Added Value Day 2: Book recommendations

   

     Are you looking for some help in figuring out all this minimalism and living a simple life? Here's a few books I recommend, and why:

1. Everything that Remains by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus

I love this book because of the way it's written. The authors take you through their journeys (which were very different) that brought them to minimalism. As you read through the tragedies in Joshua's life, he writes with such emotion that it pulls you in, you feel what he's going through. When you read how Ryan got started, you realize that you are affecting those around you in a positive way as you grow and change. It's a quick read, great for a weekend.

2.  Minimalism: A Minimalist's Guide to Eliminate Clutter, Clear the Mind, and Increase Productivity by Paul Silverman

This is an ebook that I got on Amazon (free at the time as were most of these recommendations of ebooks). I liked this because I read it in about an hour or two amid distractions. It helped with practical decluttering tips, but also how that brings about the peace of mind I was seeking. The productivity part is about how you don't waste time on the unimportant so you free up time to pursue your passions.

3.  Capsule Wardrobe: 10 simple & easy steps to declutter your life of endless shopping and find the personal style everyday with a minimalist wardrobe by Hannah Hannigan

Although this ebook title is a mouthful, the book is nowhere near as long-winded. It gives step by step advice on how to pare down your wardrobe to mix and match essentials and accessories to you can own far less items, yet continue to have many options of outfits by simply mixing and matching things that already go together. It will save you so much time in the morning because you don't have to worry about what looks good together, you don't have anything in your closet that doesn't fit or look good on you, and you won't waste time getting changed over and over. Great time-saver tips.

4.  Discover Minimalism: A Minimalist Budget: Finding Freedom Through Saving Money and Spending Less by Adrian Pepperdine

I breezed through this book rather quickly because it was all straight to the point, good advice, and they're ideas that work, no matter where you're starting from. Part of living a more simple life will involve not carrying lots of anxiety producing debt. Again it's an ebook that you can read in an hour or so.

5.  Clutterfree with Kids by Joshua Becker

This is one of Joshua's 3 books advertised on his website. Although I haven't read all of them yet, I know this one is a great one for people wondering if minimalism is possible when you have kids. Joshua also has great essays and articles on this subject, and the book will help you realize that yes, you can live a minimalist, more simple lifestyle even if you have kids. He doesn't live in a tiny home, he doesn't make his family only own a certain number of possessions, but he does explain how to allow everyone in your family to be who they are and still create a happier, more simple life through minimalism principles.

     I hope these books will be helpful for you. You may also find other FREE ebooks available on Kindle or Amazon on these topics. I go in and check every month or so for new ones, download them to my tablet, and they I can carry multiple books with me when I'm headed somewhere I know I'll either have down time or need to stay busy while I'm in a waiting room.

     I hope these add value to you as they have to me and many, many others. Enjoy your long weekend if you're in the U.S.

Added Value Day 1

   

Welcome to September! Get ready to see pumpkin flavored everything wherever you go. This month I will try to post almost every day, working around a trip out of the country, a wedding, and relocating family from FL. My posts in September will be what I heard the Minimalists call "added value". It's things they share that add value to their lives. It may or may not add value to yours, but they share it in case it does. That's my goal. To bring you things that will help you.

     Today I watched a young woman take on a one week challenge to live like a minimalist. It's about 8 minutes long but moves along quickly and it's done very well. She stumbled a bit because like many people, she was under the impression it meant remove almost everything from her life, trying to keep a minimal number of possessions at her disposal. She ends up keeping too few clothes for the week, getting rid of makeup because she said it's not essential. What she does find however is that she enjoys living with less clutter, stuff she didn't even remember she had. She was shocked by how much stuff she had just in her one room. Also, she learned to save time getting ready in the morning, felt more relaxed coming home to less clutter, and she meets someone who teaches her that minimalism still includes things that add value, hold meaning, and bring joy.

     Enjoy the video, and remember, what you keep or toss is totally up to you, it looks different for everyone, and it has nothing to do with the number of items you own.  It's about bringing joy and peace, living a more simple life with more freedom, and letting go of the unimportant. Click on the link below to watch - Enjoy!

1 week experiment with being a minimalist

Evaluating the Aug. 30-Day Living Simply Challenge

   

     What a great month August has been. We've covered topics from how to spend you time to decluttering your home and food/diet. We talked about gossiping, donating, comfort zones, and busyness. Here are the top 3 Topics that people read:

1.  The Matrix - If you missed this one, is was Aug. 24, it was about not being fooled by the fake economy advertising, marketing, and culture portrays as real - wake up to their tricks and don't be fooled!

2.  Giving Back - this was published Aug. 26, and in light of Hurricane Harvey, if ever there was a time to donate it's now. People need everything. They've lost their homes and along with it, their clothes, beds, appliances, electronics they needed for school/business/work, and so much more.

3.  This was a tie between Decluttering your Food (going through your home and getting out all the junk that's making you sick, unhealthy, and tired) and the post on Handling Stress. Who couldn't use that info? or just a refresher?

     In the last 30 days I really do find that I am beginning to live a more simple life. I make intentional decisions. I say no to things that would make me ineffective in the prioritized, more important areas. That allows me to say yes, and to focus on what's most important, not just what's urgent. I find that by being single-focused on tasks (instead of my old habits of multi-tasking, which I was very good at), I am doing a better job at those important tasks. I find I'm having better relationships with family, friends, and those in my circle at church and school. I'm becoming a better listener - one of the most important things I can learn to do since I'm studying to be a counselor. I also find in areas that used to be very stressful, my new go-to habit is to let it go if it's not important long-term. So much is out of our control anyway. Being stressed over the car that cut me off, or having to pick up after others who didn't do their job or handle what was their responsibility. I still have that instantaneous moment and may let out a quick huff, but in about 5-10 seconds, it's over. I don't let it affect the next person I talk to or next task I handle. I find coming home to a decluttered house is a source of almost immediate release. I walk in and don't feel like things are closing in on me. The space and neatness of the house reflects my mindset, and in the last month, I'm much more at peace than ever before. I have finally learned to rest, not just sit down with my mind racing or emotions pushing to the surface. I don't get overwhelmed by hardly anything these days.

     My hope is that through the posts of the last 2 months of daily challenges, you too will find peace, rest, harmony, your passion, and you will learn to manage and even let go of most stress and anxiety, grow in areas you pursue, and will be able to live a more simple life every single day, regardless of what goes on around you. It's like finding that calm in the eye of a storm. You can't avoid the storms of life but you can learn to rise above them and navigate through them.

     For September, I will be handling topics relating to Minimalism and Living Simply, recommending articles, essays, websites, documentaries, YouTube videos, and more on the subject. It will be a busy month for me since we're moving my mom and brother in with us from Florida, finally taking that 11 day trip for our 25th Anniversary, and our son is getting married - yes, all in the same month, and in fact, all in the same  18 days! I will be online during vacation since I have college classes to keep up with, so I will continue to post on here, so keep coming back for information how to improve your life. Just be patient if a miss a few days for flying, the wedding, bad internet connection, etc. I would love to come up with another 30 day challenge for October. If you have ideas on some you'd like to see - please - comment back what you'd like to see!

     On one final note, here's our stats here on the blog for the past month:

• Over 1145 views in the last 30 days
• 10 different countries reached: United States, Canada, France, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom
• People are being reached through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus (although I don't really even know how that one works - how do I find others in that group that I can connect with?) 

