"The Simpler Life", by Deborah DeFord, back in the spring. Some of the ideas I've come across before and the most challenging for me is the work-related part, because none of the qualities of work are in harmony with what I know about me. I don't know what else I would do, so that makes it difficult.

The following is a summary of what appealed to me in the book.

She starts off writing that you have to know who you are. For that you have to slow down and create time for yourself to be with yourself. Writing a journal is helpful to get thoughts out. This process is to help find out what is important to you and who you are.

In your life, you make choices. If you are true to yourself, then those should be based on who you are, with the intention of reinforcing where you want to be in your life. Basically, live with intention and do the things that encourage that growth.

One thing that detracts from having time for yourself taking on too many things. For time management, she has a few questions:

1. Does this contribute to my life goals and values?
2. Does it enhance my health and happiness?
3. Does it have to be done now?
4. Does it ever have to be done?

Through better planning, some things can be combined to save time, but worrying can eat up a lot of time for no purpose.

In relationships, plan for time together, not time spent watching the TV, but spent WITH each other. In a family, plan a regular family meeting where you can all discuss things as a family, so items that might lead to discord can be brought into the open. Included in this is planning for special events. Write the items down in a common place as the week progresses. Everyone in the family should have responsibility for a portion of the household chores. Relationships also include your part in the community. Your involvement in community work should be meaningful to you> Only do it as long it is your choice to continue. In all relationships, remember to respect yourself and your values.

Around the house, clutter can eat away at your simplicity. What stay in the house is a decision based on need. What goes into and stays in storage needs to decided and sorted based on need as well. What is not needed removed for giving away, recycled, or trashed. If you don't use something regularly (at least once a year), why keep it?

What is a space within a home for? What needs to be there for that purpose? How does that supports my family and me?

Keep things in their places when not in use. If things are not put away, they lead to clutter that grows and adds stress.

Think before you buy. Too much of what we buy ends up as trash, particularly if it doesn't have a clear purpose from the beginning. Is something you are thinking about buying something you need or something you want? What do you gain by buying it? Once you buy something, use what you have or get rid of it.

Your work fits your needs. Do it because you are motivated to do it and you make something, partake in a community, encourage others, earn a living, and succeed. Your work doesn't match you if those aren't present. It should be what you love, allow you to work with people you love, work in a good space, contribute to the lives of others, and earn enough to provide for you. You can't do more than one thing at a time, but have to shift between one thing and another. Do one thing, then another. Shifting is inefficient and distracting. Focus on intention: where are you headed? Remember to say "no" or "not now" when other tasks come up.

Learn how to breathe in the moment of the process of life, find quiet time, and do what is true to your personality. Everything comes from a decision, so follow your intention to be a better you.

For more details about her method, check out her book.