Alright, I have partaken on a 40 post blogging challenge! This is the first post in that series, so let’s see how it goes!
I know. I know. The title is a little vague. To be fair, I think that was the point. But you know what? I can work with this.
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
I am still in the process of simplifying my life. You can read my blog post Simple, Slow, and Intentional Living to get an idea on what I’m trying to achieve.
If I’m being honest though, my life is not as “simple” as I’d like. I still have much decluttering and organizing to do before it truly becomes “simple.”
So, for this post, I wanted to give you my personal list in simplifying my life.
In what ways am I looking to simplify?
- spending
- Stuff (minimalism)
- Organization
- Themed days
- Scheduling errands
- Self-care
Spending:
I NEED to get a budget tracker. Albeit, I haven’t been spending too excessively (especially since most events are cancelled and activities have been shut down). I’ve saved tons of money this summer by hiking and swimming instead of visiting museums, rock climbing, bowling, or travelling.
However, I would love to get a budget tracker so I can better watch my finances. I have looked into a few before but most apps suck and the ones that are great cost money (spending is the problem I’m trying to avoid…).
I would like to simplify my life by tracking all of my spending and having a better system for money management. Now that I also have a business, it will help me keep track of those expenses as well.
Stuff:
The best way to simplify your life (and what I actively pursue in my own) is to accumulate less STUFF. Minimalism has aided me so much. I have a friend who complains about my lack of stuff every time she visits but in all honesty? I just don’t need certain things.
I don’t own a colander because I have a small strainer that works for my needs. I don’t own a bunch of teaspoons in different sizes because I measure from the heart (don’t hate me food bloggers). I don’t own more than three shorts because I live in northern Indiana and it’s only hot for like, three months of the year. I don’t own a paper shredder because I can tear up the paper myself. The list goes on.
But having less stuff helps me maintain a cleaner house and a clearer peace of mind.
Below is a list of what I still need to declutter (by room).
Bedroom
- less clothes
- Less jewelry
- Less “junk” under the bed
Living room
- the tv console
Bathroom
- less makeup
- Less “products”
- More storage
Kitchen
- less utensils/dishes
- Better storage
- Better systems
Office
- less paper clutter
- Less “junk” on shelves
Organization:
I live in a small space. Organization, and efficient organization at that, is crucial for my sanity! You can check out My Favorite Organizational Tools by following the link.
Ideally, I would like more shelving and office organizers because oof, it’s a mess!
Themed days:
You can view my post Why you Should Theme your Weekdays here.
I have been working really hard on theming my days and maintaining a sense of routine/schedule with them. Mondays and Tuesday’s I blog. Thursday’s are for youtube. Sunday’s are for cleaning. You get the idea.
Theming my days offers stability and reduces the stress of not knowing what needs to be done or by when. I’ve found it’s a great way to stay on task.
Scheduling errands:
Gosh. I wish I had started this sooner. In all honesty, as I write this post, I have not even attempted to schedule my errands.
If I scheduled when I’m set to go to the grocery store, when I should pick up prescriptions, when I should go to the hardware store, etc. I would be better prepared and more motivated.
In truth, I hate running errands. But it is a necessary part of life. I just wish I had scheduled it into my week.
Scheduling errands would relieve a lot of stress and uncertainty.
Self-care:
I wish I had partaken in self care long ago. As in, I wish I had included it in my days when I scheduled my tasks. Sometimes I would squeeze in an hour for a tv show or movie, but I really wish I would have put more effort into meditation, yoga, facials, etc.
Below are some ways in which I have tried to include self-care into my daily schedule. Adding tasks to your life may not sound like simplicity, but believe me, these simple pleasures do wonders for your mental health and pysche!
- meditation
- More reading
- Slow mornings
- Yoga
- Music
- Audiobooks/podcasts
- Warm baths
- Facials
- Spirituality
If you like this post, check out some similar posts of mine below:
Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how you simplify your life!
You can also email me with questions or concerns you may have at info.amelia.wilson@gmail.com
Also, check out my poetry book, The Lights are on but Nobody’s Home, available now on amazon for $6.99!
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Thanks again