It’s time for Part 3 in Emily Ley’s Simplifying 2014 ….
Here’s a recap of Part 1 and Part 2:
PART ONE: PRIORITIZE (DECIDE WHY YOU’RE DOING THIS)
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PART THREE: DEFINE SIMPLICITY IN YOUR OWN LIFE
Chances are, everyone’s definition of simplicity is different. We all have different things going on in our lives. We all have different priorities. Sure, some of our priorities in Part 1 may be the same, but WE aren’t the same therefore how we operate is different.
Example: This week I have been feeling really overwhelmed with everything – finish wrapping the gifts, do laundry, pack, bake, vacuum the living room, work 40 hours, etc. For me, when I feel overwhelmed, the FIRST thing I want to do is organize it. For me, simplicity IS organization. I need things to be in order (or somewhat in order!) so that I feel like I can accomplish tasks effectively and efficiently. So what I did do? I immediately started organizing. Monday night I spent a good 30 minutes just organizing clutter in our home. Yes, that took away from time when I could have been getting something else done… but for me, it was worth it. I need clutter GONE so that I can better simplify the other things on my to-do list.
Emily’s question is: “Think of the last time you ended the day with a big sigh of gratitude. What did your day look like? What did your home feel like? Who had you connected with?”
All of our answers will be different. And that’s okay:)
For me, it all goes back to my priorities. My husband, my relationships, Jesus… these things are what make me end my day saying “today was a good day”. Things that point me in the opposite direction are my timesuckers! Social media, blog stalking, overplanning, and telling myself “no” – those things NEVER do my heart any good when I overdo them. Those things aren’t BAD things, but when used in excess, and when used against my priorities, they become bad.
For me, simplicity is being PRESENT and CONTENT in my life. In ALL of my life.
That means turning off my computer so I can clean up the kitchen. Watching sitcoms with my husband without constantly checking Instagram/Facebook. Knowing that it is OKAY to say “no” to certain things if my calendar is already getting full. Not running to Target for the next/best cardigan/purse/accessory; being content with the stuff I already have (more on this tomorrow). Realizing that although vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom(s) are all GOOD (and necessary) things, if they don’t get done every Saturday the world will not end. Allowing myself to plan & plan, but realizing that sometimes LIFE just happens (good and bad). And, sometimes, the things you never planned for are the best things ever.
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In the next few weeks, I’m going to start a new series titled “The Planner in Me”. I really, really enjoy planning… and there are SO many amazing tips, tricks & resources out there. I’m hoping this new series will help me (and you!) constantly simplify life, focus on what matters (our priorities) and make life happen the BEST it possibly can! Check out Emily’s post for some AMAZING resources to get you started (I plan to blog a few of them, too!).
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And, hop on over to Style Me Pretty for my styled shoot feature with Annamarie Akins Photography & Into It Events!!! OF COURSE, I plan to blog more images from that beautiful day later this week, so make sure you check back:)
xo, kat
