Every now and then, I pick a winner. 

Real Simple is a popular magazine, and while I have picked one up here and there over the years, I never felt compelled to subscribe to the periodical – it just has never left me thinking, ‘a-HA!’ 

Until now. They got this one just right. 

This Special Edition of Real Simple “The Power of Less” has wonderful articles that will help bring some clarity to creating more space in our lives, minds, homes, and calendars.

From step by step approaches to clearing out the email inbox and how to say “no” to avoid over-commitment, to how to disconnect without becoming a digital hermit and a discussion on Swedish Death Cleaning (it probably isn’t what you think), this edition has great take-aways, action plans and conversations about generally living with less.

I encourage readers to purchase this magazine the next time you are in your market (it’s available until March 2020).

And it got me thinking about conversations I have had in recent months. 

It’s about time….

As we begin 2020, I have heard many colleagues talk about the need to approach this new decade a bit differently.

I hear more and more friends talking about paring down in their lives. Not just the things and stuff and clutter – but their time, their commitments away from home and family, and their distractions from what is truly important.

Learning how to politely decline commitments of our time and resources is critical for our own well-being. And yet, it can feel selfish and personal to say no. A gentle “I would love to do that for you, but…” can be a helpful way to decline the favor being asked without implying it is a personal matter. 

It’s about having enough… 

I am a fan of Marie Kondo’s method of tidying up – I read her book a couple years ago, and binge-watched her Netflix show last year at this time. And I have employed several of her techniques in my home as well as clients’ homes.

When talking about this with friends and colleagues, invariably, the conversation steers toward the idea of minimalism. Most people think of austere, stark, all black and white spaces. And while that is certainly an approach, that isn’t what minimalism actually is. 

Minimalism is not about living without; it is about living with enough.

Enough to fulfill the aspects of your life that need satisfying and allow you to really enjoy that satisfaction. Enough to allow you to focus on what is really important, to find happiness and joy. Enough to bring you peace. 

It’s about being connected…

I am sure no one would deny that as a society, we are becoming less and less connected with our fellow man. From cyberbullying on social media (not just a problem with teenagers and children) to observing families that eat dinner with their noses in their phones, our hyper-connectivity on the internet certainly has its downside. Making small changes in our online time can make a big impact on our mental health and our happiness.

My hope is that we make a swing in a different direction and that we begin to see a decline in anxiety, suicide and polarization, especially in young people that are shaping our world. 

I wish you the best in this new decade – the hope of a fresh start is palpable, especially this year. If you happen to pick up the magazine, I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

I will be making some changes from the pearls I gleaned from its pages, and if you do the same, share them with me. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. 

And if you need help with any of these I’m always an email or a phone call away! You can contact me here or at (970) 218-2209 or [email protected].