Thursday, January 26, 2012

Simplifying is Not so Simple

I've been reading this book called Organized Simplicity and I've been quite inspired by it.  I downloaded it for free on my kindle (I don't think it's free anymore though, sorry) and I honestly had no expectations of it whatsoever.  I was pleasantly surprised though.  It's premise is pretty simple (no pun intended).  Living simply allows you to live life more fully.  Getting rid of your clutter and getting organized helps you to live more simply.  Less stuff means less stress and more time to live with purpose.  You get the idea.  There are probably a million books like this out there, but this is the first one that I have ever opened.  I really, really like the ideas presented in this book.  I feel like often my house is too cluttered and in turn my brain is cluttered.  Wondering where I put things and feeling overwhelmed at the things I need to get done...some of which I have written in my calendar, but others I am relying on memory for.  I totally needed to read this.  And she has some really great tips.  Like making a family mission statement.  That is not something I would ever in a million years do on my own.  It's up there with color coding my sock drawer...just so not me.  But maybe I need a little nudge in that direction.  Being a stay at home mom / part time photographer is so flexible that I sometimes think I need a little structure.  A mission statement.  Some goals to strive for.  Not that I don't have them, they're just floating around in my brain along with reminders of dentist appointments and school pick ups and housework that needs to be done.   She has a ton of great ideas...which are right now floating around in my head too.  One involves a more detailed daily calendar including task lists and checklists.   Another main focus on her book is on tackling the huge job of simplifying your home.  This is what I really want to get into.  I feel like we have accumulated so much stuff over the past seven years of living here that I really just need a good purging to make me feel more relaxed.  Some of you might think I'm crazy because I know some people have anxiety when they think about getting rid of things (seen that show Hoarders, anyone?) but I am the opposite.  When I look around at piles of stuff I get anxiety.  When I look at the stack of filing in our bedroom it makes me have heart palpitations.  And the laundry on my daughter's floor makes my back stiffen when I walk in her room.  I really just like a simple, organized home.  The problem is...it is not as easy as it sounds.  She details a 10 day plan for de-cluttering and cleaning your home.  And it's awesome, it really is.  When I first read it I was totally motivated to start the next day.  The problem is that I really need a vacation from my life in order to fit it into my schedule!  I know I don't have to do 10 consecutive days, but that would be ideal.  And I think some of the things she suggests would take one day will take me more than one day...actually, I know they will.  Those are just more excuses though.  I need to just get off my butt and do it!  I know I do.  So this is really more of a personal pep talk than anything.  I say I want to live more simply and have more free time and I know that this will help.  If anything it will help me to be more calm inside.  So, I'm making a commitment here to fill you guys in on my progress.  And feel free to ask me about it if you haven't heard anything for a while.  And feel free to come over and help me if you live nearby!  I make a pretty good pot of coffee, you know.  Anyone...anyone?


5 comments:

  1. I looked up the book...and no it isn't free but I still think I want it from what I read. I SOOOOOOOO need to do this and it is also refreshing to know that others out there feel EXACTLY the same as I do. So I am going to get this book and get started...I will be checking back with you to make sure you are on track. I am not doing this along....LOL

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    1. Yay! I definitely think it will help to have someone keep me accountable. And I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only with "brain clutter". I think we should start a new trend and use that phrase. :)

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  2. Another GREAT book that involves goal accomplishments and lists and prioritizing is called "Eat that Frog" he gives you homework assignments at the end of each chapter that help you start implementing his concepts. It has seriously changed how I think! I remember one of the mom blogs I followed posting about this book and I think (I need to check my Kindle) I missed it when it was free, but if it is this good then I should probably try it too! "Eat that Frog" was only .99 as the Kindle Book of the Day, and one of the blogs I followed mentioned it, so I snatched it up then, but it seriously is amazing! Then again I'm a huge procrastinator and this really helped me start evaluating getting rid of mental clutter that was keeping me from my goals - also helped me get house work done faster?

    http://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Procrastinating-ebook/dp/B001AFF25W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327588091&sr=1-1

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    1. Thanks, Katy! I will definitely check it out!

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  3. It's so funny that you posted this yesterday because I just told someone yesterday that I always feel better after de-cluttering. We have so much junk. Ugh...I'm with you completely on this and need to continue to pare down the stuff around here and live more simply.

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