Simplifying you life...

In the spring and summer months it is SO EASY to become consumed by all of the things we need to accomplish, and before we know it these months are gone and the entire season that we wished for all year has passed and the winter months are back. Is that really a good way to live?

This week we are going to question this paradigm and become more conscious of how we spend our time in these "busy" months. Our goal is to learn to live in the moment and enjoy each day for what it's worth... for the cliche "this may be the last day, live it to it's fullest!" truly applies to our lives, and it should not take a tradgedy for us to realize this!

This list is adapted from "The Big Book of Lists to live by... for everything that really matters".

1. Cut back on TV

2. Escape to a quiet spot

3. "Set your OWN pace" for the pace of our world is much too fast for many of us, and cannot be sustained longterm!

4. "Get rid of clutter"... it's garage sale season!!! When you bring something new into your life, whether it's a thing, an activity, tangible, intangible, or a task, get rid of an old one! We mentioned this a few monhs ago... ADDING BY SUBTRACTION

5. "Say no at least once a day!" Say no instead of yes. People agree to requests from others because they like to please them. Instead, realize that you have a right to say no. Creating plans or policies makes saying no easier. ("I'm sorry, I already have a financial planner." "I'm sorry, we already have a plan for giving to charities."). Try it!

6. "Make peace with all people"... make ammends with the people you are curently holding in contempt! Leave no regrets...

7. "If you don't have time, don't do it!" Start being selective about the things and people in your life, it will totally transform your day!

8. Don't be afraid to take risks and share your emotions with friends and family, they are a great tool in your life, USE 'EM!

9. "Be thankful to God for what you have!" Doing this creates a "gratefulness" chain in your mind that can truly influence how you see the world!

10. "Do only one thing at a time." Seriously, this is also a big one, there is a line between being efficient and being dangerously occupied with a plethora of tasks, things, etc.

11. Let go of the myth of perfection. Just let go.

12. DO one thing for yourself everyday. It is so common that we become wrapped up in doing things for other people, for money, for affection. Everyday, take the time to take care of yourself and do one good deed for YOU AND ONLY YOU. This is not selfish, it is necessary.

So here you go, this week we will be reading this list as we wake, daily, in order to hopefully engrain these principles into our daily routine and mind patterns.

We would love to know the things you struggle and succeed with when trying to simplify your lives... so post or email us (posting doesn't always work) at fightingfootprints@gmail.com!

Simply Stated,

Heather and Chanel