Voluntary simplicity:
Living a life that's outwardly simple and inwardly rich

By Mary Rose Remington

Try this exercise: Make a list of five to ten activities that you most enjoy doing.

Now, make another list of five to ten activities that occupy most of your time. Take your time, no rush.

How do the two lists compare? Not so good, huh?

If you'd like more time for things you love and people you cherish, start by simplifying your life this month. It may be easier than you think!

Back in 1981, Duane Elgin published his revolutionary book "Voluntary Simplicity", propelling countless Americans to jump off the consumer treadmill to pursue more purpose-filled lives. Gerald Celente, director of the Trends Research Institute in New York, estimates that 12 percent of the population is engaged in some form of simplifying. He predicts that number will more than double by 2010.

People today cite varied reasons why they are seeking to simplify:

• Disillusionment with jobs and corporate cultures
• Parents wanting more time with their children
• People tired of living in financial debt
• Health reasons
• Wanting to pursue creative interests
• Feeling an obligation to live lightly on Mother Earth
• Seeking a richer quality of life and slower pace

Richard Gregg, a former student of Gandhi, says, "Voluntary simplicity involves both an inner and outer condition. It means a singleness of purpose, sincerity and honesty within, as well as avoidance of exterior clutter. It means an ordering and guiding of our energy and our desires, a partial restraint in some directions in order to secure greater abundance of life in other directions."

Want to live more simply with a minimum of needless distractions? Seeking to carve out room for your true purpose in life? Let these six tips help get you there.

1. Declutter
If you make only one effort towards simplicity, make this the one. Rid your home of any unused, unnecessary or duplicate items. The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Schui teaches us our energy has to go out to every single item we own: we have to look at, store, clean, dust and maintain everything we own. If you want to make room for something new and interesting in your life, get rid of the old-literally!

Either set aside a weekend for a major purge, or start with small declutter projects and work for 15-20 minutes a day. To keep motivated, start with something that will reap a wonderful visual benefit and be sure to schedule in some kind of reward afterward; movie, dinner out, etc.

• Label three boxes: garbage, charitable or give-a-way/consignment.
• Stick to one room at a time and as you look around ask yourself:
  • Do I need this? Do I need so many?
  • Does it fit? Have I worn it in the past year?

Try to handle items only once and make fairly quick decisions, tossing excess items into one of the three boxes. If something has sentimental value, (but you don't care for or use it) consider passing it on to a relative.

2. Bust time wasters
Benjamin Franklin said, "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of." Time wasters are activities you get absolutely nothing from, while they drain your precious energy and hours. Be aware of these time wasters:

• Low quality T.V. programs
• Telemarketers, friends and family who always call just to complain (hint: get and use caller I.D.)
• Long commutes (which leads me to my next tip)

3. Consider alternative work options
An estimated 21 million Americans currently work at least part of their hours from home, saving on gas, wear and tear on cars and the roads, reducing air pollution and increasing their sanity, personal and family time. Start by asking your manager if you can try working at least one day a week from home. If that doesn't fly, at least insist on a flexible schedule or perhaps a part-time position. It's up to you to know-and ask for what you need to balance work and family responsibilities.

4. Stop over scheduling yourself-and your kids
Heed your unique warning signs of being overscheduled:

• Short-tempered
• Losing things
• Spacing out appointments
• Getting sick frequently/lowered immunity
• Feeling depressed and joy-less

Then learn to say this word. "No." Before you accept anything else on your already too full plate, practice the art of a gracious decline. "So sorry, as much as I'd love to help, I've got too many things going on right now."

Also, stop over-scheduling your kids. Before you sign anyone up for one more activity, ask yourself, "Will this truly enhance their life, or just cause everyone more stress?" Kids need downtime. Sometimes the most supportive thing a parent can do is protect it.

5. Eliminate the negative, accentuate the positive
Avoid people, committees or situations in life that drain you. Learn to say no to people and activities that suck the life force out of you, so you'll have the time and space to say yes to loved ones and positive aspects of your life. Eleanor Roosevelt insisted, "We are each responsible for the decisions we make." Make mindful, careful choices about who you let in your circle of influence.

6. Work on discovering your life purpose
In the words of Henry David Thoreau, "It is not enough that you are busy. The question is, what are you busy about?"

It is my belief that everyone has a higher purpose, a reason for being, for coming to earth. If you already know your purpose and are fully engaged in it, great! For those still struggling to find their purpose, honor your energy and trust you have the answers within. Take time for solitude, stillness and silence in your life and pay heed to the signs in your nightly dreams. If you get stuck, consider working with a spiritual counselor, career counselor or life coach to help you discern and manifest your life's purpose.

Barbara Sher, author of "Wishcraft- How to Get What You Really Want" reminds us, "How we spend our days, is how we live our lives."

Stop running in circles. Take time to simplify your life. Reshuffle and prioritize so the life you lead is congruent with your personal values, passions and professional desires. After all, this is your life!

Mary Rose Remington is a career counselor and life coach, motivational speaker, freelance writer and author of "Career Quest, a Practical and Spiritual Guide To Finding Your Life's Passion." For more information about consultations, presentation topics or to order her book, please visit her website at www.maryremington.com. Books can also be ordered through amazon.com. Feel free to email Mary Rose at mrose@maryremington.com or phone 651-457-1302.