Keep it Simple

  I want to tell you today about a word that really got me on track a few years ago, and it is a motto I always come back to when things start to get hectic.  The word is, "Simplify."  Have you ever just felt overwhelmed like your life was moving at a frantic pace and you just couldn't keep up?  I know I have.  When you are surrounded by chaos, you begin to feel chaotic on the inside too,  but God made it plain to me a few years ago that I really needed to simplify, and I've been using that as a guideline ever since.  If you could use a little bit of the simple life too, here's a few resources that got me started and that I still consult when I need help.
  A newer book that I just read this year by Terri Savelle Foy is called Declutter Your Way to Success.  This book really gave me some great guidelines for getting the excess junk in my house cleaned out.  I can't tell you how relieving it is to just get rid of extra material items.  If you don't use it you don't need it around weighing you down, and when your environment is streamlined your day will be streamlined also. There are excellent tips in here for ditching the clutter once and for all and doing it in a way that is not overwhelming.
  Another great book which is overflowing with tips and tricks for living Simply and naturally is The Honest Life by Jessica Alba.  This book was very inspiring for me and helped me to start figuring out what was important in my life and what I could let go of.  This book is down to earth and inspiring, and it made me feel better to know celebrities wrestle with the same dilemmas we do.
  Of course, everyone's definition of simplicity is different, and that's ok.  What we're looking for here is optimum functionality.  You just truly cannot function at your best when you have too many material things taking up your brain space.  If your to-do list is always ten miles long and you never seem to be making progress, it may be time to hit pause and figure out what needs to go.  I certainly wouldn't call myself a minimalist, but I do enjoy paring things down and freeing up space.  This doesn't just apply to material things either.  This same simplicity rule can help you eliminate activities which are taking up time and mental energy you need to use elsewhere.  Sometimes it's just elimination mindsets or bad  habits you don't need.  Every time you simplify your life, you will be rewarded with clearer thinking and a little more peace of mind.  Free yourself up to focus on the important things today by getting rid of the clutter in life, physical and mental. You'll be  glad you did.  Happy Simplifying!

~K.W.