How Do You Simplify?
As I started drilling down into simplifying the soul, I knew it would be about more than just cleaning out the cluttered parts of my home. I had to ask myself: ‘How do you simplify?’ How do I get rid of the piled-high schedule and how do I keep it from spilling over into my home?
If I was truly going to make a meaningful difference then I had to declutter my heart and mind of the things I no longer needed. Over the past few months I’ve learned I can be pretty ruthless when it comes to discarding the unnecessary and never look back.
Get Rid of the Clutter
When it comes to cleaning out the clutter I’m my own worst enemy. I’ve allowed myself to let it stack up, only to get frustrated for not taking care of it sooner. But I made a vow. I’m no longer willing to pull this unhealthy cart around with tons of baggage and extra junk that I don’t need. Which makes me think, ‘how do you simplify?’
God never intended for me or anyone to hang onto the heavy burdens and lug them around like we’re super woman.
“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Why do we carry this stuff with us when we can give it all to Him? 1Peter 5:7
I am comforted by this Scripture because God asks us, ‘Why do you carry this stuff with you when you can give it all to Me?” I love that. It’s confirmation and comfort rolled into one.
10 Ways to Simplify Your Life
The following list of 10 tips is not exhaustive, nor is it possible to include everything that needs consideration, but it’s a good place to start. I hope this motivates you to weed out the untruths for good. I pray you are encouraged to pare down what occupies your heart and mind. And I pray you choose to live a life of simplicity through Christ. So, how do you simplify?
Unrealistic Expectations
Stop trying to meet others expectations. You won’t make everyone happy and it’s not healthy to carry around that kind of pressure. If you lose friends over not meeting their expectations, then it wasn’t a genuine relationship or friendship.
Overdoing It
We cannot plan for everything. No matter how hard we try, it won’t happen. Avoid taking on too many responsibilities. You will soon discover that all you’ll do is plan and plan some more. You won’t ever catch up and you won’t ever have free time. Everyone needs to be spontaneous occasionally. Free yourself from the busyness of chaos and disorder and relish in the simplicity of a day. It’s good for the soul.
Hiding the Real You
Sometimes society tells us it isn’t acceptable to express our emotions. For example, if we are firm with a situation, then we’re labeled as difficult. If we break down and cry, then we’re weak and whiny. Whatever the situation just be you. Care for others and be kind, considerate and compassionate, just like Jesus. Being judgmental is not on the list.
The Perception of Perfection is Everything
Give up the world’s perception of who you should be. You are not perfect, but you are more than enough–just as God made you. Be content with who you are and explore the possibilities.
Jealousy and Envy
Avoid letting these emotions take over your life. Don’t get caught up in wanting what others have. Not stuff, not people or jobs. Not homes or money. Nothing is ever greener on the other side.
Looking for Superwoman
Forget about it. Who wants or needs to be everything to everyone? It’s not worth it. We simply need to do the best we can and accept the things we cannot change. God didn’t intend for us to do it all. That gets into busyness and that’s another story.
Controlling What You Can’t Change
Everyday of our life we deal with a multitude of things. Some things you can take care of. Others you cannot. But what you shouldn’t do is let the things that you can’t control occupy too much space in your mind. When you let it consume you then you become bogged down in worry and details and control becomes a vicious cycle.
Carrying Grudges
If your feelings get hurt, deal with the situation and be done with it. If you can’t deal with the situation, pray about it and ask God to help you let it go. You can’t give your worries over to God and still carry them around. Holding a grudge doesn’t get you anything but miserable. Let. It. Go. For. Good.
Giving Up
Carrying around a defeatist attitude is a no-no. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you aren’t enough. Setting goals is a natural part of life and you are to trust God to point you in the right direction. Go after your dreams. Find what makes you happy and do your part. Plan, prepare, and pray about your goals and let God lead the way. In the meantime, enjoy what you’re doing and do it well.
No Time for Me
Avoid these negative thoughts at all cost–taking care of yourself is never selfish. Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Eat healthy. Workout. Laugh….a lot; It’s good for the soul. Get plenty of rest and pamper yourself occasionally. Take time to clear the clutter from your mind. Practice gratitude and thankfulness–you’ll build a stronger you.
Learning to Live With Less
Did you find something on this list you CAN live without? It’s easy for our hearts and minds to lose focus in the midst of too much clutter. Start simplifying today and get rid of the junk, the negatives and the untruths. Your mantra can always be, how do you simplify?
Blessings & Hugs! I’ll be praying for you this week.
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