     Have a fantastic rest of the week. Looking forward to hearing how your life became better through the concepts of minimalism and living simply. Please feel free to recommend other sites or people you've found with helpful information on these subjects too. It's not a competition, it's a message most of us minimalists are trying to get out to everyone in a shared space.

Living Simply challenge Day 30: Begin with the End in Mind

   

     Where do you want to be this time next year? What about 3 years from now? 5? 10? How do you suppose you're going to get there? Most people go through life assuming things will somehow just work out, then wake up one day to find they've spent half their life already and aren't much further than they were when they started - or worse, they've fallen behind where they were a decade ago because now they've tripled the amount of debt they carry and their health is paying the price from all the stress. So what can you do TODAY so you end up where you want to be in the future? It's called, according to Dr. Stephen Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, "Begin with the End in Mind".

     If your goal is to be out of debt in 5 years, you need a plan today to get there. Start with selling everything you don't need, all those extra electronics, collectibles, bicycles or sports gear you never use anymore, old movies and music, televisions, even clothes can be sold on websites like Poshmark.
You could have multiple yard/garage sales, sell online, post on Craig's List, or even sell stuff to friends, family and coworkers. Use that money to pay off whatever is your smallest balance. Then use the money you used to pay on that balance and apply it on top of what you pay monthly to the next lowest balance. For example, let's say you had a clothing store credit card with $700 of debt you owe. From selling your items you make $700 so you pay it off. Now the $80/month you used to send to the clothing store, you add to say, your Visa payment, now, paying down the balance by an extra $80/month. In just one year, that's an extra $960/yr coming off what you owe. You also could pick up a part-time job or if you're creative, make DIY stuff and sell it at a Farmer's Market and apply that to your debt too.

     If your goal is to buy a car in another 2 years, you need to start saving now. You can do the same steps as above but put aside an amount each week or month in a separate account for a car. If you could manage some kind of side job that gave you $500/month extra, in a year you would have $6000 to buy a used car with no car payment - then use what you used to spend on your car payment to pay off other debt.

     If your goal is to become a writer in 5 years, you could start today by learning about the writing process through books, online classes, physical classes, even local libraries usually have authors and classes that help inspiring writers get started.

     If you wanted to plan for a trip to Europe in 2 years, you could start today by saving for it on a regular, planned schedule, with set amounts to get you there. You also could begin the research of the best places to stay, things to do, etc. hunting for great destinations but figuring out the least expensive ones or which season is priced the lowest.

     What if it's to go back and finish your education? Start today filling out the necessary forms, applications, essays, financial aid forms or scholarship entries, and figuring out what you need to get the degree you want - but make sure you give it serious thought so you know WHY you're taking those classes. Have a plan for the type of job or business you want from it. Don't sign up with no idea what major you want. If you don't want anything, why pay thousands of dollars for it?

     Maybe it's to finally settle down, have kids, and be home to care for them. Start now putting money away, paying down debt, downsizing if it saves you money in the long run. A 3 bedroom home is plenty for a family of 4-5 people. Don't believe the tv shows that try to convince you a couple with no kids needs a 5 bedroom house and 3500 square feet! Prioritize. We spent 7 years in a 1000 sf, 3 bedroom home, with our family of 5 because our priorities were for me to stay home to raise my kids and educate them. It was more important than working 2 or 3 jobs, living in a house too big to take care of with an enormous mortgage payment, just so the "impressive" house sat empty since everyone worked, was in school, daycare, and after school activities. We raised our kids to be good, healthy, productive members of society with values and morals, a heart to support those that need help, and a true sense of right and wrong. I'm not saying that isn't possible any other way, but I'm saying that our sacrifices were worth it many times over considering the results we got. We began with the end in mind and did what was necessary along the way to obtain those results.

     As you can see, having a direction to head, or a plan if you're a planner person, is how you get where you want to be. Not by spinning your wheels day after day. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing day after day and expecting different results. Figure out what you want and how you can get there.

     If living a more simple life is your destination, then start simplifying today. You can go back and read (or re-read) my daily challenges in July and August taking baby steps today that will, over time, turn into life changing habits to get you there. All it takes is a single, intentional step.


   

Living Simply challenge Day 29: Busyness

      Where did we get the idea that multitasking was the only way to go? Why do we value busyness? How well do we think we're doing anything when we're all over the place? Would others think we're doing as good a job as we think we're doing? Would those who are closest to us say they love being around us as we multitask? Is it really getting you closer to the things you say are your core values? your passions? Or is it all an illusion created by industry to get the most out of us so they can grab the most for themselves?

     You've worked all day, multitasking to please your boss, or to "get ahead" - ahead of whom? Who is really your competition? Anyway, you get home, walk into the house, and waiting for you is your beloved family who's missed you all day. They haven't seen nor spoken to you, and the children are so happy to finally get to talk to and play with you that they can't contain it as they hop up and down in excited anticipation. Your spouse comes to also greet you as you walk in the door because you've been missed all day long. What a wonderful feeling to come home to, right? Being missed, loved, appreciated, and wanted? Except that it doesn't play out this way for most families, unfortunately. Instead it's something like this:

     Mom has also been working all day, plus she had to stop at the market on the way home, has been on the phone to the utility, phone, or insurance company while she had to drop off, watch, and pick the kids up from soccer practice. No time to make dinner, plus she's exhausted - someone called in sick today so she had to do her own job plus cover their's. Just a drive thru meal tonight for everyone...again. If she's lucky she'll make it home in time for the kids to take their finger foods to their room and get homework done before bed.

     The kids are doing just as bad. They have to get up so early to catch the bus, then a full 7 hour day at school, after school clubs and practices, then sports around 4:00. After running around doing sports drills for an hour, they're ready to fall asleep in the car, but bedtime isn't for another 3 or 4 hours. They're so tired of fast food. It all looks and tastes the same and leaves them feeling so unsatisfied, but they understand where Mom's coming from today (and every afternoon). They still have homework to do when they get home:  studying, answering questions, a take home quiz, spelling words to write multiple times for the test tomorrow, and then there's that science project that's due soon, if only they had time to start it!

     Dad walks in but he's distracted because he's on the phone. He's getting chewed out by his boss because, though no fault of his, the big client is about to switch to another competitor's company and losing that account will mean no bonuses, so he "better do something about it quick".  The car's making that weird noise again, so while he's on the phone, his mind is somewhere else tracing the car's systems to figure out an educated guess what the problem is. When will he have time to leave the car at the garage for a day or two? So much to do! By the way, he noticed on the way in that the grass and yard are looking messy again. There's always leaves to rake, kids' toys that weren't picked up, trash blown into the yard from the neighbor's house. And he thinks, "As soon as I'm done, I'm going to sit in front of the TV with a cold beer, eating whatever food the wife picked up on her way home, and just "veg out" for the next 4 hours trying to forget about my day. I don't want to talk to anyone or hear about anyone else's day.

