**LIVE.SIMPLE**
Here are just a few of ways to simplify your life&family
KNOW YOUR VALUES — Setting priorities is so essential. It really can lead you to the path of abundance. Once you have these in place and grasp what matters most to you the rest easily falls into place.
SAY NO — Sometimes you have to just say no. To more things. To more ideas. To more places to go or things to do. How it feels to be at home, peaceful, compared to going places and feeling rushed and busy. I really prefer the peaceful feeling.
STOP BUYING STUFF — I am amazed at the things some people buy for their children. They don’t need anything. In fact, if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t buy them more than a few small toys. Same goes for us. Our house is not Pinterest-worthy at all and, if anything, we do NEED furniture to sit on … That means, we have a lot of space for creating and movement, which is important.
PULL THE PLUG — — get outside! — Unplugging computers and TV and even turning off sounds that become too much are other ways to simplify.
EVALUATE INCOMING GOODS — You can cut out all the clutter in your house this weekend but if you don’t have a plan for making sure it doesn’t come back, you will spend the rest of your life de-cluttering. Boring! Instead, decide what can come in and what cannot.
DO LESS — There’s no reason to fill every single day with stuff to do. There’s so much beauty in just being together. And while it’s easier, sometimes, to fill the calendar than face each other in a fit of boredom, magical things do come from that extra space we give ourselves and our children. … quality, not quantity.
EAT LESS — There are just so many less options so that when I do have time to make something really special, it feels good and less like a chore. Besides, we can all afford to eat less than we think and when protein, veggies and fruits is the main foods, we’re healthier, too.
USE THINGS UP — Make a point to eat all the leftovers before making anything new. Use all the extra art supplies before buying any new ones. Look around and see what can be used up before you rush out to buy. Less excess is a very good thing.
USE CONNECTION AS PLAY — With less toys and stuff, you’re almost obligated to spend your extra time connecting and engaging with each other. Develop a quiet time. Enjoy cooking together. Take up a hobby. Or build something.
DO IT YOURSELF — This is perhaps my favorite tip on this list. It’s the ultimate slow down method of living. Wash dishes by hand. Play your own music. Make your own everything. Much like teaching kids about learning — which I do every single day — I’m also a really big fan of DIY ideas. Not everything is worth making, despite what Pinterest tells you. But so much is … like baking bread and fresh strawberry jam. Making Popsicles and homemade lemon aid. Anytime we can take the boxes, chemicals and preservatives out of the things we put in and on our bodies is a great way to simplify.