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bemorewithless

Simplify your life. Declutter your mind. Connect with your heart.

Courtney Carver

Mood Boosters: 7 Little Shelters In The Storm

by Courtney Carver

It’s stormy out there, literally and figuratively. I wish I could deliver the big solution, the one thing you need to do to be at peace and feel safe, happy and certain all the time. But I don’t have the answer, yet. While I’m working on it, I have some smaller ideas, mood boosters that can help relieve stress.

If we are to continue to build resilience, lift each other and navigate the storm(s), we need shelters along the way; places to dry off, calm down, and rebuild. Please consider these mood boosters little shelters in the storm. Use as many as you need, as often as you need.

Mood Boosters: 7 Shelters In The Storm

Mood Boosters: 7 Little Shelters In The Storm

1. Under-react. Not everything requires a response. Most things don’t. It feels good to walk away for what isn’t meant for you.

2. Let go of things that make you sad. For example, clothing you spent too much money on but never wear, shoes that hurt your feet or the artifacts of a relationship that went bad. Make room for more joy by letting go of the sadness you don’t need to hold onto anymore.

3. Puppies. If you have your own, cuddle it. If not, go where I go for puppies … Instagram. Here are my favorites.

4. News-free day. Disconnect for 24 hours from the news (social media, TV news, internet news, all news). Take a break from the outrage. Breaking news is broken.

5. Move your body. Take a walk, stretch out on your yoga mat or turn on your favorite music and dance, dance, dance.

6. Move your feelings. Get them from inside to outside. Write down your heart, call a friend, scream into your pillow or respond to this email.

7. Prioritize delight. Does it delight you to bake for your neighbors, read a book under the covers, call a dear friend or watch The Holiday (even when it’s not the holidays)? Whatever it is that gives you that little spark of delight, do it.

On their own, these mood boosters might not be life-changing but perhaps they will offer just enough of a boost to make you smile, help you rest or give you strength to carry yourself or lift someone else who needs shelter in the storm.

In a world full of big, overwhelming things right now, it might be time to honor and appreciate the little things.

P.S. Your bonus mood booster! Listen to Soul & Wit. Our first episode of season two just came out and it’s all about Mood Boosters! Listen for more ideas.

Weekend Favorites: memories, gratitude and tiny anchors

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

We have to stop comparing our pain.

I was upset last week. We had a destructive hurricane force winds. Homes and buildings were damaged, more than 1000 trees were ripped from the ground including many from my favorite park and neighborhoods and someone died. We lost power along with hundreds of thousands of others, some who are still without. The winds shook my apartment building and reminded me of the earthquake we had back in March.

I began to question my pain when I spoke with friends in California and Oregon dealing with red, smoke filled skies and wildfires. How could I feel so bad when so many people were dealing with something so much worse? Trying to compare my pain made me feel worse.

Brené Brown says that this stems from the myth that empathy is finite and if we give it to ourselves, we won’t have enough for others.

We are all going through a lot, some less and some more but comparative suffering only hurts us more. As Brené says in this episode of her podcast, “There’s enough love and empathy to go around, putting ourselves down because we’re struggling, but have it so much better than others right now, can kill our empathy for others. What’s helpful is perspective. Complaining is okay, letting ourselves feel these hard emotions is important and mandatory to be empathic people, but we can also piss and moan with a little perspective. Hurt is hurt, y’all. And every time we honor our own struggle and the struggles of others by responding with empathy, the healing that results affects all of us.”

With comparative suffering, it’s hard to feel joy because others are suffering and it’s hard to feel pain because others are suffering more.

I’m going to drop the comparing. My feelings are valid. So are yours. Feel your pain and most definitely, feel your joy.

The only way to care for each other is to care for ourselves.

Ok … onto the favorites:

My friends bought a house and I can’t wait to write and rest there.

I’m grateful I got to participate in this gratitude series.

20 items to remove from your kitchen in 20 minutes.

I’m reading this.

Yum.

This time last year, I wrote about why I stopped drinking alcohol.

I love this story about dressing with less.

We can all learn from this glossary of happiness.

Love this song.

I enjoyed this mostly laying down yoga practice.

This is how I preserved some of my most precious memories.

Monday is the Season Two launch of the Soul & Wit Podcast. Subscribe here!

Want to talk about race? Start here.

Tiny anchors.

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @morganharpernichols for this beautiful reminder.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

P.S. For daily, bite-sized simplicity inspiration, join me on Instagram.

22 Ways To Simplify Your Life (I dare you to only choose one)

by Courtney Carver

Do you do things all at once or one at a time?

There is an endless list of things to do to live more simply, be happier, and improve our lives. There is always more we could be doing but just thinking about all of the things we can do is overwhelming.

I used to go for the do it all or die trying approach and I usually ended up burning out and not doing anything very well. Once I started to focus on one thing at a time, I had more energy, attention, and commitment to see things through and discover the benefits.

One At A Time Simplicity

Try one or more of these 22 ways to simplify your life … and I dare you to only choose one at a time.

One
Project 333. A new season of minimalist fashion challenge Project 333 begins on October 1st. A simple closet is the gateway to a simple life. Once you experience the benefits of simplicity in your wardrobe, you’ll want it everywhere.

Check out the 90 day challenge rules here and check out fun images of capsule wardrobes and Project 333 outfits on Instagram.

Two
Stop shopping for a while. You can’t shop your way out of the pain of the past, or shop your way into a secure future. Instead come back to right now. Do you have everything you need for today?

Three
Hide your stuff. If you have trouble letting go of something, hide it for 30 days first. If you don’t miss it, let it go.

Four
Embrace journaling. I write down at least three pages of thoughts and words a day. It helps me let go of the busyness in my mind and to stop believing everything I think.

