When It Comes To Happiness, Simplicity
Is Key
In our ongoing quest for happiness and
contentment, we often find ourselves accumulating ever increasing piles of “stuff.”
However, the more “stuff” we accumulate, the more we begin to realize that we
don’t feel happier at all; we feel overwhelmed, crowded and scattered.
How easy it is to forget that when it
comes to happiness, simplicity is key! Even though we know on some level that
all this stuff won’t make us happy, we still keep getting pulled in by clever
marketing and our own constant yearning for something more.
But what if the “something more” we
crave is not more “stuff” but rather simplicity and order? What if, by simplifying
our lives we could finally enjoy a deeper sense of freedom, peace and
happiness?
If you’re ready to stop living under
the hypnotic spell of “more stuff,” here are three easy ways to begin simplifying
your life and enjoying a happier, more peaceful way of life:
1.
Clear out your home, vehicle and workspace.
Are you surrounded by stacks of books
you’ve already read, DVDs or videos you’ve seen dozens of times and miscellaneous
clutter covering every available surface? Is your vehicle a catch basin for
trash and belongings you haven’t put away? Is your workspace crowded with old
paperwork? Clear it all out! When you start clearing out your surroundings,
you’ll notice immediately that you feel lighter and less scattered.
2.
Clear your mind.
Are you constantly burdened by
worrisome or negative thoughts? A chaotic life can increase anxiety and stress,
which can make you feel scattered and forgetful. Begin a daily practice of
clearing your mind through meditation. Set aside 10 minutes once or twice a day
to let go of anxious thoughts and focus on nothing. Sit in silence or listen to
soothing music, but focus only on your breathing and being in the moment. Doing
this on a regular basis will help you feel more centered, calm and focused.
3.
Achieve closure.
Do you have a lot of unresolved
issues, unpaid bills or otherwise unfinished projects? When did you last file
away old paperwork or kiss a bad habit goodbye? When we leave things unfinished
in our lives, we tend to carry them with us mentally and emotionally until we
“officially” release them. Over time, you’ll feel the weight of these
situations if you don’t resolve them once and for all. Start by thinking about
your old relationships. Have you left things unsaid? Have you refused to let go
of someone emotionally even if you have moved on physically? Write a letter and
tell those people everything you want them to know. You don’t have to mail the
letter so you can easily use the process for people you no longer see or even those
who are deceased. Simply write out your thoughts and feelings on the matter,
then either burn the paper or rip it into shreds and throw it away. As you do
so, affirm that you are releasing the situation once and for all, and you are
now free from any lingering emotional or mental burdens regarding it.
Also be sure to achieve closure on
everything else that you can, like canceling old memberships or subscriptions you
no longer need, filing away paperwork that is no longer needed, and completing
projects you’ve started. With closure comes peace, and with peace usually comes
greater happiness!
Also Read: Simplicity for Happier Life
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