If you’ve been frustrated, trying to figure out how to simplify your life, you may have noticed that this journey is about more than decluttering and that there are many different ways to look at it. What works for someone else might not work for you. Instead of pushing back, and trying the same things over and over again, rethink how to simplify your life and consider what you really want for your life.
Use these 7 reminders to help you rethink how to simplify your life. Use them as motivation to start over or to start for the first time with more clarity and intention. You could turn these reminders into wallpaper on your phone, or simply write the words down on post it notes and leave them in places you can easily see them.
8 Little Reminders To Help You Rethink How To Simplify Your Life
The important part to consider when rethinking how to simplify your life is that this is your life. Your life isn’t going to look like things you see on social media. It won’t look like my life or your neighbor’s life. It’s all yours.
1. It’s never too late to make that donation.
Where’s your bag of clothes (or other stuff)? In the trunk? On a chair? In the closet? Hiding somewhere else but still on your mind? Instead of thinking about how much stuff is hanging around, rethink how to simplify your life and remember that it’s not too late. You get to do this your way, at your pace and even in a way that feels good to you. You are also allowed to have fun while planning how to simplify your life.
2. Protecting your peace is how to simplify your life.
When you think about how to simplify your life, decluttering is probably at the top of the list. In the spirit of rethinking how to simplify your life, wouldn’t protecting your peace be as (if not more) important. Wouldn’t that simplify everything? So, the next time you see someone post something that makes you feel bothered and like reacting in a way that you know won’t matter at all, try this. You can …
- scroll on by.
- unplug and go for a walk.
- read a book.
- have a snack.
- make better decisions and take action with more clarity because you are unbothered.
P.S. This goes for in person interactions too.
3. Saying no will help you understand how to simplify your life.
One time, my friend Heidi from foodiecrush.com told me, “It’s easier to take back a no than to take back a yes.” That resonated with me and it has made it even easier to say …
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No thank you.
Not today.
I’m not interested.
Not this time.
I’m not the right person for that.
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At first glance, you may think, how negative, but what’s behind each no is a whole-hearted yes. And if I change my mind, I can always take back a no. When you say no and do less you create some much needed space for yourself. Saying no will help you understand how to simplify your life.
Questions you may have when you rethink how to simplify your life
What is the best way to simplify your life?
One of the best ways to simplify your life is to declutter your space, streamline your schedule, and reduce your possessions. This can include getting rid of anything that you don’t need, use, or love, eliminating non-essential commitments, and letting go of possessions that no longer serve a purpose. By doing this, you will have less to clean and maintain, and more time and energy to focus on the things that truly matter. Take it slowly, focusing on one area at a time.
Are there easy ways to simplify your life?
Make simplifying easier by honoring your time and energy availability and remember that consistency is more important than intensity. Big change takes hundreds of tiny steps and they all count.
What are three steps you would take to simplify your life?
- Simplify your routines. We all have daily routines, such as getting dressed, making breakfast, and getting ready for the day. Try to streamline your routines by creating a morning and evening checklist. This will save you time and energy, and help you start and end your day on a more positive note.
- Reduce your possessions. Our homes are often filled with possessions that we don’t really need or use. Consider getting rid of anything that you don’t use or enjoy, or that no longer serves a purpose. This can include old books, unused kitchen gadgets, and duplicates of items that you already own. By reducing your possessions, you will have less to clean and maintain, and more space to enjoy.
- Prioritize your relationships. Our relationships with others can be a source of joy and fulfillment, but they can also be a source of stress and frustration. Take some time to evaluate your relationships, and prioritize those that are positive, supportive, and meaningful. Let go of relationships that are toxic, draining, or unfulfilling. This will give you more time and energy to invest in the relationships that truly matter.
4. Quitting alcohol simplified my life the most.
This one may have surprised you. When you think, “How do you simplify your life?” the first answer is never “stop drinking alcohol” but maybe it should be. I don’t drink alcohol anymore for the very simple reason that my life is better without it. Who knew that after getting rid of most of my stuff, becoming debt free, downsizing and leaving a job that wore me out, the thing that would simplify my life the most would be quitting alcohol.
For me, minimalism is removing the things that remove you from your life. Alcohol removed me from my life so I removed it. I’m looking forward to celebrating 4 years of life with no alcohol, no hangovers, no decisions about what or how much to drink and feeling good. The comments on this post were incredible.
5. The benefit of simplifying your life can be simple too.
Sometimes the process of how to simplify your life gets complicated because we try to do it too fast and we only celebrate when we’ve reached some big meaningful goal. Rethink that because if the only benefit is that you get to clean less that is still worth celebrating!
6. When you rethink how to simplify your life, dump the guilt.
So often we feel guilty, apologize or make excuses for the way we take care of ourselves. From going to bed early, not drinking or eating certain things, taking alone time, saying no thank you or whatever it takes to take care. Let’s stop apologizing (to ourselves or others) for giving ourselves what we need to feel well, be present, get creative and love our people. Ok?
7. There simply isn’t room for all of it.
It’s not your job to be it all, do it all or have it all. Wanting it all is exhausting. There simply isn’t room for ALL OF IT. Hold on to what matters and let go of the rest.
As you rethink how to simplify your life, be gentle and go slowly. You can do this in a way that feels good to you.
