I am reading this TERRIFIC book!!! It has been in my house for almost a year, but I just picked it up this morning to read through it. This AMAZING book is called ‘Secrets of Simplicity: Learn to Live Better with Less‘. I got through the entire first chapter, and spent the rest of the day doing the first assignment – GOING THROUGH YOUR ENTIRE WARDROBE!!! Whew!! That is soooo much harder than it sounds. I spent the whole day doing that, and bagged up 6 bags of clothes, shoes, and other miscellaneous things from my closet!! It was difficult, time consuming, and at times, I thought I would quit, HOWEVER now that it is all done, I am sooooo EXCITED, and it is nice to have taken stock of everything that I own (wardrobe-wise!)
A few more things that I am taking from this book right away are:
- I will focus on reading the books I have, and not purchase any books within the next 30 days
- I will not use shopping as my therapist. If I’ve had a bad day, I will do something to pamper myself like a mani or pedi; and if I had a great day, I will let that great mood continue on to my evening by playing some fun music and dancing with my sweetie!
- The most important things in my life, are not things – they are people and experiences!
Here is an excerpt from the book ‘Secrets of Simplicity: Learn to Live Better with Less‘, written by Mary Carlomagno:
Answer the following questions with “Always,” “Sometimes,” or “Never”
- Do I make time to exercise?
- Is my home life serene?
- Do I have downtime?
- Do I take time to deal with incoming mail and bills?
- Do I have time to volunteer for charity?
- Do the significant people in my life receive my attention when they need it?
- Do I keep my appointments?
- Do I see my friends?
- Do I eat regular, healthy meals?
- Am I in control of my calendar?
- Are my home repairs done in a timely manner?
- Is my pantry stocked?
- Do I find time to get out and enjoy nature?
- Am I getting enough sleep?
- Do I take regular vacations?
- Do I work less than 10 hours a day?
- Is my work fulfilling?
Total up your “Always,” “Sometimes,” or “Never” responses. Place stars by the questions that surprised you, and think about what they reveal. Are your “nevers” standing in the way of your livelihood, your healthy, your ability to ultimately grow? Has “always” become a burden, leaving you without control, without the ability to make a conscious choice? As you review your responses, think about whether they represent a life of your choosing.
I would HIGHLY encourage ANYONE wanting to find balance in a materialistic culture, GO OUT AND PICK UP THIS BOOK!!
On a side note: it is day two of my new NO SHAMPOO, NO HAIR BRUSH routine from the book I finished reading yesterday, Curly Girl. My hair is looking alright, a little greasy this evening, not itchy, I am still passing the sniff test – my husband says “hmmm..smells good!” Thanks, Baby!! 😉 I promise to get a picture posted tomorrow!!! My pics this morning didn’t turn out!!
Anyway, I am going to head up for bed!
Have a FABULOUS evening! 😉
