We’ve heard it and we’ve said it over and over… life is hard! Today’s world offers so many options and opportunities. We want to do and be our very best, in all areas, all of the time.
We get good jobs, and we work hard and long hours. Many of us juggle full-time careers with parenting… and nearly everyone feels the need to fill our lives with countless people, activities, things and experiences!
Where do our precious minutes slip away to?
Do we lose them while shopping for and preparing healthy meals for ourselves and/or our families?
Do we burn them off on the treadmill at the gym three nights a week?
Maybe we vacuum, mow, prune and scrub them away while caring for our homes and yards…
Is it me, or does it seem like there’s always another meeting to sit through, party to attend, gift to buy, trip to make, or vacation to book?
Time is flying… but are we having fun? The American Institute of Stress says no. They estimate that 75 percent to 90 percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related problems.
Because of this, more and more people are seeking simplicity – that thing that we all feel like we’re missing and want to get back. Instead of clutter and chaos, we want a flow to life where we can feel on top of things, rested and satisfied. Our “solution” is to try and get it all done now so we can rest or have fun later. But “later” never seems to come!
Do you beat yourself up to do more? Do you feel stressed that you’re constantly falling behind?
Please don’t do this to yourself! It’s so unhealthy.
When you overbook, you actually get LESS done than if you had undertaken a more modest amount of responsibility. That’s because in trying to do too much, your energy depletes to the point that you incapacitate yourself. Pretty soon, you’re so fraught with fatigue and frustration that you’re slipping up on things you’re typically great at – and it’s a result of exhaustion and overwhelm. Before you know it, it’s another day, with more of the same… the never ending story of your stressed-out life!
Less Really IS More.
Instead of racing around to catch up, stop and take a breath. Recognize that you simply can’t do it all. Acknowledge that when it comes to feeling good, getting things done, and living richly… less really is more!
Once you realize this, you’ll probably be wondering just how you can create less from the piles of “more” that you’ve accumulated over the years. The secret is learning how to trim away the excess. Rid yourself of that which doesn’t serve you or help you move closer to your goals and aspirations. Here are some tips to help you get started on “closet cleaning” your life from top to bottom:
- Identify what is important to you. What are your values? What do you believe in, and wish to live in support of, through your actions and words, each and every day? The key is to identify what it is that you hold in highest regard, so that you may actively bring these things into your life, instead of the things that you don’t want or need.
- Use your values to guide your choices. Each time you’re faced with a new decision, ask yourself whether the outcome of that action is in support of your beliefs and wishes. If it’s not… toss it! Then, take what’s left, and create a foundation for living that echoes your greatest desires, and ripples outward into every facet of your life.
- Step away from expectation and judgment. Then, step into intentionally living your values each day. Many of my life coaching clients express their desire to welcome things like patience, joy, spirituality and connection into their lives. In order to embrace these positive virtues, we must learn to let go of the negative thoughts, words and actions that hold us captive! Learn to love yourself first, and you will then be in a place to share that love with others.
Simplifying your life to create a better sense of well being and direction includes an important element of letting go. Today, ask yourself, “What am I willing to release for the sake of destressing?” Then, implement your answer.
Aspire fearlessly,
Comment on this Question:
What are you willing to let go of to reduce your stress?
We’ve heard it and we’ve said it over and over… life is hard! Today’s world offers so many options and opportunities. We want to do and be our very best, in all areas, all of the time.
We get good jobs, and we work hard and long hours. Many of us juggle full-time careers with parenting… and nearly everyone feels the need to fill our lives with countless people, activities, things and experiences!
Where do our precious minutes slip away to?
Do we lose them while shopping for and preparing healthy meals for ourselves and/or our families?
Do we burn them off on the treadmill at the gym three nights a week?
Maybe we vacuum, mow, prune and scrub them away while caring for our homes and yards…
Is it me, or does it seem like there’s always another meeting to sit through, party to attend, gift to buy, trip to make, or vacation to book?
Time is flying… but are we having fun? The American Institute of Stress says no. They estimate that 75 percent to 90 percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related problems.
Because of this, more and more people are seeking simplicity – that thing that we all feel like we’re missing and want to get back. Instead of clutter and chaos, we want a flow to life where we can feel on top of things, rested and satisfied. Our “solution” is to try and get it all done now so we can rest or have fun later. But “later” never seems to come!
Do you beat yourself up to do more? Do you feel stressed that you’re constantly falling behind?
Please don’t do this to yourself! It’s so unhealthy.
