SIX STEPS TO A SIMPLER LIFE


You may understand the theory of simplifying your life, but actually applying it is the dilemma. Don't let life - and all of its stresses - own you. You can take control of your life.

If you are prone to say, I just don't have the time to do that, I'm just too busy, or I'm too tired to get that done, you are a prime candidate for "right-sizing" your life. "Right-sizing" allows you to take control of your physical, emotional, and spiritual health by creating a life for yourself - and your family - that is manageable, controllable, and, desirable.

How to Right-Size your life:

  1. Tell someone. Share with your spouse (or in the case of singles, another person you trust) your desire and your burden regarding why you want to right-size your life. Perhaps your reasons are financial, and you are convinced that you are spending too much on things. Perhaps you're working too hard to keep up with the expenses of your lifestyle or your prestige in the community. Perhaps you're undergoing pain and stress, which has led you to some unhealthful habits such as alcohol abuse or involvement in unhealthful relationships. Look beyond the symptoms to the cause of the problem.

  2. Agree on the amount of right-sizing that needs to be done. For instance, should you be down-sizing the house that you live in? Or do you need to cut back on the time at the office? Does your social life - or leisure pursuits - eat up your time? Decide what needs to be changed in order to provide sanity and serenity. Set an attainable goal if you want success.

  3. Pray. After you have laid out your plan with your spouse or trusted friend, pray that God will give you wisdom, strength, and courage to go through with your plans. Others will wonder what is causing the changes in your life and encourage you to maintain the status quo. Ask God to help you keep your resolve especially when you feel like you are going against the flow.

  4. Inform the people most affected by your plan. If it involves children, bring them along with your decision. They don't need to know all the details, but they do need to know that changes are going to happen and the basic reasons you are right-sizing. Helping them understand right-sizing at an early age will help them in every aspect of their life, now and in the future. Don't feel that you have to excel, or have the best, in every area of life. Average is fine in many areas.

  5. Find someone to support you and hold you accountable. Share your plans with a godly person who understands your needs and desires; someone who loves you and will keep your confidence; and who feels the same burden you do. The knowledge that someone is praying for you and holding you accountable will be a great comfort in the process of right-sizing.

  6. Maintain a positive attitude - and smile. Bridle your tongue and only make positive comments. Incorporate that attitude into your right-sizing effort as you look forward to what it will mean to your life. Have the confidence and the joy in knowing that you are taking hold of your life and molding it into a controllable size.