How Do I Simplify My Life?

As I started drilling down how to simplify 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 I simplify?’ How do I get rid of the piled-high schedule and 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 my mind of the things I no longer needed. Over the past year I’ve learned I can be pretty ruthless when it comes to discarding the unnecessary in my life and never look back.

When it comes to cleaning out the clutter, I am my own worst enemy. I’ve allowed it to stack up, only to get frustrated for not taking care of it sooner. But I made a vow. I’ve taken a stand. I am no longer willing to drag this unhealthy cart around with tons of baggage and extra junk that I don’t need. Which makes me think, ‘how do I simplify?’

God never intended for me or any of us to hang onto the heavy burdens and lug them around like we’re superwoman.

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.

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?

Stop trying to meet others' expectations. You won’t make everyone happy and it is not healthy to carry around that kind of pressure. If you lose friends over not meeting their expectations, it wasn’t a genuine relationship or friendship.

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.

Sometimes society tells us it isn’t acceptable to express our emotions. For example, if we are firm with a situation, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. Control becomes a vicious cycle.  

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.

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.  

Avoid these negative thoughts at all costs–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.

Did you find something on this list you CAN live without? It is 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 I simplify?'

Blessings Soul Friends,

After reading today's message from Mitzi, which of the 10 Ways to Simplify Your Life hits close to home for you? Review the list again and select 3 of these actions which you can implement?

Some actions can be quick, but habits take time to change. Offer yourself grace, but be persistent as you work to declutter and simplify. 

ZiZi's Kitchen was designed to help you create your own special moments around your table. The Neely kitchen is a place where hearts gather in faith-full fellowship, and these amazing recipes will help you build lasting memories with those you treasure most in your own kitchen.

Mitzi Neely is a wife, mom, and grandmother who encourages and inspires women of all ages through her teachings on grace, love, joy, and peace.  She just debuted a new book, Zizi's Kitchen: Gathering Hearts in Faith-full Fellowship.  You can connect with Mitzi at peacefullyimperfect.net