When you overbook, you actually get LESS done than if you had undertaken a more modest amount of responsibility. That’s because in trying to do too much, your energy depletes to the point that you incapacitate yourself. Pretty soon, you’re so fraught with fatigue and frustration that you’re slipping up on things you’re typically great at – and it’s a result of exhaustion and overwhelm. Before you know it, it’s another day, with more of the same… the never ending story of your stressed-out life!
Less Really IS More.
Instead of racing around to catch up, stop and take a breath. Recognize that you simply can’t do it all. Acknowledge that when it comes to feeling good, getting things done, and living richly… less really is more!
Once you realize this, you’ll probably be wondering just how you can create less from the piles of “more” that you’ve accumulated over the years. The secret is learning how to trim away the excess. Rid yourself of that which doesn’t serve you or help you move closer to your goals and aspirations. Here are some tips to help you get started on “closet cleaning” your life from top to bottom:
Identify what is important to you. What are your values? What do you believe in, and wish to live in support of, through your actions and words, each and every day? The key is to identify what it is that you hold in highest regard, so that you may actively bring these things into your life, instead of the things that you don’t want or need.
Use your values to guide your choices. Each time you’re faced with a new decision, ask yourself whether the outcome of that action is in support of your beliefs and wishes. If it’s not… toss it! Then, take what’s left, and create a foundation for living that echoes your greatest desires, and ripples outward into every facet of your life.
Step away from expectation and judgment. Then, step into intentionally living your values each day. Many of my life coaching clients express their desire to welcome things like patience, joy, spirituality and connection into their lives. In order to embrace these positive virtues, we must learn to let go of the negative thoughts, words and actions that hold us captive! Learn to love yourself first, and you will then be in a place to share that love with others.
Reality Check
- How are you making your life harder than it needs to be?
- What expectations are running your life?
- What thoughts run through your mind as you go through your day?
- What do you focus on and what results are you getting?
Fearless Challenge
- Log your activities for a week.
- Review your list.
- Where are the values mismatches? These items must go immediately.
- Prioritize what’s left and focus on doing just a few things at a time until you feel caught up.
- If you need support organizing your life, consider hiring a life coach or joining a support group.
- Acknowledging your progress is really important so end each day with self praise and encouragement.
We’ve heard it and we’ve said it over and over… life is hard! Today’s world offers so many options and opportunities. We want to do and be our very best, in all areas, all of the time.
We get good jobs, and we work hard and long hours. Many of us juggle full-time careers with parenting… and nearly everyone feels the need to fill our lives with countless people, activities, things and experiences!
Where do our precious minutes slip away to?
Do we lose them while shopping for and preparing healthy meals for ourselves and/or our families?
Do we burn them off on the treadmill at the gym three nights a week?
Maybe we vacuum, mow, prune and scrub them away while caring for our homes and yards…
Is it me, or does it seem like there’s always another meeting to sit through, party to attend, gift to buy, trip to make, or vacation to book?
Time is flying… but are we having fun? The American Institute of Stress says no. They estimate that 75 percent to 90 percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related problems.
Because of this, more and more people are seeking simplicity – that thing that we all feel like we’re missing and want to get back. Instead of clutter and chaos, we want a flow to life where we can feel on top of things, rested and satisfied. Our “solution” is to try and get it all done now so we can rest or have fun later. But “later” never seems to come!
Do you beat yourself up to do more? Do you feel stressed that you’re constantly falling behind?
Please don’t do this to yourself! It’s so unhealthy.
When you overbook, you actually get LESS done than if you had undertaken a more modest amount of responsibility. That’s because in trying to do too much, your energy depletes to the point that you incapacitate yourself. Pretty soon, you’re so fraught with fatigue and frustration that you’re slipping up on things you’re typically great at – and it’s a result of exhaustion and overwhelm. Before you know it, it’s another day, with more of the same… the never ending story of your stressed-out life!
Less Really IS More.
Instead of racing around to catch up, stop and take a breath. Recognize that you simply can’t do it all. Acknowledge that when it comes to feeling good, getting things done, and living richly… less really is more!
Once you realize this, you’ll probably be wondering just how you can create less from the piles of “more” that you’ve accumulated over the years. The secret is learning how to trim away the excess. Rid yourself of that which doesn’t serve you or help you move closer to your goals and aspirations. Here are some tips to help you get started on “closet cleaning” your life from top to bottom:
Identify what is important to you. What are your values? What do you believe in, and wish to live in support of, through your actions and words, each and every day? The key is to identify what it is that you hold in highest regard, so that you may actively bring these things into your life, instead of the things that you don’t want or need.
Use your values to guide your choices. Each time you’re faced with a new decision, ask yourself whether the outcome of that action is in support of your beliefs and wishes. If it’s not… toss it! Then, take what’s left, and create a foundation for living that echoes your greatest desires, and ripples outward into every facet of your life.