Five
Change your routine. Experiment with a new routine. If you usually go into the office at 8am, try going in at 8:30 and take a walk before you get started. If you wake up and rush out the door, try waking up earlier to create a morning slow down. If you stay up late watching TV or engaging on social platforms, trade your screen time for a good book and a cup of tea.

Six
Inbox zen. If opening your inbox is more horrifying than opening your closet, take back your email with this 5-step guide to inbox zen.

Seven
Nap. Lay down, close your eyes, and rest for 30 minutes.

Eight
Create space for happiness. If you’ve been holding on to things that make you sad, like jeans that don’t fit, a gift from an x, or artifacts from a past life that don’t lift your heart, let them go. If they offer nothing but sadness, when you let go, you’ll make room for light and joy.

Nine
Trade regret for joy. When you let go of anger, regret or resentment from the past, your heart feels light.
Letting go doesn’t require fixing things, or setting the record straight. You can just decide that you are going to stop punishing yourself. If you need a ceremony, write it down and tear it up. Forgive yourself. Forgive others even if they don’t think they need forgiveness. Say goodbye to the hurt you cannot resolve and notice the light in your heart.

Ten
Start an emergency fund. If you are in debt, financial author, Dave Ramsey suggests building an emergency fund of $1000. Take it slowly, dollar by dollar. Once you are debt free, Ramsey suggests adding to your emergency fund until you have 3-6 month of living expenses.

Eleven
Call a time-out. When I call daily timeouts to go for a walk, make a special lunch, or engage in a creative non-work activity, I produce better work, and feel healthier and more energized. Think about where you need time-outs in your life. Time-outs prevent burn out.

Twelve
Declutter. Simplicity is not all about decluttering, but getting rid of what doesn’t matter, helps you to discover what does. Start with these 10 tiny decluttering projects.

Thirteen
Make something. Sometimes the best thing you can do to simplify your day is to make something. Write a poem, start a book, get out the finger paints and a big piece of paper, and express yourself. Make. Create. Enjoy the process with no expectations.

Fourteen
Go paperless. Even when I stored paper in a filing cabinet, I never went back to it. Scan the stuff you need and let go of the rest. Here are 2 questions that will help you let go of your paper clutter..

Fifteen
Clean out your car. Bring two small bags to your car. Fill one with trash and the other with anything that doesn’t belong in the car.

Sixteen
Give. Life gets complicated when we can’t stop thinking about ourselves; our needs, our struggles, our pain. If you are caught up in that, the quickest way to shift out is to give. Think about someone else. Ease their pain.

Seventeen
Nothing. Maybe the one thing you need to do first is nothing. If seeking is overshadowing your seeing, choose nothing today. Sometimes your soul needs time to just hang out with your heart, and your truth.

Eighteen
Want less. Shift your attention from what you want to what you have. Use gratitude and presence to appreciate what is right in front of you.

Nineteen
Go green. Drink a smoothie. My favorite recipe includes some combination of kale, spinach, avocado, fennel, banana, berries and protein powder. Greens contribute to good health, and good health makes everything simpler.

Twenty
Get outside. Go for a walk, lay down in the park, or take a hike. Getting outside and connecting with nature helps to simplify and renew.

Twenty-one
Change your social environment. Start with your social networks. Who do you follow on Facebook, Instagram and other social feeds? Do they share things that lift you up or things that make you feel bad about yourself? Do they share things that make you feel more connected to them or less? Unfriend, unfollow, and curate a social stream of love and support.

Twenty-two
Join The Simplicity Space. This membership program is designed to support your simplicity journey with a supportive (not on Facebook) community, live office hours calls with me and weekly inspiration to add meaning and joy to the changes you are making in your life. Learn more here and sign up to be notified when we open again.

Some of these things may need a month of focus or more, and others just a few minutes. Choose the one thing that will best serve you right now and give it your attention instead of diluting your efforts by trying to do all 22 at once.

Use the momentum from completing your one thing to fuel the next. Create a ripple effect of simplicity that turns into waves of space, time, ease, joy, and love.

10 Tiny Steps to Take Towards Your Tiny Wardrobe

by Courtney Carver

Creating a tiny wardrobe starts out being all about the stuff; the clothes on hangers, scarves on hooks, and jewelry and other accessories bursting out of drawers and boxes, but it never ends up being about the stuff.

The first time I tried minimalist fashion challenge Project 333 was in October of 2010. I thought my tiny wardrobe would last for three months, the duration of the challenge. Instead, because I enjoyed the benefits of dressing with less so much, I still dress with 33 items or less every three months (10 years later).

The aha moments you’ll experience during three months of dressing with 33 items or less will be transformative.

Tiny Wardrobe Steps

If you are curious about Project 333, but aren’t quite ready to jump in, here are 10 tiny steps to take towards your tiny wardrobe. You don’t have to do them all but they will each get you closer to starting minimalist fashion challenge Project 333 or closer to having a tiny wardrobe.

10 Tiny Steps to Take Towards Your Tiny Wardrobe

1. Box up everything that doesn’t fit your body or your lifestyle. You don’t have to give it away, just get it out of your closet. You aren’t wearing them anyway, so why face the questions about why they don’t fit or why you bought them in the first place. Eliminate the physical clutter, and the mental clutter goes with it.

2. Photograph yourself in clothes you never wear but have sentimental value. If you’ve saved clothes to remember a person or moment, reconsider the way you are attempting to preserve the past. Something stuffed in the back of your closet isn’t serving you or honoring any memories. Instead take a picture of yourself wearing or holding the item and display it. Or, write about why the memory is important to you. This is about love, not stuff.

3. Donate anything you haven’t worn in 5 years. I understand the arguments about not tossing stuff after a few months, but a few years? There is a reason you haven’t worn that thing in years. Let go.

4. Unsubscribe from all shopping sites and stores. They will pull you in. It’s their job. Don’t put yourself in a position to have to push back. Instead, just remove the temptation; the sales, points, updates … all of it from your inbox and your brain.