     Isn't this the American dream? To have the spouse, nice house, new car, 2 kids, etc? If you asked the members of this family what's important to them, what would they say? I bet many, if not most, would say "family", but is it? Where's the evidence of it? No one is talking to each other. No one is making time to foster a better relationship with one another. Their time is spent everywhere but together."But families do need at least one good-paying if not two jobs to survive, so what can be done differently!?"  Here's another scenario:

     The final bell rings and the kids are excited to go to their one after-school activity. More than that would take too much time away from homework, family, rest, friends, and the more important things in life. Because they only get one activity after school, they really had to think hard about which to choose, weighing their options until they knew where to focus their time and energy. It's so convenient because they don't need a ride to get there, and they can leave all their stuff in a locker until it's time to go home instead of all over the car, the dance studio, the soccer field, etc.

     Mom leaves work to pick up the kids around 4:00. She's so glad they decided to cut back on excessive, impulse shopping so that they could live and thrive well on a 30 hour job for her instead of the 40 hours she used to work. Now she has time to talk with the kids about their day, cook a healthy meal for her family, she loves cooking. They can plan an after dinner family activity together with the input of the kids' ideas. Mom's not over-stressed or exhausted. She's happier and more relaxed these days.

     Dad gets home shortly after Mom and the kids. He's so much more fun to be around since he quit the high stress job for one that pays enough for a comfortable lifestyle. Downsizing from a 3000 square foot home to a 1600 square foot one meant plenty of leftover money each month for doing things together, even a vacation that they never had before, even though Dad made more money than now. No stress over the car anymore. They sold the expensive one and bought a more mid-size sedan that has no car payments. There's time to relax because with a smaller home and less hours spent in busyness, everyone pitched in Saturday and got all the yard work knocked out in just a couple of hours. The phone never rings at home like it used to, no more late calls from the boss about some problem. Work gets left at the office and home time truly is time to gather together as a family.

     After a healthy dinner, there's time for Mom and Dad to spend time with the kids. They play a friendly game of volleyball in the back yard, then go for a walk as dusk settles in. The kids, now in a more peaceful state after the relaxing family walk, talking over everyone's day, making plans for the future together, can go upstairs and work on homework. Fortunately, since they didn't have to rush off to a second or third activity, they were able to stay at school and work on part of their homework before their activity started, so there's not much left to do. Mom and Dad are on hand to help out so the kids can get to bed earlier and be fully rested for tomorrow.

     Once the kids are in bed, Mom and Dad have a chance to sit together on the sofa and watch one little show they recorded to watch on their time. It's a good show with lots of great lessons - nothing upsetting or stressful before bedtime. Afterwards, they head off to bed together, holding hands, thankful for the more simple life they lead, and they think, "We made just a few changes, but they were enough to totally change our life from one we hated to one we love." They built the life they always wanted - and I think THAT is the American dream. Which will YOU choose?

Living Simply challenge Day 28: Little Decisions

   

So all month we have journeyed together through making intentional baby steps towards living a more simple life. Just 3 more days left, then a day of evaluating on the 31st. Today's challenge is again, some baby steps to simplify and make your life your own - a more simple life.

1.  Try waking up a little earlier than usual so you have time to stretch, exercise, have a relaxing cup of coffee or tea before heading out the door, reading, spending time in your bible or praying, plan your day, etc. Use it wisely and intentionally.

2.  Let go of the little stuff that doesn't matter: the car that cut you off, or the person in your "15 items or less" line at the grocery store with 22 items in their cart - you know that because you silently counted them from where you were.

3.  Stop your cable if it's a huge time waster in your life. You can have wifi without television, and still you have options like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. when you intentionally plan to sit and watch a movie.

4.  Decide to drive past the store and don't shop on impulse. It's not "something to do".  It's a waste of money and time.

5.  Eat simple, healthy foods whenever possible. Eating junk food will only zap your energy until you're exhausted, make you feel heavy from all the grease, and make you bloated from the sugars, chemicals, and gluten.

6.  Intentionally make time for things that add value to your life or bring you joy - like getting out into nature for a bit, making time to play with your kids, planning a date night, making plans to go be with friends (maybe for a game night to save money).

7.  Say no to things that you really don't want to do. Agreeing to do something you hate, then resenting it, and remembering it when you're with the person you said yes to - that's not the way to live a simple life. By saying no to things, you'll be able to say yes to what's most important to you.

8.  Minimize distractions. Give yourself time with your notifications off, even if it's just at night, or for a half hour during the day. Keep extra television, radio, and other noise off if it's just background noise and something you're not intentionally choosing to do.

9.  Read books, don't just collect them. I love books, but unread books gathering as clutter just adds more stress and pressure to your life. Read one, then donate it or pass it on. Get them from the library or download free ebooks before you end up paying retail for them.

10.  Give your attention to those you love, not strangers on the internet. Your time is precious but not just to you. It's precious to those who love and miss you. Shut out social media in favor of building and enhancing quality relationships with those that mean the most to you. An hour commenting and arguing with people on social media is so wasteful when you figure what that hour could mean to a mom in a nursing home, a child who doesn't get to see you enough, that friend you know needs you, the neighbor you know needs help with something, that spouse who misses you, or calling that distant friend or relative you know you think about and miss all the time.

Be proactive. Be intentional. Prioritize. And all of these things can be little, incremental baby steps to take you from where you are now to the more simple life you seek.

Living Simply challenge Day 27: Thankfulness

   

Thankfulness - a noun meaning gratitude or appreciation. Are you a person who is thankful? Do you truly appreciate what you have or where you're at? Are you grateful for the people, things, opportunities and gifts in your life? If not, today's challenge is to begin with a baby step, a step towards becoming thankful for who you are, where you're at, what you have, those around you, and for what obstacles, challenges, and bad things you do NOT have.

Here's a few things to start with:

1. People - this will look different for everyone, but hopefully there is someone in your world that you can be thankful for because they're there for you. Do you have someone to discuss things with, bounce ideas off of, or they encourage you when you need it? If not, it's time to get out and meet a few people with common interests until you can identify someone like this. For the rest of us, maybe you have a spouse or partner, parent, sibling, adult child, cousin, aunt/uncle, grandparent, mentor, coach, pastor or priest, teacher, adviser, counselor, neighbor, friend, boss, or coworker. Take time to be thankful for the person(s) who is there for you. Maybe even figure out a small way to let them know you don't take them for granted - buy them a cup of coffee, invite them over, do something with them, write them a note just to say thank you...

2.  Favors - Has someone gone out of their way to do something nice for you? Did someone help you accomplish something you couldn't do, or do on time, without their help? Has someone done something to save you time or money? Rearrange their plans to accommodate you? If so, be thankful. Tell them you appreciate what they did. I know you probably said a quick, 'Thanks," at the time, but if you stop to really think about it, did it cost them something? Time? Money? Go out of their way for you? Put off their own agenda to please you or make your life a little less stressful? Thank them. Don't ever miss the opportunity to let people know you appreciate something they did for you.

3.  Contentment - Are you able to be content with what you have? So much of culture is anxiety and depression ridden because they can't appreciate what they have. They constantly search for the next new thing. What if you stopped for a minute, looked around, and wrote down what you are thankful that you have and are content with having? If you've already decluttered, this may be easier for you since you've only kept what's important to you. If you haven't, you may just realize how much you're surrounded by things that bring you no joy, nor are they currently relevant, or useful. Do you have a bed to sleep in? A table to eat on? Books to help you learn and grow? A computer so you don't have to go somewhere to do what you need to get done? Clothes to keep you warm? Food to eat? Shoes that aren't worn through? A vehicle to get you where you need to go? A job? Be thankful, because I have met many people in my life that don't have half of these things yet somehow they are content with what they do have, and they appreciate what they have. I know people who've lived without running water or hot water, no electricity for extended periods of time (including none to keep food in a refrigerator or cook with a stove), no heat in winter, no air conditioning in summer, no food when they or their children are hungry. Be content with what you have because someday it could all be taken away unexpectedly.

