Sometimes, I wonder how simple life once was. Growing up, I took advantage of the simplicity of life. All I had to do were a few chores, not screw up in school, and play. That’s as basic as life can be for anyone at any age. So, why have I lost that sense of simplicity? Why have I taken on too much instead of focusing on one thing at a time? I would argue to say that I am not alone in this boat.

Living a simple life can be as difficult as living a chaotic life. In a simple lifestyle, you tend to piss people off and not keep up with the Jones’ properly. I love that about simplicity, but this social issue is a major issue for some. Taking on a challenge of simplifying your entire life will only make you regress further. So, to start simplifying, take on a small challenge of simplifying today.

Here are seven ways you too can make today a simpler day…

1. Stick to a 3 item TO-DO list – My productivity survives by putting together to-do lists. However, to make the point of them actually successful, I have to keep it limited.
2. Schedule 30 minutes of relaxation – Whether it is on your lunch hour at work or at the park near your home in the evening, schedule a set time to just ‘be’. Too often we consume ourselves with media or work throughout the entire day. Cut them both back and just relax.
3. Say ‘NO’ to everything - Saying NO is sometimes the hardest thing for me to do. I have learned to just decline invitations and requests if they aren’t going to help me in some way. Sounds selfish, but we all know YOU are thinking the same thing when your friends ask you to help move on your vacation. Try doing it just for a day. See how it goes over.
4. Cook a Meal with Only 3 Ingredients – I hate hearing that it takes too much to cook a meal. I cooked chicken breasts, black beans, and steamed veggies for dinner tonight. A caveman can do that.

These may only be 4, but I wanted to keep it simple for you. Now, go out there and try to have a simple day in one way or another. Good luck!

David Damron
LifeExcursion