Step away from expectation and judgment. Then, step into intentionally living your values each day. Many of my life coaching clients express their desire to welcome things like patience, joy, spirituality and connection into their lives. In order to embrace these positive virtues, we must learn to let go of the negative thoughts, words and actions that hold us captive! Learn to love yourself first, and you will then be in a place to share that love with others.
Reality Check
- How are you making your life harder than it needs to be?
- What expectations are running your life?
- What thoughts run through your mind as you go through your day?
- What do you focus on and what results are you getting?
Fearless Challenge
- Log your activities for a week.
- Review your list.
- Where are the values mismatches? These items must go immediately.
- Prioritize what’s left and focus on doing just a few things at a time until you feel caught up.
- If you need support organizing your life, consider hiring a life coach or joining a support group.
- Acknowledging your progress is really important so end each day with self praise and encouragement.
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Susan Liddy is the author of the “Body Benevolence eBook; 8 Weeks to Loving Your Body” and “The Secrets to Ultimate Living; What You Wish You Knew When You Were 20!”. Find more of her tips and articles to create an ultimate life and an extraordinary business here: SusanLiddy.com
©copyright, All Rights Reserved Internationally, Susan Liddy, Susan Liddy International
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Susan,
Thank you so much for such a great reminder, especially this time of year.
I can’t tell you how many women I coach and/or see in my practice that are always completely exhausted because their days are booked solidly all of the time. Occasionally, myself included.
I love your offer of getting back to making “it” simple again. We make choices everyday of how to spend our time. Let’s make those choices well.
I will often suggest to a reader or client to actually schedule downtime. Cross it off in their calendar each week and often daily, to do either nothing, or do something nourishing to regenerate. I also think it’s important during that time to completely “unplug”. No electronic anythings
…. Sometimes easier said than done, but can be so beneficial.
Thanks again for your post here, and be well.
Dianne
Great post Susan. You ask, “What are you willing to let go of to reduce your stress?”
I have found that letting go of the world and what it expects from me reduces stress. It is to the point that socity is dictating to people these days. Our children are suppose to be involved in this or that, we are suppose to eat right,exercise right and the list goes on.
I know longer follow socity, if it feels right thatis what I do. Letting go of what everyone else might think and just being myself and following my purpose in life takes away stress.
We create stress because of what someone my think or say and this causes a person to lost themselves.
Keep up the good work Susan. You are needed!
Thank you
Debbie
Step away from expectation and judgment: That’s a good tip; I have been doing just that. I find probably like most I tense up when my friends or family sit in judgment of me. I don’t get mad I simply am more selective of the functions I attend.
It unfortunate but I have to look out for my own well being.
It’s so true about the doctor and stress. My son-in-law lost his job 5 months ago. My daughters back began hurting. She went to the doctor and he kept asking her questions like, “Are you sure you didn’t life anything to heavy, etc.” Of course she didn’t. I said, “Did you tell him Kevin lost his job a few months back?” Of course she said she never thought of it. Arrggghhh!
Anyway Kevin found work and her back pain is mostly gone. Amazing, eh?
With so many unemployed doctors need to begin asking, “Are you having financial problems?”
Lately, I’ve been letting go of expectations put on me by others. I used to worry all the time about not doing this or that because it was expected of me. Guess what, I’m a human…NOT a robot and there are only so many hours in one day. I can’t be everywhere for everyone. I just try to pick what’s most important (each day) and go with it.
Well said, Susan! It’s truly mind blowing how much stress negatively impacts us physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. I can fall into this pit myself at times and often have to recalibrate and remind myself of what’s really important – and what simply isn’t!
In my therapy practice, I also have a passion for working with others who struggle in this area. It can be so rewarding to help get clarity and find solutions around this! It’s all about baby-steps and forgiveness of oneself for falling down occasionally.
Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT
The Toolbox at http://LisaKiftTherapy.com
.-= Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT´s last blog ..Relationship Advice: My Girlfriend is Depressed =-.
You are right one Susan when you say personal values. That is a big key to happiness and personal empowerment.
to many people loss there personal value, because they are trying to fit into someones else’s world.
Debbie
Great message, Susan, and perfect timing for me!! I just got back from a trip to Africa and your message could not be more relevant and timely! These people live in the smallest huts, almost what we would call outhouses, yet they emerge in amazingly beautiful dresses, jewelry, hair braided, made up, the children in spotless school uniforms, and all smiling, happy, playing outside. They are strong, proud and joyful—and it was such a great lesson for me to see. Here we have everything we could ever want, and all we do is worry and stress and never truly enjoy and appreciate all we have. Let us simplify, laugh, and be grateful!!
Mary
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