1. to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: to simplify a problem.
What does that definition of “simplify” mean to you? Does it mean to eliminate what isn’t necessary (clothes, emotional baggage, stress)? Does it mean to learn to say “no” when you feel obligated to say “yes”? Does it mean to try to be organized (emails, desk, junk drawer, car trunk)? Does it mean to learn that less is more in multiple aspects of your daily life? Does it mean to get rid of stresses in your life by exercising more?
to stop doing something, or to continue to do something.
For me, I am making resolutions to have more patience, to be more understanding, to look at the glass as half full instead of half empty, and to hold gratitude in my heart and in my mind every night when I go to bed and when my feet hit the floor in the morning. As my parents have gotten older and have faced health issues, I am learning to be grateful for what I can physically do every day-even things that seem simple to any of us such as walking up a flight of stairs (something my father can no longer do safely).
So, as part of my resolution to be grateful about my physical health, I plan on increasing my efforts to exercise and follow a healthier nutrition plan. When I use the excuse that I don’t have time, my husband reminds me that it is a matter of prioritizing my efforts to exercise daily. He considers his time in our home gym, or when he plays basketball twice a week in the morning at the YMCA, as his first meeting appointment of the day. What a wonderful mindset to have. If I had a 5:00 AM meeting at work, I certainly wouldn’t skip it, so why would I consider skipping the gym?!
I will focus on believing what I tell my team at work: it isn’t about perfection, it is about progress. So, what is the first thing on my list for 2016? Simplify my life! Say ‘no’ more! Clean more closets and junk drawers! Exercise my body and my mind (read more!). Simple, little things can lead to great results.
What is your plan for 2016? Do you have new resolutions? Continuing resolutions? How do you plan on focusing on being your best that you can be? How do you plan to simplify your life to get there?