26 Steps to Simplicity
My theme for this challenge is 26 Steps to Simplicity. As we go through the month, I will be writing- in alphabetical order- about both the qualities of simplicity and some action steps to achieve simplicity in your life. These posts will (hopefully) be briefer than normal, so take the time to check in each day. Be sure to sign up to receive each post via email, and you will also receive a free pdf “5 Steps to Simplify Your Life This Week.” Let’s begin!
A: Assess
So, you’re ready to simplify your life. Me too:) Today, we are conducting an assessment of our current state of affairs. Take a notebook and a pen/pencil, and walk through your home. How do you feel as you enter each room? When I deep clean a room (organizing drawers, decluttering, clearing surfaces, dusting, vacuuming,etc.), I can’t wait to show my husband. Every time, without fail, he says that he can feel how clean it is. Even more than how a room looks, there are particular feelings attached to simplicity. When things are clean, spacious, ordered, and aired out, we feel calm, at rest, unencumbered. Sounds good to me.
That said, how is your walk-through going? How do you feel when you enter your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, home office? Whether you feel anxious, guilty, grossed out, or claustrophobic, write it down. Make a list of the things that immediately catch your eye which are causing this reaction inside you. Does your eye have a place to rest in each room, or is every surface covered/cluttered? Open your drawers, cupboards, and closets, and assess them too. Don’t do anything yet; just jot down your initial observations and reactions, then move on to the next room.
Okay, now sit down with your notebook in a comfy chair or at the kitchen table and look at what you’ve written. Assess the damage, so to speak. Don’t get discouraged at what you’ve written, though. This is the time to set some goals. Take the next five minutes to write down the answers to these two questions:
- Why do I want to simplify my life?
- What area will I focus on first?
This month, commit to taking 5 minutes each day to read my posts 🙂 and 15 minutes to work on simplifying your life, beginning with the area you listed in question #2. Start by removing any garbage in the room, followed by collecting those items which do not belong in the room and redistributing them to their proper location. (Does anyone else have socks under their kitchen table?)
Until tomorrow . . .
Ros says
Some good advice here! Glad you’ve joined the challenge. There’s something motivating and satisfying about the A to Z blog challenge. Looking forward to B and C…
Aimee Mae Wiley says
Thanks, Roslynn! I’m trying to work ahead, even though I’m already behind. I think I’m going to conquer that perfection monster this month:)
Ellie Hale says
I’m hoping I will track with you on this journey to simplify; the Lord knows I/we need it! I actually have a sign in our hallway that says exactly that, “Simplify”. Let’s do this!
Aimee Mae Wiley says
I love your enthusiasm and encouragement, Ellie! Thanks for joining me; we need to simplify, too; I’m learning right along with all of you:)