5. Make a list of your favorite 3 outfits. If you could wear the same three outfits all the time, what would you be wearing. Make a list and illustrate or photograph the 3 outfits. Chances are these are the three outfits that fit the best, look the best, and the clothes that let you feel most like you. Give yourself permission to wear your favorite things every day.

6. Identify your weakness. When I told my sister about Project 333 for the first time, she said, “If I do it, I’ll have one pair of jeans and 32 purses.” She knows her weakness. What’s yours?

7. Watch inspiring documentaries. If you want extra motivation to shop less, or to shop more thoughtfully, watch this powerful documentary about what it really costs to make your clothes. Watch how others use minimalism to create meaning in their lives in Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things.

8. Trade shopping for self-care. I used to shop for every event and emotion. Now, when I feel myself getting stressed, tired, sick, frustrated, or bored, I take better care of myself. My body and brain is telling me it’s time to make a change, not that it’s time add to cart. When I’m not feeling my best, I know my body is saying, “Take care of me.”

If you shop for every event and emotion too, make a list of other things that make you feel good. When you feel like shopping, check your list and trade shopping for self-care. My list includes:

  • Take a walk
  • Get on the mat
  • Call a friend
  • Make a smoothie
  • Sleep for an extra hour
  • Journal
  • Take a bath
  • Meditate
  • Write a thank you note

9. Curate visual inspiration. Join me here on Instagram to see lots of capsule wardrobes!You can connect with others or share your own images with the community too by searching and using hashtag #project333.

10. Put Project 333 on your calendar. Your tiny step is to simply put it on your calendar. If you are curious, check out the rules. If you are ready, but need a little extra help, read the book or take the capsule wardrobe course.

Project 333: The Rules

When: 
Every three months. New seasons start on Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1, but you can start anytime. 33 items will be enough for any 3 months.

What: 
33 items including clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear and shoes.

What not:
These items are not counted as part of your 33 items – wedding ring or another sentimental piece of jewelry that you never take off, underwear, sleep wear, in-home lounge wear,  and workout clothing (as long as your workout clothing is working out)

How: 
Choose your 33 items, box up the rest of your wardrobe, seal it with tape and put it out of sight for three months. Do it on your own or take the course.

What else: 
You are creating a wardrobe that you can live, work and play in for three months. Remember that this is not a project in suffering. If your clothes don’t fit or are in poor condition, replace them.

You might be thinking, “I could never get to 33 items in my wardrobe” but remember, this is a three month challenge, not a life time commitment. Dressing with less will help you discover so much more about what you want and need in your closet and in your life. Go without the excess in your closet for three months and see what it’s really all about.

Weekend Favorites: a year of rest, fall movies and burning journals

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: The opposite of perfection is freedom.

I’ve never seen a flower like this.

Since walking and hiking seem to be my only outdoor activities, I’m doing them every day. When it cools down, I’ll walk and hike multiple times a day. Today I made the mistake of “working for a minute” before my walk. An hour later, I had to force myself to break away to take a walk. The moment I felt the cool morning air on my face and heard the crunch of little pebbles under my feet, everything else fell away.

The biggest lies I tell myself are “It will just take a minute.” and “I’ll remember that.”

It’s rare that anything worth doing lasts “just a minute” or that we’ll be finished “in a sec” or that “a quick look” will be enough. We have to break away, turn off, shut down and come back.

Break away. The work, the dishes, the decluttering, the worries, the to-do lists … they can wait.

Ok … onto the favorites:

I love walking so was delighted to find out that it’s the perfect pandemic activity.

Seeing these two dogs and a goat are so much more enjoyable than watching the news.

This time last year, I wrote about why I don’t save journals or most sentimental items.

10 ways to carve out alone time when you don’t live alone.

Anyone trying a Sober September?

The first playlist I shared on Weekend Favorites last year.

Enfold yourself in small comforts. (NYT)

Listening to this on Audible.

How to practice intermittent silence.

Yum!

I am here for A Year of Rest.

This book is 6 months old.

Until it’s time for holiday movies, let’s watch all the movies that feel like Autumn.

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @nedratawwab because boundaries can be so hard and are so important.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

P.S. For daily, bite-sized simplicity inspiration, join me on Instagram.

5 Signs It’s Time To Stop Decluttering

by Courtney Carver

I’m a big fan of decluttering. I’ve spent several years doing it and writing about it. I’ve gotten rid of most of my stuff, rarely shop for new stuff, and have completely changed my relationship with stuff and shopping.

Before decluttering … 

  • I always thought something new would change my life.
  • I thought I deserved things because I worked so hard.
  • I felt like I needed to own certain things to keep up.
  • I thought shopping reduced stress.
  • I spent a bunch of money, time, attention, and energy on my stuff.

After decluttering … 

  • I find confidence in who I am, not what I own or don’t own.
  • I know if I wait 30 days before I purchase, I usually won’t want it anymore.
  • I don’t worry about people judging me on the things I choose to include in my home.
  • Instead of shopping to reduce stress, I turn to self-care.
  • I spend my money, time, attention, and energy on taking care of myself, people I love and on projects and passions I really care about.

I believe decluttering is a powerful part of the process of simplifying your life, and creating more time and space for what you love. The problem occurs when decluttering takes over and begins to distract us from what we really want. That means something different for everyone, but when we are constantly defeated by not being simple enough, or decluttered enough, we lose sight of what we are really after.

The next time you are done decluttering your junk drawer, cleaning out your closet, or donating a box of stuff, stop.

Before simplifying further, think about what you really want out of this life of yours. Is this the time to declutter more, or is this the time to deepen a connection with someone you love? Is this the time to move on to your bookshelves, or is this the time to create something new, or serve in your community?

You could read a book, go for a walk or perhaps it is simply time to rest.

If you aren’t sure, consider these 5 signs it’s time to stop decluttering. Do any of them resonate with you?

