“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”
- Amit Ray
I hope your month of August has been wonderful (notice I didn't say "perfect"). I know, it went fast right? That's what I hear all the time. It was a full month for me, slightly stressful (my own doing), slightly challenging (I had a bad fall on a hike though my knee is healing incredibly well THANKFULLY--I'm so grateful that I know good things to do to take great care), lots of learning and also yes some FUN as always. Now....getting ready for the next chapters during these sweet last weeks of summer, enjoying life in all the "meantimes." :)
Did you know that the first week in August was apparently National Simplify Your Life Week? Excuse me? I missed that note because my life did NOT feel that way. Mostly because of the ways I complicate things in my mind I guess. Discovering that a week out of the year has been dedicated to bringing awareness to the fact that life is complicated, but it doesn't have to be. This is a very specific thing I work on with my clients, and in my own life. I'd like to make the one week last a lifetime, though. Or at least have the awareness that most complications are of our own creation and unnecessary!
Simplifying your life, to me, means cutting out the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters and what is considered top priority. The definition of that varies for everyone, at different stages in life and even from day to day. I happen to have this problem where anytime I'm about to leave home or travel-- instead of taking things off my list, I pile more on as though it's the "last time" I'll ever be able to do those things....only to then disappoint myself by taking many of those things OFF the list. It's an old habit I'm trying to break the cycle of! Wait, you're human? You CAN'T do it all RIGHT NOW? Yep, that's a familiar one for me. You too?
Humans have certain things we need to survive - food, water, shelter, safety, etc. Then, on top of those, there are things we need to THRIVE - healthy relationships, exercise, a wholesome diet, a job we love....
Do you want to simplify your life? Start by making a list of all the things that make you thrive. Like REALLY what are they (be honest). Work on amplifying these things by minimizing anything that keeps you from them. You're well on your way....and I'm happy to help you with that list--I'm becoming a pro...slowly....
