Simplicity and Happiness Explained

It’s easy to forget that when it comes to happiness, simplicity is the answer. Even though we know on some level that possessions won’t bring us joy, we still keep getting pulled in by clever marketing and our own constant yearning for something more. We often find ourselves accumulating ever increasing piles of “stuff.” However, the more things we accumulate, the more we begin to feel overwhelmed, crowded and scattered.

What if the “something more” we crave is not more “stuff” but rather simplicity and peace? And, what if we could finally enjoy a sense of freedom by simplifying our lives?

Here are three easy ways to simplify and begin enjoying a happier, more peaceful way of life:

1) Clear out your home, vehicle and workspace.

Are you surrounded by stacks of books, DVDs, and miscellaneous clutter covering every available surface? Is your car a vehicle for trash and belongings you rarely use? Is your workspace crowded with old paperwork and forgotten memos? Clear it all out, throw it away, and reorganize. When you start clearing out your surroundings, you’ll notice immediately that you feel less messy and overwhelmed.

2) Clear your mind.

Are you constantly burdened by worrisome or negative thoughts? A chaotic life can increase anxiety and stress. Begin a daily practice of clearing your mind through meditation. Set aside 10 minutes once or twice a day to let go of anxious thoughts and focus on nothing. Sit in silence or listen to soothing music and focus only on your breathing. Be only in the moment. Doing this daily will help you feel centered, calm and focused.

3) Achieve closure.

Do you have a lot of unpaid bills, unfinished projects or have you refused to let go of someone emotionally? When we leave things unfinished in our lives, we tend to carry them with us mentally and emotionally and over time, you’ll feel the weight of these situations. Get those checks into the mail or find a bank to consolidate your debt. Make a list of the tasks you can reasonably finish and hire someone else to do what you can’t yourself. Write a letter and tell all those people everything you wanted to say, and then either burn the paper or rip it into shreds and throw it away. Also be sure to cancel old memberships or subscriptions you no longer need. As you do these things, you are freeing yourself from burdens and receiving closure. With closure comes peace, and with peace comes happiness.