Simplify Your Life

Happy people simplify their lives

Everywhere you look, life is getting more and more complicated. While on the surface technology and social media may appear to simplify your life, there are always tradeoffs. What are some of the factors that seem to be moving our lives faster and making them more complicated? Here are a few:

·       More traffic

·       Increased consumer choices

·       Faster computers and modems and millions of websites to visit

·       Cell phone addiction

·       Time demands of all kinds

·       The clock and calendar that seem to be moving faster and faster.

·       Unlimited information on millions of subjects

·       All kinds of personal and career stressors

I could go on, but I am sure you are well aware of the areas of your life that seem to push you into more and faster.

I recently read a survey that said (I am always suspect of surveys, but here it is anyway) 85% of the population (USA) wanted more than anything else to simplify their lives. Yet these same very people keep buying more toys and faster computers. Interesting paradox. We have been led to believe that more makes it easier. Faster makes it easier. I don’t think so. 

Only when you determine in what areas you are guilty of complicating your life can you change, if you decide to.

Here are a few things to consider:

1.     Spend more time with nature. The relentless, yet relaxing, pace of nature can help you keep things in perspective.

2.     Every week throw something away or donate it. And don’t replace it with something else.

3.     Refuse to be prodded into buying the latest technology.  Faster computer chips may bring you information faster, but I’ll bet you can’t handle the information you have access to now.

4.     Take mini retreats (an hour, day weekend or week) and get away to relax and reflect on what is really important in life.

5.     Reduce the clutter in your life.  Do you really need all that stuff?

6.     Say no more often.

7.     Junk projects or activities that keep you stressed and filled with pressure and away from what is really important in your life.

8.     Spend more time with the people in your life who really matter.

9.     Don’t let other people’s agendas become yours.

10.  Relax. You are not going to get out of this life alive - so what’s the rush?