5 things to release for a simpler life

make a little room to breathe

Creating a simpler life is all about noticing and editing. Sometimes it’s about our clutter and the stuff that surrounds us, but usually we make even bigger progress by editing our habits and actions. We have to get off auto-pilot living. That means noticing how we live, and not holding onto habits and other things just because we’ve always done it that way. It’s ok to change things up.

1. Explaining or proving yourself.

Let go of the need to explain your decisions and prove your worth. This is an exhausting habit. I used to do it all the time, and then I just sort of stopped (for the most part). The only person who has to be ok with what’s going on in my life and in my heart is me. I’ll make decisions people don’t like without explanation instead of people pleasing my way into convincing myself I have it all wrong. I want everyone to be well and safe and happy but I refuse to spend any more time or energy making sure my choices are pleasing to everyone.

2. Let go of your aspirational clutter.

Aspirational items may include physical items, and dreams and goals that don’t resonate with you anymore. Let go of anything you own that you bought for a life you thought you wanted but don’t anymore. This might include books on topics you aren’t interested in or clothing for a job that you won’t be pursuing. There may be many items in between, too.

These items distract you from the life you have now. You may have been holding on to some anxiety with your aspirational items. They remind you that you aren’t doing the thing you said you wanted to do. But we change, and our life circumstances change. Life is simpler when you honor where you are instead of stressing about where you thought you wanted to go.