Vote November 2, 2010

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, November 2, 2010! Voting is so important, but whew, I'll be so glad when I stop receiving so much political mail!

And continue to pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8 :o)

10 Tips to Simpler Living

I was recently looking through the July/August 2009 issue of Relevant magazine. I came across this list: 10 Tips to Simpler Living. I found some really great insight. Simple, but inspiring. will summarize them here, if only for future reference for me.

10 Tips to Simpler Living

1. List what is important to you. Spending time with your family? Volunteering? After identifying your truest priorities, think of ways you can bring how you live into closer alignment with your values.

2. Make a budget. Get an idea of how much you are really earning & really spending. You worked hard to earn that money; are you spending it in ways that fulfill you? *Am I spending more than I earn?

3. Start small! You've probably spend a good portion of your life acquiring the clutter that surrounds you; don't expect to purge it all at once! Try clearing out a drawer a day.

4. Take a time inventory. Make a list: in one column, put things that are uplifting; in the other, put those that well, aren't. Brainstorm ways to move the second column into the proverbial recycling bin.

5. Get a little less connected. Constantly checking your email and keeping your cell phone on at all times keeps you in a continual state of alert--code for stressed out. Be inaccessible for a little time each day.

6. Get out. Take a little time every day--for gardening, a hike, even a simple walk around your neighborhood--to remove yourself from the rat race. It will do wonders for getting you out of the consumerist mentality and in touch with your deeper self.

7. Ease up on the boob tube. Commercials drive consumerism: Have you ever seen an ad that say, "You have enough already"? Didn't think so.

8. Change your mindset. If you worry that doing without something will make you feel deprived, notice the feeling of empowerment that comes with deciding to make that change. Apply this idea to little things, then watch more things seem possible.

9. Shift your assumptions about living frugally. Thinking up ways to get by on less can be fun and creative--and help on the eco front. Apply "reduce, reuse, recycle" to other things: using less shampoo, buying dry goods in bulk, using cloth napkins, etc.

10. Lose the impulse. When you see something you want to buy, stop yourself. Take a day to think about whether you truly need it. If you realize you really do want it, then buying it will be all the sweeter, knowing that it's a conscious decision.

I've found some of these are much harder than others! I know I need to be reminded of these on a regular basis! :o)