5 signs it’s time to stop decluttering

1. You are shopping faster than you are decluttering.
If empty bookshelves and clear countertops have you sprinting to your favorite place to shop to fill up the empty space, slow down. Give yourself permission to not redecorate or shop for more. Be brave and hang out in the empty space. Take a little time to think about what you really want and need in your life right now. You might need a break to hang out in your newly decluttered space before subtracting or adding anything else. Be brave.

2. Decluttering feels like a competition or a race.
There is no finish line, no one wins for having more or less stuff, and trying to measure the success of your decluttering based on other people’s journeys won’t result in sustainable change or happiness. Hit restart on your decluttering efforts and move at a pace that works well for you. If that means stopping for a while, stop. Instead of comparing and competing away your accomplishments, zero in on what works for you. Be content.

3. It is so hard for you to let go and decluttering makes you sad and anxious.
If you’ve tried over and over again to declutter and let go, but always end up feeling defeated and frustrated, stop decluttering. At least, stop decluttering alone. Ask for help from friends and family, or seek professional assistance. You don’t have to do this alone. Be vulnerable.

4. You feel frustrated when there is nothing to donate.
If you’ve spent the last month deep in decluttering and woke up this morning feeling annoyed that there was nothing left to toss, remember to take time to celebrate your accomplishments, and think about what got you inspired to declutter in the first place. Look at how far you’ve come. Be joyful.

5. You are fighting with your family because you gave away their stuff.
If you are in a hurry to declutter, and don’t take your family’s feelings into consideration, it might be time to step back and focus on your own stuff. Then, choose love over stuff, and have a gentle conversation with friends and family about why simplicity is important to you. Ask them what’s important to them. Let them deal with their own stuff while you deal with yours and talk about it along the way. Be love.

If you’ve been decluttering for a while, and are wondering if you’ve done enough, take some time to live where you are right now. Can you be brave, content, vulnerable, joyful, and loving right here, without giving one more thing away?

It might not be time to stop decluttering but if it is, shift your focus to what will make you feel even more brave, content, vulnerable, joyful, and loving. You’ve got the less part worked out, now focus on the more.

If you are just getting started on your decluttering journey, these decluttering articles may be helpful.

Weekend Favorites: pandemic uniform, alone time & minimalism

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: I don’t say no because I’m so busy. I say no because I don’t want to be so busy.

I have a pandemic uniform.

I realized that even though I have other options, I’m wearing the same few things over and over again. This coming from someone who dresses with 33 items or less every 3 months might not sound that shocking, but I am so much more interested in other things right now, that I don’t want to give my #ootd (outfit of the day) a second thought. In the morning, it’s workout clothes for a walk and yoga and then it’s into this jumpsuit on most days. 

For the occasional outing, I pop on a small belt bag (since all I carry anymore is a phone, airpods, hand sanitizer, lip balm and sometimes an extra mask) and I’m out the door. I use the same bag for walks and hikes too.

Ok … onto the favorites:

9 ways to stay in touch with long distance friends.

Minimalism might not be what you think. This is what it is.

This might be why you feel so awful.

It’s almost time to vote!

This video series will help you declutter everything.

I support the Loveland Foundation Therapy Fund.

Love this breakdown of essential areas of self-care.

If you want to save some time in the kitchen, read this.

Yum!

I heart this playlist for hanging out and relaxing.

Read this if you struggle to say no.

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @thefunnyintrovert because I can relate. It’s been years since I responded to phone call or text message that arrived after 9pm.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

P.S. This collection of ebooks and courses will help you declutter your life.

The Biggest Struggle When Simplifying Your Life

by Courtney Carver

We all run into roadblocks when simplifying, but there is one thing I hear time and time again when people struggle to simplify. It usually goes something like this …

  • My friends don’t understand why I don’t want to go shopping.
  • My partner doesn’t want to let go of anything.
  • My parents are collectors.
  • They don’t understand.
  • I don’t have support.

The biggest struggle when simplifying your life (or making any big change) is trying to do it alone.

I’ve written about this topic several times, offering suggestions to help have challenging conversations, ways to involve your family and how to focus on your own stuff but recently I started to think about it differently. I started to wonder …

  • Why do we need support to simplify from friends and family, especially in the beginning?
  • Why do we need our friends and family to simplify with us, and to be on board and interested in simplicity?

Think about it like this.

If you decided to learn how to play the guitar, would everyone in your family and friend circle be taking guitar lessons too? Would they understand why learning to play the guitar was important to you? Would they support and encourage you all the time? Might they be annoyed from time to time especially as you were just in the beginning stages, practicing when they were trying to do other things?

Instead of depending on your family’s support, you would probably rely on your teacher or a group of students. You might read books about guitar playing and connect with an online community of other people passionate about playing guitar. Then, at some point, you might play a song for your family that they really love. They will clap and cheer you on and be impressed with what you’ve accomplished. Perhaps you’ll inspire them to take up a musical instrument or another hobby they are interested in. Or maybe they will ask you what else you can play and if want to play at your aunt’s wedding or sister’s birthday party.

You learning the guitar may not have your family’s interest or support at first, but then your commitment to progress has a ripple effect.

Let’s bring this back to simplicity

I understand there may be some areas where you need your family’s support or permission when it comes to letting go, working on a budget or simplifying other areas, but there is plenty you can do on your own with a support system you create.

For example, when I gave up eating meat in 2006, I read lots of books and watched documentaries. I even took a raw foods cooking class. One time, when told my family, “wow, this seaweed tastes like potato chips,” they rolled their eyes and said, “It’s been awhile since you’ve had cooked food.” They supported who I was but they didn’t care about eating seaweed and they didn’t need to.

When you are simplifying your life, before you have the support or interest of the people closest to you, create a support system of your own. Surround yourself with people and ideas that inspire your journey.