4.  Miracles - you can take this one however you choose. Some of us have a strong faith in a higher being and have seen miracles happen that cannot be explained any other way - far beyond coincidence. Maybe it was a serious health diagnosis from tests that suddenly cleared up without treatment overnight. It could've been seeing a total "180" in someone's personality that saved their life or that of another. It could be the miraculous timing or gift or meeting someone that never should've happened but did and changed your world (or someone else's). Others choose to live life without thought to any type of faith or higher being, and that's their choice, I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do - but even they have sometimes witnessed or seen things happen that there's no logical explanation for it. It could be a one in a million odds that came together in their favor. Maybe the timing on something was brought together in a way that no one could have even hoped for. Sometimes it's that chance meeting with a stranger that changes your whole world. Whatever miracles you've seen or experienced, be thankful for them. Every day there's people asking for a miracle and it just doesn't happen. Appreciate the wonderful ones you've received.

5.  Security - we no longer live with the naive belief that we are "safe" in this world There are people who do bad things, unexpected weather disasters, unstable stock markets, job insecurity, less relationship commitment than ever before, lies, dishonesty, and more. So how can you be thankful for security? It's like contentment - be thankful for the security you do have while you have it. If you know you've paid your mortgage or rent for the month, be appreciative that at least for the next month, you don't have to worry about being homeless. Many don't have that luxury. Did you go grocery shopping this week? At least you know you and your family will be able to eat for the next week or so without missing meals. Many don't have that luxury. Are you wearing clothes that aren't threadbare, stained, with large holes in them? Many don't have that luxury. Do you have a job or other income producing project/business? Many don't have that luxury. Is your car pretty reliable? Do you really expect it to break down if you drive it tomorrow? Many don't have that luxury. There's nothing more embarrassing than listening to someone find out after complaining about not having something that he's talking to someone with so much less than he has (and doesn't appreciate).

6. Health/Body/Mind - Okay, we all have things we don't like or have issues to deal with, but let me break this into 3 sub-topics in regard to thankfulness:

• Health:  Maybe you aren't in the best of health, maybe you are. Maybe you're on too many medications, maybe you aren't. Maybe you've got weight to lose, tired a lot, don't sleep enough, but maybe not. Either way, would you trade with a stranger who suffers from major health issues? You may have weight to lose but what about those struggling who can't do everyday tasks? You may be tired, but want to trade with someone who's got Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? or Narcolepsy? Don't sleep enough? Want to trade with someone with a true, severe case of Insomnia where nothing works - not meditation, white noise, medications, bedtime routines, herbs & supplements, essential oils, aromatherapy, etc. Try going through life, having to go to work or school when you haven't gotten more than 6 hours of sleep across 3 or 4 days! Be thankful for the health you have, wherever it's at, because many would trade theirs in a heartbeat for yours. 
• Body: Do you have 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 hands, 2 feet, a crippling disease, cancer ravaging your insides, a nervous system that's medically failing? If you have the ability to walk, work, think, get out of bed in the morning, you don't have to live in a hospital, be appreciative of that. Be thankful that you can do the little everyday things you take for granted. Many don't have that luxury.
• Mind:  There's a growing number of people suffering from dementia, Parkinson's, and other mind degenerating diseases, as well as people being born every day with learning disabilities. Don't waste what you've been blessed with - a mind that works - however fast or slow. Appreciate that you can remember things, learn things, evaluate and initiate change, make intentional choices. Many don't have that luxury.

Now onto the little things that you can do every day to develop the HABIT of being thankful. Take note of the little things around you, things that could have been worse or gone badly. Learn to watch for them. Here's a few ideas:

your pet - you made it to the bus/subway/elevator before the doors closed - good hair days - finding money in the pocket of a jacket you haven't worn in a while - someone opening the door for you - when someone says thank you to you - sunny/rainy/cool/warm days when you need it - a good meal - good service - a comfy chair - the short line in the store - time with someone you love - vacations - the car started today - your paycheck was a little more than you thought - sunsets - a good book - a speech or documentary that helped change you - a moment that made you laugh - music - a good night's rest - winning something - scoring something you needed for free - getting the last "one" before it was gone (tickets, seats, items, etc.) 

What if tomorrow you woke up with only the things you remembered to say Thank You for the night before?

Living Simply Challenge Day 26: Giving Back

     Today's challenge is an easy one. I'll give you a list of ways to give back to others, or "pay it forward", then you pick the ones that are do-able. Giving back tends to become essential to a lot of minimalists and those who choose a more simple life. It's a way of being thankful, helping others, appreciating not only what you have, but the differences between people and groups. It's one thing that could change the world, by people just taking the focus off themselves and focusing on others. Turn selfishness into selflessness. People will tell you, they decided to give back and were surprised that it ended up feeling like THEY got the most reward, in the feeling of helping others. Let's explore a list of way to help make the world a better place.

• Volunteer - at a school, a church, a charity, worthwhile organization, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, women's and children's shelter, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA or other teen/youth center, pregnancy crisis center, marathon or walkathon for a good cause, library story time, etc.
• Donate Blood through the Red Cross - just go to their website to find a location near you. It takes about half an hour if you make an appointment, about an hour or so if you just walk in, and you can donate every 8 weeks. They even send you a card with your blood type, and will email you with where your blood went. For example, once mine went to a teenage crash victim to help save her life. Some of it's used for scientific research to try curing diseases.
• Animal Shelter - they love volunteers to help clean cages and feed animals, but did you know that they also need people to come and pet the cats and dogs? It's a great program for younger kids to learn about giving back. Check your local area to see how their program works.
• Operation Gratitude - it's an organization to support military troops away from their families. You can check them out online. They send packages to them (with guidelines found on the website), or you could write to a soldier thanking them for their service.
• Habitat for Humanity - builds houses for those who otherwise couldn't afford a decent, affordable place to live. The waiting list is huge and the people who move in are very grateful families, not people randomly given a handout. The families are part of a program that helps them get on their feet. If you can't build or paint, you could donate furniture and household items as well.
• Raise money - you could do this in a charity walk, an auction, a silent auction benefit, a benefit dinner, make something and sell it giving the proceeds to a good cause.
• Become an organ donor - one organ donor can save 8 lives! And can improve the lives of over 50 people with tissue and other donations! All you do is check a box when getting your next driver's license and it's done. Easy as that.
• Donate your skills - if you're a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or other professional, you could give your time and skills for free at planned events/intervals to help the underprivileged. You could offer free medical shots/dental checkups in a free clinic in a poor neighborhood. You could offer services in an orphanage. You could help battered spouses get free with legal skills. 
• Shop wisely - there are companies like TOMS (the shoe company, which now has expanded to other products) , that gives back. Whenever they sell a pair of shoes, they give a pair to an impoverished child. Check out their donations online, it's impressive. They gave 10,000 pairs to kids in one country, 140,000 pairs in another, and they give all around the world. In addition to TOMS, there's other companies that follow Fair Trade laws, donate huge percentages of their proceeds to those without, etc. Do some research on the company the next time you need a product. 
• Support small, local, family businesses - by shopping with them first when you do need something. I love finding treasures at the local book store, thrift store, etc. It keeps the dollars in your own community while helping the little guy who has trouble staying afloat alongside the major chain retailers.
• Do a "drive" - canned food drive, clothing drive, school supplies drive, book drive, blankets drive for the homeless, water drive for the homeless, etc.

