Keep it simple...that's how I ended last month's newsletter. It's not surprising that it's still on my mind a month later. My husband and I just returned from a two day anniversary trip. On our first morning away, we took what was meant to be a quick and easy stroll. It thankfully became a 7 mile walk through a local trail. It gave us lots of time to reflect on so many different areas in our lives. I mentioned to him that my mantra for the last year was Keep Calm and Carry On. It kept me going through a really challenging year. I even bought a phone case with the mantra so I'd have it with me always. The case recently cracked and broke, and along with that, my old mantra ended. It was perfect timing. 'So what is my mantra for this coming year?' I asked. I tried hard to come up with something clever, something deep and complicated. In the end, it was rather simple.
Keep it Simple
We so often make things so unnecessarily complicated and we don't have to. Some ways to keep it simple are:
1. Decisions - Rather than making lengthy lists weighing the pros and cons of two choices....try choosing the simplest one. It often is the best choice after all.
2. Clutter - Either you love it or need it. If not, toss or donate. Simple.
3. Communication - Ask for what you want. Be direct. Keep the language simple.
4. Schedules - Instead of scheduling appointments or errands back to back, try scheduling blocks of time for unscheduled events that life may throw your way.
Keeping it simple is always a choice, even when we think we have no control. It's all about planning ahead and making a commitment to live life with just a little less stress.
Now all I have to do is find a new phone case that reflects just that!