For instance … 

  • Read books
  • Watch documentaries
  • Listen to podcasts
  • Curate your social feeds
  • Stay focused on Tiny Steps

My family did support me and my desire to simplify because they understood that living with less stress meant I could live a healthier life. We all could. That doesn’t mean they wanted to let go of as much as I did or eat seaweed chips instead of potato chips but over time, we figured it out.

I had other support too from authors, bloggers, people on instagram and friends I met online who are passionate about simplicity.

While you can create your own support system, knowing how important it is and how much healthier we can be by simplifying our lives, I created a support system for you.

The Simplicity Space is a combination of a private community (NOT on Facebook) and membership site to help you make progress on your simplicity journey no matter when or where you are starting. It includes a library of growing resources and a little something each week to inspire your simplicity journey.

Even though we just opened the doors, we are closing them on Thursday. We won’t open again before late January 2021. If you aren’t sure if the program is right for you, ask me by responding to this email. I’m happy to help.

If you are ready to simplify now, and if you want support, connection and inspiration today, please join us.

Weekend Favorites: apologies, long walks and The Simplicity Space

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: You are really amazing. Speak the truth and say kind things to yourself.

No weekend favorites next weekend.

Not only that, but you can expect a really special week of email beginning Tuesday! In celebration (and anticipation) of the opening of The Simplicity Space, I’ll be sharing a special video workshop with you along with invitations to live calls on Instagram, Facebook and Zoom. There’s no pressure to attend all of the live calls, but if you can make one, I’d love to say hello!

The new membership site and (non-Facebook) community is almost ready for you and I’ll be giving you all of the details over the next few days. You will notice more email than usual, but we’ll be back to business as usual over here before the end of the month.

It feels really good to build something new with what you want most on your simplicity journey: progress, support, connection and encouragement (and love, lots of love).

Ok … onto the favorites:

I didn’t know what Poka-Yokes were until now.

A useful guide to help you get off your phone.

I want to read all of these books.

This episode of Soul & Wit will change how and when you apologize.

I love sharing my walks and hikes here on Instagram.

7 literary journeys you can take if you miss travel as much as I do.

If you have a hard time keeping plants alive, here are 16 to consider.

This made me cry.

5 years ago, I wrote this.

In this article I share my biggest failure that turned into a blessing.

Bailey and I are taking a little break from the Podcast, but you can binge our first 40 episodes here.

12 counter-intuitive ways to to improve sleep.

I think you’ll enjoy these classic summer tunes.

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @the.holistic.psychologist because … wow, I never thought about it like this.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

7 Quick Reminders to Help You Simplify Everything

by Courtney Carver

When the world (or our little corners of the world) feels overwhelming or complicated, it’s time to simplify everything, at least everything within our control.

Streamlining things and even a slight mindset shift can help remove what is weighing us down and distracting us. Trade chaos for ease and confusion for clarity by simplifying everything.

HOW TO SIMPLIFY EVERYTHING

1.

Simplify Everything for Less Chaos

Before simplifying further, think about what you really want out of this life of yours. Is this the time to simplify more, or is this the time to deepen a connection with someone you love? Is this the time to move on to your bookshelves, or is this the time to create something new, or serve in your community? Perhaps it is simply time to rest.

As you create more time, energy, space, and attention in your life, use simplicity to make a life you are excited to wake up to every day. Use it to better engage in relationships. Use it as confidence to live where you want, work where you want, and most importantly … to finally be who you are.

When decluttering is frustrating, or you regret spending too much, or you aren’t sure where this whole simplicity journey is headed, remind yourself that you aren’t creating a simple life, you are creating a life.

2.

Unless you want to be completely depleted, this cannot be your job anymore. Setting healthy boundaries will simplify everything.

3.

Choose freedom over perfection

Wouldn’t it be simpler if it didn’t have to be perfect?

Let there be typos. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let there be failures. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let dinner be breakfast.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let there be times when you wish you had done things differently. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let your morning routine start at noon. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let your new year’s resolutions start in September.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let there be disagreements with people you love. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let there be lazy afternoons. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let yourself be imperfect … imperfectly you.

4.

Simplify Everything

The things you own, own you. They own your attention, time and energy. If you want more attention, time and energy for what matters, you know how to get it back.

5.

Simplicity quotes

We’ve all tried to do it all, and do it all at the same time. It never works. Stop diluting your creativity, energy, attention and time by spreading yourself across everything.

What matters the most? Do that.

6.

Quotes about Simplifying

This simplifies everything.

7.

More simplicity quotes

I’ve played the catching up game and lost every time. The very moment that I felt all caught up was the very moment things would start building up again. There is always more laundry, more paperwork, more dishes, more email, more cooking and cleaning and on and on.

Catching up is a lie that keeps us going, going, going.

So what if we dropped the whole idea and did what we could in the time we had and didn’t measure our worth by how much we got done and how almost caught up we were? Then we’d be happier with what we were doing instead of mad that we didn’t finish it all.

What if we stopped compromising sleep, rest and health in the name of catching up, realizing that we are never caught up for more than a moment (if ever)? Then we’d be able to take better care of ourselves and the people we love.

Choose the reminder you need most to simplify everything, or at least a few things.

Weekend Favorites: minimalism, mind declutter and a 2-ingredient treat

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: The capacity for delight is in the gift of paying attention. – Julia Cameron

I don’t know what to write about.

I’m feeling indecisive today … about everything. Usually things get clear quickly for me but not today. I didn’t know where to take my morning walk, what to have for lunch or what to write next. I don’t know where I want to live or what I want to do this weekend.

Perhaps it’s only natural that with all of the uncertainty we’ve experienced this year comes a few scattered days here and there.

Digging into routine may solve the problem and center me a bit, but I like the idea of not fixing myself today but instead simply accepting. I’m just going to let me be the way I am.

Let you be you too, even on the messy days.

Ok … onto the favorites:

A fun, loving, smart support system for simplifying your life.

