (we talk about it, but my guess is we never will) or just die here, we need to make life easier for whoever is coping at that point.
Like so many others here, I'm simplifying the amount of things I have or want to do in a day. I'm realising I can't do all the things and I'm just choosing which ones I want to focus on for now.
This month I’m simplifying my December. I’ve started a gift list for each family member and have already ordered a few gifts. I’ve also told my photography clients I’m planning to take the month of December off (working ahead in October & November instead) so I can fully enjoy my family and the holidays this year. ❤️
I love that you’re doing this in October more than I can say :)
After spinning for too long in overwhelm, I invited 2 friends to join me in an October of solid effort. I've mapped out the things I'll be writing and other supporting tasks in each week as I get back in the mode of helping "employed entrepreneurs" be financially ready to leap into a more intentional life. And it's a lot and may not look like simplification, but it feels infinitely simpler because it's finite and I know WHY I'm doing all that I've done -- this ensures much less spinning in circles accomplishing/helping very little
Mine: Less pushing . I am recovering from a stroke. It takes time. I am giving myself the rest my body is asking for, and when the guilt that I am not being productive arrives, I am meeting it with gentle encouragement to notice that nothing bad is happening. That rest is a blessing.
Reclaim this old refrain: 'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free.... I am embracing this as I recover from COVID and live quiet days.
I'm staying focused on learning from authors and seasoned experts who want to share the values that drove them to write their book or create a business.
These values help discover hidden gems about a person's why that become lessons learned
I will limit my non-essential socializing to ensure I’m ready for for the socializing the lights me up, I will be in bed by 11 each night, I will exercise each day ✨
I love this...
Finding creative ways to repurpose my content from classes, my books, newsletters and blog.
My sentences.
Love this.
Rather than letting menial tasks pile up (e.g. shredding documents, laundry, desk piles, thrift donations, etc.,) for the dubious efficiency of doing things in big blocks, I’m spending a few minutes a day taking care of it… preventing stress-inducing burdens.