     Those are some bigger things but what about the everyday, unscheduled things you can do to help others? What can one person do to make a difference in the life of another person as they struggle through their day? Some of these things listed will seem like just good old-fashioned manners or common sense, but lately, that's not something found in our culture anymore. Many of these little things make a huge impact on people because it's so rare to see sometimes. Here's a quick list of easy things you can do anytime, no scheduling required:

• Hold the door open for the person behind you when entering/exiting a building, store, restaurant, etc. It's amazing how many people leave and let the door slam into the person behind them. Hold the door for them.
• Leave a positive review on Yelp or whatever website most helps a small, local business that you love. Help them stay in business with just a few moments of your time. I did that for a local Greek restaurant, then the next time, I mentioned to the owner than I thought the food and service was so good I felt like I had to go give them a good review. She unexpectedly gave me a discount on my order. I never did it to get something back, and only mentioned it to compliment her family, but got rewarded in the process of doing good.
• Inspire and Encourage others - instead of being "that guy" on social media with negative comments on everything, find opportunities to post a quick word of encouragement or inspiration. I've seen negative people comment harsh things when someone donates thousands to impoverished kids, volunteers to help people, etc. Be the one that lets the person doing a good deed know it's noticed, and worth it to keep trying.
• Free Rice - I just recently realized this website still exists! I used to use it years ago. You go to their site: Free Rice (just click on this link), you answer vocabulary questions and for every answer you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice. It promotes education and attempts to help world hunger. Play that instead of solitaire or some other desktop/mobile game when you're bored or waiting for an appointment.
• Pay - for the person behind you in a drive thru, or at a coffee place. It'll make their day and you'll leave with a smile.
• Offer your seat - when there's none left. It can be at the Division of Motor Vehicles, on a city bus or subway, in a doctor's office, etc.
• Clean up litter - by yourself or with a group, at a local park or shared space (like the grassy area or courtyard where you live)
• Write a quick note to brighten someone's day
• Bake or cook and share with someone you know is going through a rough time, or just a neighbor

     Whatever you do, just do something. Find a need and fill it. Not only can it help others, but you'll feel better for it as well.
   

Living Simply challenge Day 25: MythBusting

     Whenever I hear people talking about minimalism, they usually start saying how they love all their stuff. Really? ALL of it? The average home contains over 300,000 items. I would bet I could sneak in and remove 100 things and no one would notice. They think it's about living like a monk in a TV monastary - living in an 8 x 8 cement cell, cement floors, nothing but one bed, and one lamp on a small table. Today isn't a challenge to do as much as it's a challenge to gain REAL information about minimalism and living simply. I challenge you to read the following myths and truths and expand your mind. If you do no other daily challenges from July or August - do this one and educate yourself...then decide if you could go back and knock out a few of these daily challenges.

Myth 1:
Minimalism means living with nothing/only what fits in one backpack/empty rooms and closets.

Truth1:
No, not at all. It means removing the excess clutter from your house, the things you bought on impulse, things you got as gifts but know you'll never ever wear or use, the stuff that is out-dated and no longer has value or brings joy to you. Once you get rid of the things that mean nothing, what's left is the meaningful things that make your house or apartment a home. Love collecting something and it's meaningful? Keep it. Do you pick up mementos from your travels only to find them sitting where you put them after your trip 3 years ago, gathering dust? Donate, sell, or toss them.

Myth 2:
What a boring life you'd have if you get rid of your technology/tv/car/stuff.

Truth 2:
That's not true at all. Most minimalists do have a laptop, although some only use it where they can get free wi-fi instead of paying a monthly internet bill. Some do get rid of cable or even their tv, but others don't because it's something they use to find joy. You should also note that those who keep it don't tend to sit and watch tv for hours on end 6 or 7 hours a week. They use it to deliberately watch movies, shows, and documentaries they choose (or sports they love), often with other people and they discuss it afterwards over dessert and coffee/cocktails.

Myth 3:
Minimalists only have stuff they got free or cheap so it's all crappy stuff.

Truth 3:
Actually, most minimalists do try to find ways to save money like buying clothing from a thrift store or on places like ebay, which also helps the environment because they're "recycling" something that already exists rather than feeding into the overproducing of stuff no one needs. There are many people in the fashion industry that will tell you they purposely have to destroy perfectly good clothing to continue the 30 day "seasonal styles" so consumers will buy non-stop. Millions, if not billions of dollars of clothes get shredded instead of donating it to worthwhile charities. It's so wasteful! Still, many minimalists WILL purchase more expensive items because of their quality. They'd rather buy a few pairs of good jeans or one winter jacket that lasts for years rather than have to keep repurchasing the same type of items every few months when they wear out.

Myth 4:
Aren't they all vegans and anti-meat industry protesters?

Truth 4:
No. There are vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, pescatarians, and more in any group, whether the members are minimalists or not. It's a personal thing. Some choose a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle for their own ethical reasons. Others enjoy a typical diet with meat and poultry because they want to get the benefits found in them (for example, there is no non-meat natural way to get Vitamin B12 unless you take a lab created supplement).

Myth 5:
Minimalists keep the items they own under a certain number.

Truth 5:
No, most of them don't. Although there are a few, like Colin Wright, who travels the world with one backpack and works with his laptop from wherever he is - that's not the norm. There's all types of books and articles on how to limit things like a closet full of unused clothing.  Some people decide for themselves to do a 30, 33, or 35 piece "capsule wardrobe" where many outfits are made by mixing and matching similar pieces that go together. I currently keep my closet to 35 items or less, but as things wear out or don't fit, I intentionally replace them with pieces that WILL work with the rest so the goal is a capsule type wardrobe, but from where I started, that wasn't possible. I didn't have non-stained shirts w/o holes in them at one point - so yes, purchasing clothing is still a thing for me, but nothing gets purchased without thought, finding it at a below average price (not just on sale, I buy a $35 blouse if I can get it for around $7 for example), and it must match the basic color/style of what else I already own or I don't buy it.

Myth 6:
Minimalists look down on everyone else as if they're better than the rest of us.

Truth 6:
Most minimalists actually are striving for a more simple life. There's no joy, contentment, nor incentive to put others down who don't embrace the concept of minimalism. Everyone's so different that it looks different for everyone. If you really explore this topic, you'll see many minimalists share secrets, ebooks, information, blogs, articles, and more with people - for FREE. They want to bring a message about how to live a happier, more meaningful, intentional live pursuing your passions - whatever they may be. It has nothing to do with making everyone look, dress, and live exactly as they do. They broke away from what everyone else was doing to get where they are - why would they want to create that all over again?

Myth 7:
It only works for single, young, white guys in their 20s.