I hope someone makes this two-ingredient treat and tells me it’s good.

33 items may make more sense than you think.

You know when you listen to a song over and over again. That’s me with this one.

A chat about minimalism and one about minimalist business.

I’m giving my first virtual keynote at this fun event full of great workshops.

I’m reading this book now and this one next.

This movie always makes me laugh and cry. Sometimes at the same time.

If you want to learn how to use Pinterest, she will teach you.

10 brief reminders to help you declutter your mind.

This is one of my all time favorite pasta recipes.

How to help Beirut right now.

They could have written about me in this article about eating the same thing.

A list of antiracist podcasts. I’ve got #6 cued up.

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @lalahdelia because I could not agree more.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

If You Want to Feel Light, You Have to Let Go

by Courtney Carver

Maybe it’s time to let go.

Things build up. They get heavy. When we forget to let go, we feel heavy.

Even though you may not be carrying your stuff around in a backpack or a suitcase, you still carry it. You carry the weight of your stuff in your bones, your mind and your heart. Stuff like:

  • clutter in your home
  • just in case stuff in storage
  • harsh words from a loved one
  • regret
  • guilt

The heaviness can look like exhaustion, frustration, sadness, anxiousness and illness and when you keep holding onto everything, it’s hard to figure out what’s weighing you down.

We each carry our own heavy things like worry, fear, pain, and bad habits, but we all share the burden. It’s not just you who suffers from the weight you carry through the world. It impacts your work, relationships, health and everyone around you.

Even though letting go can feel scary, and uncertain, it also feels light. You can feel the lightness immediately and other people will recognize it too. They will sense that there is something different about you. It’s hard to ignore when someone feels light.

1. When you let go of physical objects, your home feels light.
Start with the easy stuff like duplicates, things you don’t use or enjoy and the stuff that has no purpose in your life or your home. Box it up, set it aside, and notice the light in your home. This is the best place to start.

2. When you let go of what you don’t like about yourself, your body feels light.
Maybe you don’t like your weight, your wrinkles or something else about your body. Our negative self talk around appearance is heavy.

Look in the mirror and smile. Throw your scale away. Really see yourself and the body that has been through so much with you. Notice something you love about yourself and refuse to compare or measure it. Read about how one woman learned to live in her body for inspiration and figure out what works best for you. Let it go and feel the light in your body.

3. When you let go of anger or resentment from the past, your heart feels light.
Letting go doesn’t require fixing things, or setting the record straight. You can just decide that you are going to stop punishing yourself. If you need a ceremony, write it down and burn or tear it up. Forgive yourself. Forgive others even if they don’t think they need forgiveness. Say goodbye to the hurt you cannot resolve and notice the light in your heart.

4. When you let go of fear of the future, your soul feels light.
The path ahead is uncertain and that’s never going to change. Release your fear of how things will unfold by getting rooted in the present. Show up for your life today and you will be better equipped to handle your tomorrows with grace and ease.

Take a deep breath, let the fear about what might happen go, and notice the light in your soul.

5. When you let go of items on your to-do list, your mind feels light.
Maybe you can do it all, but you can’t do it all today. Let go of the long lists and focus on a short one with a handful of items that you can accomplish in one day. You have to choose between crossing things off your list, or living with clarity about what’s most important to you. At the end of the day, once you’ve let go of all the things that need to be done, notice the light in your mind.

6. When you let go of perfection, everything feels light.
The opposite of perfection is freedom, so when you let it go, your work, health, and relationships rise from that freedom and lightness. Let there be typos and failures in your work. Let there be disagreements with people you love. Let there be lazy afternoons of movie marathons and doing nothing. Give yourself permission to be a work in progress and feel the light in everything.

7. When you let go of the need to be right, your relationships feel light.
When did being right and fixing people replace true love in your relationship? Let go of being right and focus on what makes you smile. Give your friend/lover/partner a big hug, remember what you love about the two of you together and notice the light in your relationship.

When letting it go, start with one thing. Remember how long you’ve been holding on and give yourself some grace in the time it will take to let it go. You didn’t hold on with the intention of suffering but you can let go with the intention of feeling happy, free and light.

When you are overwhelmed, tired or stressed, the solution is almost always … less. Get rid of something. Lots of somethings. Let it go.

If you want to feel light, you have to let go.

P.S. Let go with more ease with the love and support of The Simplicity Space, a new membership program coming your way this September.

Weekend Favorites: brilliant art, boring podcasts and fried rice

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: Trust yourself. You know you best.

Calling all creativity.

In 2004, I read/did The Artist’s Way and now I’m doing it again. It’s a book and something you read but it’s also something you do to cultivate creativity in your life. Even if you don’t want to be an artist but instead want to create something new in your life or figure out “what’s next,” this is a powerful practice.

Right now I’m using most of my creativity on The Simplicity Space, a new membership program to support and inspire you as you simplify your life. I’ll be telling you much more the week of August 24th with live calls and sneak peeks.

Ok … onto the favorites:

In your face, creative inspiration. This is brilliant!

I share the TV show I wasn’t allowed to watch in this podcast episode on childhood favs.

Getting off your phone may have more benefits than you think.

If you want to support businesses led by black women, here’s a list.

10 boring podcasts that will put you to sleep.

This time last year, I wrote this.

A compelling cover for the September issue.

If you need creative inspiration to wear a mask, here you go.

I want to make this (without the peas).

Maybe letting go really is this simple.

11 easy-ish ways to uncomplicate your life.

I can’t stop listening to this.

YUM.

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @heyamberrae because there is strength in softness.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

7 Perks of a Minimalist Wardrobe

by Courtney Carver

When I talk about minimalist fashion or a minimalist wardrobe, I’m not referring to the style you wear but rather the amount of items you have to choose from. You can create a minimalist or capsule wardrobe with any fashion style you like.

