RStheGr8: And the simplification continues...

Over the past month, I've been working to simplify my thoughts and as a result simplify my routine and priorities. That simplification process will continue.

Now onto phase 2:

Despite the fact that I've moved around more than 6 times over the past 8 years, I've still managed to hold on to a lot of stuff. Of course, I've at the same time acquired more over the years too. But I've decided that I don't want to have so much stuff. It takes a lot of time and energy to not only find stuff but to organize it and go through it ever so often.

This week, I am in the process of getting rid of stuff. I am having a virtual garage sale starting this weekend. I will be getting rid of gadgets, books, DVDs, clothes, shoes and any other items that I don't need or have not used in the past couple months. Even if I don't manage to sell it all, I'm setting it aside and organizing it. If it doesn't sell by a certain time (I could use the extra cash), I'll look to donate.

One benefit of removing the clutter will be my ability to appreciate all that I have. I've been blessed with so much and instead of holding onto and hoarding what I have, it's time to allow God to be able to bless me with more.

A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
Luke 12:15 NIV

RSthegr8: Simplify...

In my quest to simplify, the following excerpt from Purpose Driven Life struck a chord with me:

The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears. Suddenly, many activities, goals, and even problems that seemed so important will appear trivial, petty, and unworthy of your attention.

At church on Sunday, the pastor spoke of being patient. Instead of spending time wishing things get better, focus that energy on thanking and honoring God with what you have.

When it starts to feel like I don't have enough hours in the day, I'm going to start weeding out the activities and problems that take up my time. Think of it as budgeting for the soul and mind. The result: a richer, more purposeful life on Earth.

RStheGr8: Simplifying the complication

Over the past couple months, I let many things get too complex and difficult.

Exercise
Friendships
Traveling
Shopping
Spending
Saving
Cleaning
Surfing
Eating
Cooking

I've had plenty of time to reflect and I've come up with the beginnings of a comprehensive plan to simplify my life. I will worry less and rely on services that were created to help.

Daily surfing habits: Become more efficient by structuring surfing time using sites like Google Reader and delicious.

Daily spending & saving habits: Rely on online personal finance sites like Mint, Rudder and Wesabe. Also, dedicate more time to reading my Money magazines, reading personal finance books and watching personal finance shows as well as keeping up with personal finance blogs.

Daily cleaning habits: Clean up as I go along versus waiting till the weekend or when it's unbearable. If necessary, create a list of to-dos and get it done.

There are a bunch more ways that I can think of to simplify my life. Now that I've got my plan in place, please stay tuned for more great things in this space.