There
is a
growing movement where people voluntarily live in smaller homes and live more
simply in efforts to simplify, and therefore add value, to their lives. A
growing number of people do not believe this means living off the streets;
rather, living simply - yet elegantly. I call this "Elegant Simplicity"
because it simplifies my lifestyle perspective.
The
benefits of living a simpler life have been passed down through various wise
men, religious leaders and, recently, in a modern approach through Duane Elgin's
Voluntary Simplicity and SimplyCity (see www.SimplyCity.com)
a magazine targeting women with the simple-yet-quality-of-life message.
Personally,
I have found that after several years of spending money like water that slowing
down and trimming the fat in how and when I slap down my VISA has made a
significant impact upon the quality of my life.
I've
narrowed my focus. Now, rather than shop for hours a week, I play my sax
more in my band. I also read considerably more. By watching less
television, driving less, working less (and during non-commute hours), and
shopping less I've managed to read over three hundred books over the past three
years. I feel happier and less stressed. My relationships are
deeper, too. And I feel a deeper connection to God and my Angels now, more
than ever before - even when I used to go to church three times a
week.
The
keys to living an Elegant Simplicity lifestyle are as follows:
1.
Buy only what I absolutely love. This helps keep the clutter
minimized. It also helps me enjoy what I own considerably more.
2.
Live in a smaller house or apartment. I joke that I live in the
smallest house in Menlo Park - but it is a very quaint and charming little
cottage. In living in a small house I am forced to keep rooms clean and
clear out clutter frequently. This keeps my house feeling
"happy" and I can be comfortable inviting friends over. It also helps
me keep things very organized. A former girlfriend was the queen of
organization - if you lack this skill, find someone who has it to help or
reading a few books on organization can also be useful to do a good clutter
clearing. (See the AspireNow guide to organizing
your house for abundance.)
3.
Live close to my work and drive off-commute hours. I like my
truck. Spending an unproductive two hours a day in it is not my idea of
good time management, though. Many people buy houses an hour away from
their work to buy more home for the dollar, then spend their time commuting
every day that they could be spending with their family. I remember when
my nephew was little and the years went by fast -- is the larger house really
worth that kind of personal sacrifice?
4.
Working Less. Over the past five years I've mastered the art of
working less to make more. I found that by applying the Pareto principle
(the 80/20 rule) that 80% of what I did didn't matter. So, I simply
stopped doing it. As a result, my life became free to practice
presentations, to master Concepts of Selling at the "C" level (CEO,
CIO, etc.), and to enjoy nature and do more of what I wanted to, thereby
increasing my happiness and increasing my knowledge and skills.
5.
Praying and meditating more. There is only one way I know to get to
know God better, and that is through prayer and meditation. I can also
read about God in a Bible or religious text when I feel the need to. I
find that in living a simple spiritual life where I focus on removing guilt,
fear and doubt - and increasing love, gratefulness and blessings - that life is
simply more abundant.
6.
Enjoy artistic pursuits. I am a musician (sax, keys), my brother
plays guitar and my sister plays the piano. We were raised by a Dad who
loved listening to music and a Mother who played guitar, organ and guitar.
We were raised to appreciate art, so, for me it comes a bit naturally. If
you want to consider the current state of art be sure to see the article on Postmodernism
by C. Andrews.
7.
Say yes only to the people and activities I truly enjoy (families may need a
little compromise).
We
welcome your comments and success stories about living an elegant simplicity
life and making your life more fun and abundant (feedback).
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