Since dressing with 33 items or less every 3 months (including clothes, jewelry, accessories, and shoes) for more than 10 years, I’ve experienced quite a few unexpected perks. I didn’t know what to expect in 2010 when I created minimalist fashion challenge Project 333 but from the beginning, it was full of pleasant surprises.

This minimalist fashion challenge didn’t just change my closet, it changed my life.

minimal wardrobe

7 Perks of a Minimalist Wardrobe

1. More money

Project 333 isn’t an excuse to shop and wear 33 new pieces every 3 months, but an invitation to dress with less to create time and space in your life and figure out what really matters to you. And while you are doing that, you aren’t spending money on new clothes. My 33 items change somewhat from season to season but at least 50% of my seasonal wardrobe carries through to the next season.

Once you create your minimalist fashion collection, you don’t have to worry about spending on anything new for at least three months.

2. Less guilt

Opening my closet used to be a daily reminder of my debt and discontent. There were the clothes that didn’t fit, the clothes I never wore, and even clothes with price tags still hanging on them. Once the excess went out the door, so did the guilt and other emotions I had been paying with for so long. When I let go, I realized I had paid enough. I paid with my money, my time, my attention and emotions. Haven’t you paid enough too?

3. More clarity

Now that I don’t spend my mornings deciding what to wear, or my evenings and weekends online shopping or trying thing after thing on at the mall, I experience less decision fatigue and have way more clarity. I know what matters to me now, and it’s not more shopping.

4. Less stress around body weight and size

Once you start to choose clothes that fit your body instead of trying to make your body fit into clothes, you’ll worry less about body weight and the size of your clothes and instead wear your favorite clothes every day. You have more important things to do in life than trying to fit into a version of yourself that does not exist.

5. More freedom

Now that I’m not interested in the latest trends, or the 40% offers and other sales, I’m not affected by advertising and marketing campaigns that tell me to buy now. I buy when I need something new, not when they want me to buy.

I’m surprised when I think of all the time and attention I devoted to buying on someone else’s schedule. Now I’m free.

6. Less time shopping

I shop for clothes 4 times a year or less. I don’t shop every weekend, or for every event and emotion anymore. If you are thinking … but wait, I love shopping, I’d like to invite you to challenge that idea. Shopping was my go-to distraction from pain; the pain of boredom, disappointment, sadness, exhaustion. I didn’t know what I loved. Take a 3-month time out from shopping and see what you really love.

7. More confidence

I always thought I needed to wear something new or special to prove myself. I needed the right heels to feel powerful, or a new dress to feel sexy, or a trendy jacket to feel put together and prepared. Once I started dressing with less, I found confidence in who I was instead of what I wore. Today I feel powerful, sexy and prepared from the inside out instead of the other way around.

Minimalist Wardrobe

Resources to help you with your minimalist fashion challenge or capsule wardrobe:

  • Instagram – follow me here for future wardrobe updates and inspiration to live and dress with less. Use hashtag #project333 when sharing your own minimalist fashion challenge and daily outfits so I can cheer you on!

P.S. If you are interested in challenging yourself and creating connection and accountability as you simplify your life, I’m making a space just for you.

Weekend Favorites: tea party, storytelling and a new world view

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: The feedback you give says more about you than the feedback you receive.

A 6.5 mile hike is just what I needed.

To avoid groups of people and the heat, I’m waking up early to walk or hike every morning. It’s typically the only time of day that I’m not staying home. Sometimes I go out to pick up a grocery order but otherwise I’m inside.

Knowing that I’ll be home all day makes me really appreciate what I discover on my morning walks including wild life, fresh air and magnificent views. I’m sharing my adventures on Instagram Stories.

Ok … onto the favorites:

I can’t wait to tell you more about The Simplicity Space.

Kitchen scrap gardens are my new obsession.

Even though we can’t go to some of our favorite places right now, we can still do fun things, like learn how to be mindful at this virtual tea tasting or be moved and entertained at this storytelling event.

Wearing masks can now be safe and stylish.

The Slow Down Show 

If you are interested in writing, consider this advice.

This site gives you a view from windows all over the world.

Byron Katie will help you overcome suffering with these fascinating live sessions.

A few songs I’m listening to lately

This time last year, I wrote this.

9 ways to make your stay at home weekends special.

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @treehuggerdotcom because YES!

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

Lessons From 30 Days of Cold Showers (and other uncomfortable challenges)

by Courtney Carver

I’m at the end of a 30-day cold shower challenge. In an effort to improve my response to stress, and see if cold showers are a mood-booster, I’ve committed to cold showers every morning for 30 days (inspired by this podcast episode). For the first week, the showers were only 30 seconds long. The next week a full minute, then 90 seconds and this week, my cold showers are a little over two minutes.

This isn’t my first experience with uncomfortable challenges and likely won’t be my last. I enjoy focusing on self-improvement in a challenge setting, with rules, and an end date. Sometimes they become part of my day-day to life and other times, I use them occasionally as a reboot.

No matter what, I learn something new every time I get a little (or a lot) uncomfortable.

Lessons From 30 Days of Cold Showers (and other uncomfortable challenges)

1. Getting comfortable with discomfort eases stress: As I’m faced with other stressful situations, I reflect on how I feel just before I step into a cold shower. The longer I wait, the more agonizing it is so I feel the resistance and keep moving forward. When I apply this to other things I’m not sure about, it eases so much stress.

2. The hardest part is thinking about it. Before I started Project 333, I thought about all of the reasons I shouldn’t do the challenge like …

  • People will notice I’m wearing the same things over and over again.
  • I might not have enough to wear if the weather changes.
  • I’m going to get bored with my wardrobe.

None of those things happened. Dressing with less made my life easier and more enjoyable. It was a good reminder that the hardest part of a new challenge in life is thinking about it.

I thought quitting alcohol would be really hard too. I thought about it for years. When I finally did stop drinking alcohol, I realized that my thoughts weren’t true.