Truth 7:
Not true at all! There are minimalist out there sharing their stories. They come from all walks of life. There's a Dad with many children, retirement age couples, single people, the breadwinners in their 40s hoping to retire someday, farming families, city dwellers, and those making it work in the suburbs. The differences may be how they don't waste money on buying every new movie, they either rent or borrow it. Maybe they don't buy their kids every single toy on the market, but instead, focus on a few better quality ones that the kids will enjoy rather than a roomful of stuff the kids didn't really want, so they're bored with just 1000 toys all over their floor and in their toy boxes.  Maybe the young couple decides to buy technology a few years old rather than upgrading at full price on the day it comes out. Maybe bartering in more rural areas replaces having to buy all things new. Some write about trading sewing skills in making clothes for things like eggs and produce from another's garden.

As far as race, ethnicity, etc. that has absolutely NOTHING to do with it. We're all people who want a life filled with more joy than stress, who have things we'd like to pursue and things we'd like to avoid. Minimalism and Living Simply is for anyone who wants it. And if someone decides it's not for them, so what? Let them live their life the way that makes them happy.

     Hopefully now you have a better understanding of true minimalism, and living a more simple life - what it is and what it isn't. Now with more knowledge on the subject, you can decide for yourself.

Living Simply challenge Day 24: The Matrix

          Have you seen the movie The Matrix with Keanu Reeves? If not I'll try to sum up the plot for you. A guy who's going through life feeling like there's got to be more out there, like something is wrong with this world but he can't seem to put his finger on it. Then he finds out that the world he thinks is real is just a dream. His real body is being kept alive in a dreaming state. Everything he thought was his real life was just a program designed to keep him asleep. Without revealing everything else, this description is enough to start today's challenge - waking up to see the matrix for what it is.

     What matrix are you caught in? The matrix of consumerism, the race to be (and to only take care of) "number one". The accumulation of things makes others envious of you and that's supposed to be the goal - to be "somebody" - to have it all before you die. Did you know those ideas are not your own? They're the programming we in America have been given to manipulate us into buying stuff we don't need, with money we don't have, to impress people we don't like. Here's 3 examples of how consumers are being manipulated:

1.  The obvious is the Keeping Up with the Jones' scenario. You like your house until you visit someone with a better one. You like your car until your neighbor gets a better one. You buy labels that advertising portrays as the key to getting ahead. If you wear a designer's label, whether on clothing, on a purse, etc. then you can pretend you're part of an elite society that's somehow better than everyone else just because you own and display someone else's name. American's carry over $764 billion dollars of credit card debt. That's 764 BILLION dollars worth of stuff (minus a few for education, buying necessities like groceries, and travel expenses for emergencies). That's insane! Don't people remember just a few years ago when many people lost their homes, trashed their credit, and had to declare bankruptcy because they were too far in consumer debt? Stop buying stuff you don't need. It's killing you, financially.

2.  The less obvious is the clothing industry. It used to be that clothes came in two seasons, warm weather and cold weather. You bought boots, coats, pants, snowsuits for the kids, all at the same time of year. Then you bought bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops the other time of year. The clothing industry then began rotating seasons in a 4 season cycle. Still not too bad I guess, if you live in a place where all 4 seasons really are different. But now, in the last few years, the clothing industry has changed. It now creates, markets, and sells things in 30 DAY CYCLES! As soon as you purchase something you're made to feel it's almost immediately out of date so you'll buy more. And the more expensive the label, the shorter the life of that season. Do you have a closet full of stuff you never wear? Almost all American households do. If you don't wear it, or take it off as soon as you put it on because you never really did like it, then WHY are you holding onto it? Give it away, donate it, toss it, but stop hanging onto it. Anything you haven't worn or used in a year should belong to someone else.

3.  The most insidious is the food industry. Did you know they spend millions of dollars every year to manipulate you into buying their foods. Here's just a few tactics used:

- Fake ads: milk makes cereal soggy so in photos, it's glue, steaming hot food is really a sponge or cotton ball microwaved and hidden carefully to look like steam coming off the food, shiny fruit in ads are actually sprayed with hair spray, antacids are used to simulate more soda pop bubbles, etc.

- Psychologists do test studies where they, for example, observe how much potato chips people eat before they stop. Then they design a single serving bag to be a few ounces shy of that so you'll be tempted to open a second bag, since the first one didn't satisfy you.

- They inject food with all kinds of chemicals to simulate a better taste because you'd never eat it with all the fillers and junk they use (google things like "pink slime" and "sawdust" in hamburgers). They make foods have a different mouth feel than they should, they use toxic sweeteners to trigger the addiction areas of your brain so you'll eat more and buy more. Check out online information about how diet sodas make people fatter and sicker.

- In the grocery store, healthy cereals are placed on the very top and very bottom shelves. The shelves at eye level cost much more for a manufacturer to "rent". They put the most expensive, most modified, unhealthiest foods at eye level. In the cereal aisle, there's a multi-billion dollar industry that designs packaging, commercials, and displays at the eye level of children riding in shopping carts so they'll beg and shout in the store for their particular unhealthy cereal.

- Grocery stores alter everything from lighting to scents they design in certain areas of the store. It's no surprise they make sure there's rotisserie chicken and bakery smells as you walk by those areas in the store. Some is real, I'll give you that, but there are MANY companies that purposely spray scents in overhead vents in areas to make you desire and buy their products. Some very unethical grocery stores were caught on the news a few years back putting altered lighting above meat counters to make the meats appear different than their actual color to look more appealing to the eye. And never buy a package of flavored chicken or beef in the meat department! They take old, discolored meat, like beef that was bright red but is now turning more brown due to original air exposure, and they inject it with red dye and add flavorings to cover it up like say, "Chipotle Hamburger Patties". Those packages of pre-seasoned/pre-flavored chicken, like lemon pepper, is also older meat that's been altered to look and taste fresher, then repackaged.

     Don't fall for the matrix of marketing. Open your eyes to what's really going on. Do your research online to find out who's trying to manipulate you into parting with your hard-earned money. Ethics are no longer a thing in the business world (with the exception of a few organic or smaller family companies). It's all about the money. Do your homework and you'll find almost every product in the grocery store is manufactured by one of only a handful of companies:
   

     Be smart. Shop wisely. Be aware of your shopping. What's driving your purchase? Is it marketing gimmicks or are you only purchasing what you need, when you need it, knowing it's not just a "want", it's a "need", and is it something that will bring you joy? 

Living simply challenge Day 23: Dream

     What do you want to be when you grow up? We ask this question to little preschoolers, grammar school kids, teenagers, and even college students - but then what happens? All of a sudden no one asks you anymore what you want to be/become. It leaves most adults feeling lost, like they somehow missed an unseen opportunity, because if no one's asking anymore, then I guess we should've figured it out by now, right? Wrong!

     Life has a way of intruding on our dreams. Before you know it, you're in high school working a job for a little extra cash, or to save for a car, but you get used to earning that amount, (and spending that amount) - so you go off to a full time job, or you try to work while in college. Both paths leave you exhausted but you try your best to spend time with family and friends, have a few adventures and nights out with "the guys" or a "ladies night out" now and then. Before you know it, you're somehow in your late 20s, now you have the responsibility of living expenses, you pay for your own vehicle, maintenance, and insurance. Then you're in your 30s with a couple of kids, more expenses, a larger house or apartment, and there's no time to stop working and dream.

     Your 40s fly by but you start thinking you can almost see a few relaxing days of retirement on the horizon - you hope. In your 50s you realize you didn't get enough saved to retire on so you've postponed your dreams of retiring and traveling. By the time your in your 60s your (or your spouse's) health is your main concern and you let go of your dreams. Depressing - BUT WAIT!!!

