I am not sure where it started but the first week of August is “National Simplify Your Life Week”.  Perhaps someone picked this week because summer fun is winding down, school is about to start, and the activity frenzy for everyone (kids and adults alike) tends to pick up in the fall after a summer lull. 

 

What can you do to simplify your life, gain some control, lessen the chaos and create organization peace? 

 

  • Make a list of your "complications" - bills, projects, toxic people, activities -  and decide on at l east one you're going to remove from your life or at least approach in a more efficient manner

 

  •  Excuse yourself from a commitment that takes up a lot of time. 

 

  • Schedule less. I know, easier said than done. But when I personally look at my monthly calendar and see myself saying yes to too many things or too many plans. Sometime you just have to say STOP

 

  • Spend time with loves ones. Spending time isn't just sitting in front of the TV. If you have smaller children, listen to their noises or what's being said when they play with others. Watch their facial expressions. If you have teens, plays games, cards or dominos.  Sure it is foreign to them at first, but you will be surprised at their desire to just hang with you. 

 

  • Organize a carpool so that you don't have to spend so much time in your car. 

 

  • Sit still. It sounds odd, of course, because we don’t do it. Everyone needs personal time and inner quiet. Try journal writing, mediation or maybe yoga. Whatever works for you to be quiet, still and achieve more focused intention.

 

Organizational peace is a skill that can be learned. The most difficult part is breaking your lifelong bad habits (like letting your paperwork pile up). The key to getting better organized is to start with one small step and then take others one at a time. You may find that what you've put off for years takes only an hour to do. And once you see the benefits in one part of your life, you'll be motivated to go on.