Susan Barr

For those of you who were able to attend any of the workshops at the recent Living Green Festival, I’m sure you found them to be as informative and enjoyable as I did. I not only received useful information on a variety of topics, I got to meet some interesting people and to catch up with friends that I hadn’t seen in a while.

I hosted a workshop on the topic of organizing, but more specifically on reducing, minimizing and eliminating the “stuff” of our lives. The title of my workshop was “Less is best: A not so new philosophy.” My dear departed Nana was a wonderful British lady who was never at a loss for a wise saying to throw into a conversation. “Less is best” was one of her favorites and it was a philosophy she lived by. Too bad it took me well into my adulthood to appreciate its merit. In North America, like the rest of the western world, we are blessed and cursed to have abundance; of space, food, possessions. We have homes full of belongings that make our lives comfortable, yet we often let them get the better of us and overwhelm us with the clutter they create. Most of us have closets full and dressers full of clothes, but we often claim we have nothing to wear. We have washers and dryers to clean our clothes, but we’re known to complain because of all the work we have to do sorting, folding and putting them away. Let’s not forget the refrigerators and freezers full of food, and the routine grumbling of “There’s nothing in here I feel like eating.” I’m guilty of all of the above, so please don’t feel that I’m just pointing a finger your way. I truly believe that all this abundance conspires against us and causes us to lose out on the appreciation and enjoyment of life. That was the reasoning behind my workshop. My aim was to explore ways which we could move towards a more simplified, streamlined and meaningful life. Here’s what I came up. Just remember the acronym S.I.M.P.L.I.F.I.E.D.:

S Single task. No more multitasking. Focus on one thing at a time, do it well and see it through to completion.

I Incorporate the word “No” into your vocabulary. Say no to cast-offs from others that you don’t truly want, to unnecessary purchases, to time and space wasters.

M Minimize the contents of your home. Get rid of items you no longer appreciate or use regularly; furniture, clothing, linens, photos, art, decorative items, collections, knick knacks, etc.

P Be fully present in the moment. Be aware of everything you do, down to the smallest detail. Always act on your better impulses.

L Limit your communications; email, IM, cell phone, texting, mail, Skype, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. If you don’t have the time, don’t sign up in the first place. If you are overwhelmed, cancel existing memberships, newsletters, magazines, subscriptions, and catalogs.

I Activate your “inner clutter conscience.” Pay attention and it will let you know when you slip into disorganization mode.

F Force yourself to handle paper one time and one time only. Decide immediately whether you need to act on it, discard it or file it away. Be mercenary with paper. It is the enemy!

I Influence significant people in your life by your own actions. Let them see firsthand the benefits of a more simplified lifestyle.

E Empty closets, dresser drawers and cupboards of all items that don’t make you look good, feel good, and fit you the size you are now.

D Declutter your home and work environment one step at a time. Remember the road to a more simplified life is about the journey, not just the destination.

I hope the above ideas given you something to think about. Why not pick just one and put into practice. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I know I was.