     What if you could live intentionally starting today to enjoy a more simple life - sooner?! It actually IS possible. Lots of other people have figured out how to chase and achieve their dreams. It takes intentional baby steps in the same direction to reach your destination. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. It doesn't matter how old or young you are. You can choose today to start dreaming again and PLAN your future. How? Here's a few ideas to get you thinking:

1.  Declutter everything that you don't need, that doesn't add value to your life nor does it bring you joy. Some stuff needs to be tossed, other stuff donated, but I would SELL whatever you have that's worth anything. People all over the world have made hundreds and even thousands by selling off outdated technology, collector's items, historic memorabilia, jewelry, clothing, excess furniture, spare vehicles, almost anything you can think of. There's great apps out there to help you like Letgo.com (and you can google lots of others, but be sure it's a reputable company with reviews). There's still eBay out there. Yard sales, Craig's List, Post it on Facebook. Lots of ways to sell your old stuff.

2.  Once you've earned some money, pay down some debt. Make this your #1 goal for a little while so that once debt is gone, you're free to dream about anything you want to do, anywhere you want to go.

3.  Consider your living space. Do you have a home that's more than you need? I know so many people that have a "spare" bedroom, often 2 or 3 once the kids grow up and move out. If you took your mortgage or rent, and divided it by the number of bedrooms you have, you'll know what it costs you per month for that spare room (or more) every month compared to a place with one less bedroom. Is it worth the extra cost? In almost every case, the answer is, "We're moving!"

   Once you've made a dent in your debt, you're not purchasing useless things anymore, and you've gotten your living expenses down by quite a bit, you now have more cash than you used to have. So here's where the dreaming really kicks in because you can almost see it. It's getting closer and closer. The debt is just about paid off, so really get detailed about where you'd like to ultimately live, or how much/little you'd like to travel - and to where, have you always wished you had the time or the money to donate to a charity, church, or good cause? Without buying material things, is there an experience you've dreamed about? Like visiting every Major League Baseball park in the USA? Is it season tickets to your favorite hockey team? How about tickets to a season at the local live theater? What about something more personal? Is there a family member you could help, like taking in an aging, widowed parent so they aren't stuck in a nursing home while you wonder what kind of care they're getting? Have you ever wanted to go to college and become a doctor, dentist, lawyer, teacher, or something else that helps others? Could you volunteer or donate to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter? When you take materialistic things out of the picture, your dreams become so much more exciting. They can be life-changing for you or those you help. Have you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument? Take some cooking classes at a local restaurant and learn to prepare dinner for your guests like a pro? Do you enjoy fishing or hunting? Where would you do it if you had the time and money to do it more often? Have you ever wanted to write a book? Many of the things here are things that could even become income producing for you! Like gardening? Would you enjoy selling your excess produce at a local farmer's market? You'd get to meet new people, exchange ideas for gardening and cooking with the produce, it's how my son met his soon to be wife! We're glad we decided to bake goods and create things to sell at our local market!

     Take a few moments to dream. Maybe just a few minutes in the beginning, then more detailed as you learn to live a more simple life. When you're close to making enough income to cover your now more meager but appropriate expenses, then blow the doors off your dreams! Chase your passions to the fullest extent you're able. All it takes is the spark of a dream, then kindle the flames until you can see it and it's energy moves you.

Living Simply challenge Day 22: Handling Stress

     Today is one of those days I'm not handling stress well. I'm not living a simplified life. I have quite a bit happening in the next 30 days - I just started college to pursue a new career when most people my age are figuring out how to retire soon. Along with that comes a full-time student workload, over 100 pages of reading, homework, quizzes, note taking, and class participation every week. I'm starting up a new small group of women where I facilitate a particular book study. I'm starting in a new bible study myself. I'm having no luck finding a dress to wear to my son's wedding in about a month - no one has my size, and if they do, it's either the same blue as the wedding party, all black, or some horrific ugly print (think over busy geometric designs or bright orange flower patterns). I'm moving my mother and brother here in about 21 days. I have to leave for our 25th anniversary trip we planned almost a year ago before we had any idea there'd by college classes, a wedding, and family moving in that same month! Add to that the frustration knowing one of your adult kids are hurting, trying to deal with an insurance company with no answers about their own plans, a day trip in a few days that involves 6 hours of driving for a 2 hour bridal shower that I thought I had 2 weeks to plan for but the date had to change unexpectedly, did I forget anything?
On top of that, there's the same issues everyone deals with through their own friends and family: people dealing with cancer, losing a spouse, dementia, divorces, deaths, job loss, custody battles, addictions, abuse, out of control kids, and more. So what can you do when your life gets overwhelming? How can you maintain a simple lifestyle amidst the chaos?

INTENTIONALITY

     You've GOT to be INTENTIONAL. What kinds of intentional things can you do? Here's a quick list of things you can try. Many of which I'm going to do as soon as I'm done this post - but I wanted the emotion of it all to be fresh as I write to you.

1.  Stop. Just stop. Stop pacing. Stop driving (pull over somewhere safe, not just stop on the road). Stop thinking of all that's going wrong. Just stop.

2.  Breathe. Take a large, slow, inhaling breath in through your nose. Hold it for a second or two. Then release it slowly out through your mouth. Repeat 5 to 10 times, or until you know you've settled down a bit so you can think.

3.  Think. But think deliberately. Depending on circumstances, what's going on will be very different for you. If it's a health/illness concern, think through some options or preparations. If it's about a job loss, what are your strengths and who could use them? Who's hiring? Can whatever caused the loss or threaten of a loss be fixed before it's permanent? Think through it. If you're fortunate that you're just having a day where you're overwhelmed but nothing's going to cause lifelong devastation, then this is really important. You need to intentionally realize that in 5 years, none of this will matter. In about a month or so, none of this will matter - it'll all be behind you. Will it matter in a week? How about 5 minutes from now. Let go of the littlest frustrations first - like the guy that just cut you off in traffic, or the fact that the store was out of what you needed. Just let go of the thoughts that fan your anger into stress that can hurt you.

4.  Plan. What can you plan to do about your situation(s)? What is within your ability to act or do? What is NOT within your ability or choice? Let that go! I've always taught my kids, "If you can't fix it or change it, move on." What are some proactive things you can do to ease the situation? Can you put together some plans? Maybe even just a loose plan to fix whatever's going on?

5.  De-stress! Whether it's immediately or if it's something you have to schedule into your day or week (or month), intentionally schedule some time to de-stress. It may be to go to the gym or a yoga class. It may be a bubble bath with soft music, candles, and a good book. It could be to just lock your office door, sit on the floor, take your shoes off, and just center yourself. Stretch your neck and shoulder muscles. Take deep breaths. Meditate on or pray about finding a moment of peace in the midst of the storm. Can you go for a walk, hike, run, or bike ride? Can you go to bed early to get some much needed extra rest? Be intentional about taking your stress level down a few notches.

6. Add value. Do things that bring value to your life. What do you enjoy? Is it a nice glass of wine sipped slowly? Do you like to listen to soft jazz to unwind? Is it having coffee with your best friend? Taking the dog for a walk? Playing with your kids without stressing them out? Relaxing with your partner watching a movie together? Maybe you have a hobby? Do you relax by playing an instrument? Gardening time? What about relaxing by the pool? or a bonfire? Do you like to write? Whatever adds value, do it. Bring in those things to your world that bring you joy and contentment.

