{ insanity or voluntary simplicty? you choose. }

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I've had several emails from dear friends over the past few weeks expressing serious frustration with their lives...it seems as though the quote above resonates well with their situations. They say that they are working all the time, not spending enough time with their family, not taking care of themselves, etc. So many woman I know are so rushed and frenzied and stressed...this is not a good way to LIVE.

Not CHANGING the way you are living to have your life align with your values and goals is INSANITY! And you won't get you the results you want. So, I ask of all of you today...what do you keep doing that isn't creating the life you want? Are you working too much? Look at ways to cut back - delegate more, hire an intern, etc. Are you surfing on the internet 4 hours a day but saying you don't have enough time with your family. Cut back on the computer time. Are you not exercising or eating healthy? Schedule in 3 days this week when you can fit in 1/2 hour of exercise. Have you not connected with your partner lately? Schedule a date night and call a babysitter pronto! Sometimes all you need is a little shift to SPARK big changes.

Around the world, millions of people are trying to simplify their lives. Some are looking for more time with their families. Some are looking for ways to save money. Many are looking for more meaning. Voluntary simplicity doesn't mean quitting your job and living in a cabin in the woods without electricity. It is about finding ways to simplify the life you have.

A few books that I've really enjoyed in regards to simplifying and have recommended to friends are:

The Circle of Simplicity by Cecile Andrews.

Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs

Your Money or Your Life

And here are some ideas on how to make more time for your families:
1. Work shorter hours. Perhaps by cutting back on expenses you can cut back on work or try applying more effective time management solutions at work, delegating tasks more or hiring a personal assistant.
2. Turn off the computer and TV.
3. Learn to say NO. Do you really have to be on 4 boards? Do your kids really have to take dance, gymnastics, swimming and soccer lessons?
4. Eat one meal a day together. We try to do breakfast & dinner together each day.
5. Plan activities together - hiking, volunteering, etc.
6. Create some family rituals. { Friday pizza night, Saturday morning farmers market & hike, family movie nights, etc. }
7. Write notes to your kids or in a journal. Love how this dad wrote to his kids every morning for 15 years!

How can you slow down and stay sane this fall?