Lately I've been feeling like I have so much I want to do and so much I have to do and so much I'm not doing well. In an effort to get back on track, I've been thinking (and taking action) a lot about how to simplify my life. I'm no Thoreau, although I agree with much of his philosophy.
This week's Ten on Tuesday list couldn't have come at a better time for me. Some of the items are ones I've implemented and find work well for me, and others are reminders to myself of what I ought to do.
1. Menu plan. Even before I was in charge of cooking, I planned meals, one week at a time. I like to do this on Sunday with a cup of coffee and my notebook of recipes. I usually grocery shop on Sunday, so I can jot down what I need to buy while I figure out a menu that will make the most use of whatever is in season. This also reduces the number of trips to the grocery store, which can get out of hand if I don't plan.
2. Keep a list of go-to seasonal meals. This is ever-evolving for me, but it simplifies the meal planning process. I have a list of meals that are healthy, that Neal and I both like, and that I can fix quickly.
3. Cut back on magazine and journal subscriptions. I go through phases when I subscribe to way too many magazines. I enjoy magazines, but I don't always have the free time to read them all. I've been letting subscriptions run out. Many are available on line or in my library, so if I can read them, I can save money, too.
4. Sort and attend to mail immediately. If it has to be paid, I have a place for it. If I need to respond with a letter, I have another place for it. If it can be recycled, I bring it to the bin right away. Done.
5. Get rid of clutter. One of the greatest benefits when I moved to my little co-op on the Hudson was that the minimal space meant I had to pare down my possessions. Some were stored, but I was also pretty ruthless about recycling and donating things I did not love and need. I plan to tackle my books and crafting supplies soon!
6. Minimize how you spend your time. This is my big problem right now. I'm teaching at the university. I'm writing my novel (hey, yes, it is NaNoWriMo time again). I'm writing a proposal for another project. I'm doing research for my grant. I'm designing some hairpin lace goodies. I'm… You are the same way, most likely, filling your days with your passions. Sometimes, though, I need to let go of a little passion and do everything a little better.
7. Don't join a gym. I work out via exercise I can do from my house. I ride my bike, hike, cross-country ski, garden, do calisthenics, run. I save money and time by not joining a gym. Some people love working out at a gym, and I think that's great for them…it just doesn't suit me.
8. Don't multi task too much. I like talking on the phone and dusting. Other than that, I'm a pretty crappy multi-tasker (probably why #6 is a problem for me). My life is more serene when I tackle one task at a time. I usually do the task better and faster than if I try to do four things at once.
9. Be a one-car household. I dream of living someplace more walkable, but while I live in the woods, I find it too challenging to do without a car. We have two vehicles right now: my car, the one we use to go almost anyplace we have to drive to, and Neal's train car. Technically it's a bus car, but when I lived in NY, everyone called the spare vehicle the train car, and it has stuck with me! Still, we've managed pretty well for long periods with one vehicle.
10. Pare down your wardrobe. I'm loving Project 333. It is easy to get dressed in the morning and easy to take care of my clothes. I've enjoyed reading notes from folks who aren't participating but have felt inspired to clear out excess or ill-fitting clothes.
What is your favorite tip for simplifying your life?
My favorite was the book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. It’s pretty light on the Feng Shui, and I was able to sell 4 boxes of books after reading this one book.
I have been living in a bedroom in my parents’ house. This has forced me to really think about all of that stuff I have stored in their attic. How much of it do I need? Will I really take all of it when I finally move to my own place?
This is a terrific list and I really agree about sorting and dealing with mail. I wish I could get Dale on board with that one, though!
I have a recipe book that has notes on the top for “good summer”. “great spring”. That sort of thing – and it helps a lot.
Each day I make a list of 3-4 things that I can finish at home. So for example last night I decided not to write my 750 because I had to bake cakes for my nephew’s birthday. I think keeping perspective is what is most important.
I needed to read your list. I have such a problem with mail.
What simplifies my life is knowing my limits (knowing myself): My focus during the week is working during the day, and then on Wednesday nights I work with teens at church.
To be around others, I need alone time to recharge. Thus I don’t make any weeknight plans for Mon/Tue or Thu. Monday night = laundry and kitchen. Tuesday = library & grocery shopping. Wednesday night – volunteering. Thursday = laundry & home projects.
Then when Friday arrives – I’m ready to see friends on the weekend. I thrive if my weekend is a good mix of low-key time and time with friends & family.
It simplifies my life because when friends want to get together during the week, I’ll suggest a weekend time instead. When I have an errand to run, I’ll slot it into my Tuesday errand night.
Now if only my mail could fall so easily into the proper slots 🙂
PS: I love reading your thoughts on this and all the comments. I’m learning so much!
Truly wonderful list!
Have you ever tried spinning while on the phone? I get so much done that way.
Dusting while talking on the phone. That’s what I’m taking away from this list, sounds like an excellent multi-task!
As for simplifying, I’m still working on that one. I’m still sorting and Freecycling, in hopes of one day this winter tackling the basement. We’ve always had company provided movers when we’ve moved (all 4 times in 10 years), and while that sounds like a wonderful thing, it takes the “I’m moving to a new house and need to purge” aspect out of the moving experience. The thought is that we’ll purge as we unpack, but that always gets thrown out the window as you try to settle in as quickly as possible. Thus, my whole basement could probably stand to be purged!
This week’s list was one that I needed to read, but didn’t feel I could contribute too 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on simplifying!
So many good items here, Bev! I have to work hard on #6. 3,4,5 & 7 I am there! Thanks for the motivation!