     At the end of all this, hopefully you're stress will have given way to more peace and less anxiety. Even if the problems you're facing are life-changing, you can learn to live through them by handling stress in the moment in a more intentional, positive way. It's going to be okay eventually.

Living Simply challenge Day 21: Comfort Zones

     Today's challenge is on comfort zones, which is perfect, because today, I am terrified. I'm heading back to college decades after graduating high school. I have kids older than many of the students that will be in my class. I won't look, dress, or talk like they do. I'm slower with technology since they were born with cell phones in their hands. Back in the day, you wrote or typed your homework, brought in a copy, and used actual books to write papers. Now it's all digital files, multiple software programs to get and turn in assignments, and most of the writing is based on online articles instead of physical books. Yeah, I'm dealing with a lot of anxiety here. This is definitely NOT my comfort zone.

     What exactly is a "comfort zone"? It's the way you go through life when you aren't stretching, maturing, trying new things, learning new things, nor growing. It's where you feel at ease, not stressed. It's completely different for everyone. For some, jogging a marathon is a comfort zone because they train and look forward to it. For others, having the same routine day in and day out gives them comfort. Still others have a comfort zone that includes trying new things (picture adrenaline junkies who are perfectly fine with cliff diving off a cliff on the coast of a foreign country). Many people's comfort zones include how their home life is - noisy, very quiet, always people dropping by, never having people over, etc. It also includes school and/or work for most people. Doing their job is a comfort zone because they know what's expected of them and what to expect in return (their paycheck). Unfortunately, there are also bad comfort zones, like a battered woman who won't leave the relationship because it's scarier to think about how to get by alone than with a "known quantity" that she's gotten used to. Other bad comfort zones may include being stuck in alcoholism or drug use, where you choose to surround yourself with people also spiraling downward in many ways, but it's "comfortable" - and it would be stressful to imagine getting cleaned up, doing without the drinks or drugs, and trying to mix with what you've termed as "normal people".
Your comfort zone is whatever you've made it to be - but know this:

YOU ARE NOT STUCK IN IT FOREVER. YOU HAVE A CHOICE. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO EXPAND IT AND CREATE A BETTER LIFE FOR YOURSELF.

(And being a minimalist or living simply doesn't mean you simply accept your fate in a comfort zone that keeps you from living the life you've always wanted.)

     So how do you expand your comfort zone to begin living simply, intentionally creating the life you want to have? Baby steps. Want to meet new people, take a local class to learn a new skill set, maybe through a school, a library, an arts & crafts store, or a business - like a cooking class. How about changing jobs? Take baby steps towards gathering information in the field you're interested in. Want to get in shape but taking a full on Zumba or yoga class is intimidating? Find online videos for free you can download/watch in private until you're comfortable with the moves. Thought of writing a book? Take a writing class, sit down to write something every day, and gather info about freelance writing of small articles or blogs for a media outlet. 

     The only way to live a simple life is to purposefully do things that will bring you joy and to change or get rid of obstacles that stop you. Intentionally move in the direction you want to go and little by little, you'll build the simple life you want, fulfilling your purpose and chasing your passions. Don't let fear stop you. Take one step at a time until you've stretched your comfort zone into including your new pursuits. You got this! 

Living simply challenge Day 20: Envy

     I've been wanting to write on this topic for a while now, trying to figure out in my head exactly how to word it. I walked into church today and that was the exact message! I may steal a few key points or phrases from there mixed with my usual take on things. It's not a preachy message - but it is a warning against consumerism and allowing yourself to be driven by advertising and marketing.

   

 Envy:  1. a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc. It's what drives our culture through the ads we see and the marketing think groups who's sole purpose is to target YOU. The average person comes across 4,000 to 10,000 ads PER DAY!!! That may seem like an impossibility when you think, "but I don't watch much television and I don't live in a big city with billboards," but what about on social media? How many ads do you see, even if it's just subconsciously around the borders of what you're reading? Are you on more than one platform? Facebook - twitter - instagram - and don't forget junk emails...the backstops of rural kids' ballparks, in the windows of the local stores, signs out front on your area's main street, newspapers, phone solicitations, it's endless! What do they all have in common? They are designed to get you to part with your money for something you don't need. Their job is to convince you a "want" is a "need", and it's working.

   

 Back in the day, envy was up there with malice and greed. It was a vice (defined as an immoral or evil practice). Nowadays, envy is a virtue (a particular moral excellence)! What the hell happened?!
You can say you're not an envious person, but almost all of us fall into its trap at some point in our life. Have you ever been going along throughout your day, thinking everything's good, you feel happy, you're enjoying life, then you come across someone who's say, driving a car that gets your attention? Suddenly you're not so happy, especially with what you're driving. You start to think about how that driver is probably some spoiled trust fund baby, or they do dishonest things to get it. You're much more deserving than they are. Your want just turned into a need. You've lost the joy you had.

     What about when you're out in public? You stop at a nice little outdoor spot for lunch, enjoying the nice day and the time to enjoy it. You look good, you feel good. It's a good day. Then you spot a table across from you where the customers are wearing expensive clothes, dripping with status symbol jewelry pieces, she's got a purse you know is worth over $500, and of course, they're scrolling on the latest greatest version of the newest, most expensive cell phone while waiting for their meal. What goes through your head? Is it that you're happy someone is succeeding in this crazy world? Is it that you're so filled with joy that they have their life together? No. Be honest. You know you're thinking about comparisons. Why do THEY have those things? You work hard - harder by the looks of "them". Now you're rationalizing (which are just RATIONAL LIES) why they have what they do and you don't, without ever having met nor talked to them. Your own joy for the day is stolen.

     Want to know if you have envy in your heart? Ask yourself these 2 questions:     

1.  Are you unable to enjoy what someone else has or has done? 

2. Are you unable to enjoy what YOU have? (Are you content?) 

     

Envy starts with one single thought, "Why him/her and not ME?"  We have been so programmed by advertising and consumerism to live in a frenzied state of trying to out-do everyone else around us. It leads to depression, health issues, financial struggles, loss of relationships, and for what? Just to own stuff we never intended on purchasing until we were manipulated into thinking we HAD to have it. We've become a culture that gets its self-worth from the useless things we clutter and hoard around us. This cycle of buying for that drug type of momentary euphoria, the huge let down very shortly afterwards, and the drive to go buy for that "high" again - it's destroying society. It's a prison and you become it's slave, a slave to the emotions produced by an industry of strangers to make you feel resentful of other strangers around you, all so they can put their kids in private schools and drive fancy cars. Wake up and see envy for what it is!

     You'll never experience joy in this life, at home, in your relationships, or in your world at all if you're constantly thinking, "If only I bought a ____________, " or "maybe I should go get a _______" you fill in the blank.If you're reading this and you see a little of yourself or someone you know in it, start taking some baby steps to break out of the prison, learn how to regain your freedom. Freeing yourself of material envy is something that's so hard to describe to others. You truly need to experience it for yourself. If you need help, there are 19 days of Living Simply daily challenges, or baby steps, you can take here on this blog. There's also a 30 day Minimalism challenge on here that I just did in July. If you still need help, you can to go The Minimalists website and read some of their essays or listen to a few podcasts. You also can find some good information on Joshua Becker's website here.