Secret to Happiness: Simplify!!!

Most of you know we have downsized our lives, moved back to my hometown area, and tried to minimize our lives in many ways. This process of simplifying has made our lives better in many ways. One, is less drama, and two, is fewer obligations and expenses. Along the way, we have benefitted from many suggestions, many of which center on getting rid of things.

Purging is a big part of simplifying! We have less space, so we tried to keep only the essentials. We gave away clothing, furniture, outdoor furniture, old toys, and sporting good. A big plus is that someone else can use what we gave away. Better yet, we did not try to sell these items, but found good homes for them.
Try to put down the cell phone! We are all guilty of using the phone too much. Enough said!
Focus on one pot meals! This is so valuable, particularly for those of you who still work. The crock pot or pressure cooker is your best friend. We love making a big pot of beans, spaghetti sauce, or soup, which lasts for several meals, and makes a great lunch for work the next day.
Choose a uniform! I like this. Jeans, long sleeve t shirt, and vest or fleece jacket in the winter. Shorts, t shirt or polo in the summer. I got rid of many suits, and nice work clothes, particularly leather dress shoes when we moved. Lots of tennies, of course.
Don’t over do the gym! Experts say we spend too much time there. Experts say two hours a week is enough. While I do not agree, I do see people going every day, like some of my cousins. But it is also social, so it may fulfill two needs at one time.
Keep It Clean! Proper laundering, and dry cleaning keeps your favorite things from wearing out. Many companies will even refurbish your goods for free, like Patagonia, and Hartmann Luggage. We use the home “dry cleaning” bags for our silk shirts, and delicates that normally require a visit to the dry cleaners. But it applies to everything, sporting goods, cars, shoes, tools, you name it!
Don’t wait! If you want to do something or go somewhere, go! That’s what I do. I would never have taken the Trans Siberian Railway if I waited to find someone to go with me!
Just say no! Sometimes, saying no creates space for what really makes you happy.
Buy less! Easier said than done. But sometimes the shoes you did not buy turn out to be something better down the line.