Three Ways to Simplify For a Better Life
Mar 16th, 2009 by Christy
Three Ways to Simplify For a Better Life
- Clear the clutter. Out with the old and unused. What to do with it? Sell it on Craigslist, give it away, throw it away, or even start to use it in a different way. We fill our homes with stuff and all of that stuff, if not used, can take your energy. It’s time to clear out the old and create the space for peace and possibility.
What will this do for your wallet? How would it feel to make money from your unused goods? A few weeks ago I personally went through this process. What a freedom I felt – to get my old stuff circulating back into use and of course, make a little cash.
Take the time to go through room by room and pull out anything that is not near and dear to your heart, and has not been used in the last year. I found things like a windsurfer, a tv, a sofa, scuba gear, clothing, shoes. The next step is to take pictures of the things that are worth selling, with a digital camera and the last step is to put it on Craigslist. It’s easy and free! You will need to commit a bit of time to answering phone calls and setting up meetings for people to see your stuff but it’s so worth it. I suggest you plan an afternoon that works for you and have people come and check out your goods.
Remember we are simplifying, don’t spread yourself too thin. Then just enjoy your new space and your new found cash and most of all, enjoy the fact that the thing that was just taking up space is now being used for the purpose intended.
For help with posting your pictures on Craigslist, you could hire someone local who has been posting for years. Other options for clearing the clutter: yard sale or neighborhood/block yard sale.
- Meals that are deals! How and what are you eating? First, cut out the eating out or at least cut down. You will save money and pounds by doing this. Most restaurants cook for taste not for nutrition so you may just love the meal but you will pay for it in many ways. Try to cut out restaurants for a month. See what you save and what you gain from the experience.
The best way to simplify in this area is to plan out your meals so that you can create variety and balance. Involve the family in the planning and the making of the meal. Try new recipes; get creative with those items on sale. If there are items on sale that can be stored for a bit of time buy them and have them on hand. That’s all part of planning. Also we are back to basics with coupon cutting and finding the deals. It’s not being cheap, it’s being smart! So what you will find with staying in and working together, according to the most recent studies, is that there was more communicating in the family and more connecting. Creating meals as a family helped people to learn more and be more aware of what they are eating and the nutritional value behind different foods. Another option is to shop the wholesale stores with another family so that you get the good deals on bulk and split them so nothing goes to waste by going bad. It’s another great way to get connected, save money and also save time. - Cutting back on things that we take for granted. Conserve water, electricity, food, tv watching, car use.
So how do we do this? Get back to basics, try using candles for light one night a week, try reading rather than watching tv, try biking or walking rather than driving, try cutting back on your shower time, try unplugging everything each day, try eating less at each meal, get into a social network to get and give support , try meditation or running outside rather than going to a gym. These are all basic ideas that you can make fun if you put your mind in the right place. We can’t look at it as lack but rather look at it as a shift in consciousness. Taking better care of the earth, of you and your family – that’s what this shift is all about! The way we perceive is the way we receive, so look at these shifts as an opportunity to get back to what really matters.
What is that for you?
