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KEEPING LIFE SIMPLE

Keep it simple. This is a suggestion that I've been hearing a lot lately.

How can we make time for more enjoyment in life?

How can we simplify our daily schedules so that we can enjoy doing what brings us happiness or pleasure?

Our schedules are tight, there is so much to accomplish in one day. Days are filled with the "stuff" of life. Stuff like: transporting people, caring for people, talking to people, shopping for food and clothing, or putting in time at work. The list goes on. Endless responsibilities and obligations sometimes leave us feeling that we need to make space for simply enjoying life. How can we accomplish this?

According to the book, "Keeping Life Simple" by Karen Levine:

1. RELAX YOUR STANDARDS

She is not suggesting that you lower them. She means,

Is it important that you try to be as perfect as Martha Stewart at Christmastime?

Well okay, if that is what you enjoy doing. But do we need everything to be perfect all of the time? Imperfection can be beautiful too.

2. FREE YOURSELF OF STEREOTYPICAL ROLES

Some roles are chosen by obligation, and some are played by choice.

Are you doing certain things only because you think you should?

Are you living your life only to please others?

3. TAKE TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU FIND MOST SATISFYING

What do you enjoy doing in life? What brings you satisfaction?

Are you feeling like a hamster on a wheel?

What are you good at? If you were rich, what would you do for free?

4. CREATE TIME FOR THINGS YOU CARE ABOUT

Now that you know what you care about, figure out how you can fit that activity into your schedule.

Why not create a log, which documents exactly how you spend your time? Then cut out the unnecessary and unimportant.

5. LEARN TO ENJOY WHAT IS IN FRONT OF YOU.

Try to see everything that is beautiful in front of you and experience it.

Live every day like it is your last. Stay positive and be thankful for the blessings in your life.

6. LEARN TO BE FLEXIBLE

Things don't always happen in a way that we expect them to.

John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans."

Think about adding some flexibility in terms of your daily expectations.

You might not know the larger picture. Trust that everything is happening exactly as it should.

7. PRIORITIZE

Do the things that you really have to do, but sprinkle in some activities that you do love.

What activities can you live without? Make choices and organize your time.

Now that you have more time for yourself, you will be able get more important things accomplished in your life.

Think about cutting out all of the extra clutter in your life. Get organized. Consider turning off the television. Sing. Dance. Take up a hobby. Order out. Hire a cleaning service.

When you live life simple, you have the time to live it with more passion.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Gentry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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