The Simple Life

I have come to appreciate the concepts of living each day one at at time and living in the moment. I believe that the simpler things in life…are the most valuable. One of the most important things for me is that living a simpler life helps me deal better with the stress of daily life.

So what do I mean by a simpler life…my idea has changed over time…and I think I finally get the true formula at last.

Here are some ways that I simplify my life on a daily… weekly basis.

1. Each morning I pray that I will be able to make someone’s life better.

2. I make my lunch each night so that I don’t have to rush packing it in the morning, and I don’t have to buy it or go with out during the day.

3. I use the crockpot for evening meals every week and eat leftovers fixed in a variety of ways with those meals.

4. I have come to the realization that I do not need any more movies or CD’s in my home library. I have so many that I could watch a different movie every night for two years. I have more music than I would ever be able to listen through for about five years. When I need something different to watch or listen to…I turn on the TV or radio. I need to stop the urge to keep collecting.

5. I also have enough clothes to last a very long time. Since we have four seasons here…I have basically four seasons of clothes and rotate them all year long. I also do not need one more t-shirt for the rest of my life.

6. I  listen to spiritual music and words every day. I have the Bible on my IPOD and several versions are recorded so I can listen to them.

7. I pray continually throughout the day. I pray for others every day. This gives me the “attitude of gratitude”. I pray for my country and the world. We need peace.

8. I am nice to everyone I come in contact each day…even if they are rude or mean to me.

9. I drive the speed limit all the time. I have had way to many tickets in my lifetime. All of them were because I was distracted by my crazy complicated life. My goal is keep my life as uncomplicated as possible.

10. I do not dine out very much. Only special occasions. When I dine out…I rarely splurge. I try to enjoy the people I am with…it is a social event…not an eating event.

11. I enjoy cooking from scratch and avoid mixes and prepared foods. I have learned to make a meal out of nothing. My mother is a genius at creating something out of nothing.

12. I cook and bake for a week at a time. Example: I make a couple dozen muffins each week to use for Breakfast and snacks on the go.

13. I try to do something creative every day. Paint, write, photography, scrapbook, or or write, sing or play music. I also enjoy gardening and have quite a few house plants. Some are over thirty years old.

14. I spend time with the children in my life each week and enjoy just playing, reading, watching a movie, or doing art projects at home. When I play with kids..I like the old fashion board games, cards, puzzles or my favorite…pretend play.

15. I spend time alone every day. I enjoy silence. Meditation is a must.

16. I don’t spend too much time talking…listening has become more my style. I have discovered that other people’s lives are far more interesting then my own. I have told my story enough. I try to think before I speak…and sometimes I decide to say nothing, 🙂

17. I try to reach out to my family each week. Texting and Facebook make that possible. We always end our conversations with the words. “I love you”.

18. I pet my cat every day.

19. I keep in touch with friends. Facebook, emails, phone texts, snail mail, or phoning.

20. I call my mother every week.

21. I say thank you and please when ever appropriate. I treat people with respect.

22. I appreciate nature every day. A sunset, sun rise, flowers blooming, birds singing, snow falling, etc. Odds are high that if you are looking at a Sunset…I am probably looking at it too.

23. I do things for people for no money. Example…help them paint, do yard work, teach a class, counseling, make cookies or bring them flowers to name a few. I try to put others first before myself. I truly enjoy giving more than receiving.

24. I thank God for my blessings during the day. I try not to take things for granted.

25. I am never bored. I can always think of something to do. I am easily satisfied and entertained.

26. I say hi or wave to my neighbors. I enjoy chatting with them  when we are out in our yards. We look out for each other in times of need.

27. I validate people when the thought comes to me… immediately. I compliment people too. I try not to let an opportunity pass by… to let someone know I appreciate them.

28. I enjoy good coffee and herbal tea every day. No fancy coffee drinks for me.

29. I try not to look back at my life with regrets. I can laugh at my self. I try not to take myself too seriously. ( not easy for a “Type A” personality)

30. I try to put a positive spin on my challenges in life. I am not a victim. I refuse to live that way.

I have come up with quite a few and could probably list some more. These are the main things I do to make my life as simple as possible. It took me years to realize how important this concept is,… to create a happier life.

The Apostle Paul writes to the early Christians, and these words have been handed down to our generation…

Philippians 2:14 ” Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may prove yourselves to be righteous and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you appear as lights of the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run or toil in vain. But even if I  am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. And you too, I urge you rejoice in the same way, and share your joy with me”.

King Solomon sums my blog in just one verse…” Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days”. Ecclesiastes 11:1

Be kind to others with no expectation of a return of that kindness towards you. Just be a good person every day.  Blessings to you and yours.

Give some examples of when you were kind to someone even though they were not deserving. Give an example of when you did something for someone with no intention of anything in return…what was the result? I am wondering how you felt then and now.