3. You don’t need willpower the whole time. While I don’t encourage restriction of certain foods for weight loss (because Diet Culture), I do believe it’s valuable to understand how food makes you feel. As much as I love sweet treats, when I’m feeling sluggish or I’m not sleeping well, I consider my sugar intake. When I do cut sugar or do a challenge like The Whole 30, it’s hard for a few days and sometimes requires willpower but my body adjusts and the cravings go away so I don’t need willpower for very long.

4. We are better together: Whether inspired by hashtags on Instagram like #project333 or doing a challenge with my husband, making it a shared experience not only encourages accountability but makes it more fun and meaningful.

5. There is more to learn: Rachel Cargle’s 30-day #dothework course is a challenge like no other. Rachel says, “Participating in this will be your first small step in working towards dissolving these systems, institutions, and ideologies that continue to negatively affect Black women and their communities yet benefit white people in this country.”

I didn’t know how little I knew.

6. Letting go of what other people think is freeing. After three months of dressing with only 33 items or less with Project 333, I was shocked that no one noticed. You mean, everyone wasn’t thinking about me all the time?! Once I got over the shock, it was exciting to think about doing things without taking other people’s thoughts about my actions into consideration. Finally, I was free.

7. I can always choose to change and grow. I started the cold shower challenge on June 26th because I was curious, but also because I was bored with my quarantine routine. I craved a shift and cold showers delivered. This may not be a life-changing challenge, but it did brighten up my mornings. When I step out of the cold shower, I am wide awake.

Starting on Friday, June 26th reminded me that I can always choose to change and grow. I don’t have to wait until Monday or January 1st or another special day or time. Now is a great time to start.

8. Noticing matters: Trade multi-tasking and rushing for noticing. Pay attention to your life and the challenges you take on. It’s possible you’ll get less done but with everything you notice about how you feel, what works best for you and other details, you’ll begin to learn how to take care of yourself, how to show up in the world and how to build a life full of joy, meaning and purpose.

The next time you are considering a challenge and doubting yourself instead of thinking, “I could never do that” or “This will never work,” wonder, “Wouldn’t it be crazy if it did?” The value of personal experiments and challenges is an opportunity to experience the truth instead of assuming it.

P.S. If you are interested in challenging yourself and creating connection and accountability as you simplify your life, I’m making a space just for you.

Weekend Favorites: penguin field trip, friendship and friendly fridges

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: Remove the things that remove you from your life.

It’s someone’s birthday today.

My little girl turns 25 today. It’s been hard to celebrate important milestones over the last few months but this one is easy for me. We won’t be dining out or inviting lots of people over but my heart is bursting with celebration. Bailey’s birthday is my favorite day of the year because the moment she entered the world, she changed mine.

If you listen to our podcast, Soul & Wit, you know we are close. You know we are silly. And you know we love spending time together. Not only that, but she teaches me so much just by being who she is.

While parents are often thought to be the teachers, we can learn so much from our kids too.

Ok … onto the favorites:

When penguins take a field trip to a museum, it’s an automatic weekend favorite.

It makes me really happy to know that more than a million people read this article I wrote.

I am all about the avocado right now.

I don’t want a farm but I’m looking forward to watching this movie about a farm.

These funny parenting tweets made me laugh.

If you just can’t do one more Zoom call, try one of these long-distance friendship activities.

Community-led, free-food refrigerators, sometimes nicknamed “friendly fridges,” have been popping up on New York City sidewalks. (NYT)

Really enjoying this album.

7 ways to talk to your parents about racism.

If you want to learn more about cancel culture, listen to this.

Signed copies of my books are now available. If you’d like it personalized for you or someone you love, I’m happy to do that.

5 years ago in July, I wrote this.

If you don’t feel motivated to simplify on your own, try one of these daily challenges.

Let’s help 18 kindergarteners (mostly from low-income homes) get back to school safely. P.S. If you already make a donation, thank you! 

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @yasminecheyenne

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

How to Simplify Your Books (+ what I’m reading now)

by Courtney Carver

Sometimes you get mad at me when I suggest that you simplify your books because books are awesome! You love books. I love them too.

Before I let go of my books, I always considered them a protected category when it came to decluttering. Once I did finally let go, I felt so much relief. When I stopped storing my books, I …

  • didn’t need bookshelves anymore
  • stopped feeling guilty about not reading the books I owned
  • found delight in giving my books away
  • began reading more than ever

Simplify Your Books

How to Simplify Your Books

If you’ve noticed the benefits of decluttering and creating more space in your life, it might be time to let go of more. Here are a few ways to simplify your books.

1. Donate to the library or a local retirement home (call first and make sure they are accepting donations).

2. Trade books in at used book stores for credit for new reads.

3. Drop books in neighborhood little libraries.

4. Make care packages for friends.

5. See if one of these suggestions is useful.

I don’t save most of my books, although I do keep a few. I bring my books to little libraries, give them away on Instagram or pass them on to friends. Letting go of my books hasn’t discouraged my love of reading, but instead created more space and attention to support authors and discover new books. I recommend a gentle approach to letting go of your books when you are ready.

I have a pile of fiction books to read and give away including: 

And for non fiction …

I recently read

A few books I keep and re-read: 

I keep a few copies of the books I wrote too! 

Soulful Simplicity (signed copies available)

Project 333 (signed copies available)

As an avid reader, I know how meaningful books can be. Let go in a way that feels good to you. Happy reading!

For more book recommendations, check out the Soul & Wit Book Episodes here and here.

Weekend Favorites: free course, decluttering projects and wild flowers

by Courtney Carver

Weekend Wisdom: Don’t let the things you want distract you from the things you have.

I’m making something new.

I’m in this sort of joyful, kind of terrifying stage of making something new. The stage where you know what you want it to be but you don’t know what you are doing. It’s the stage where the edges of the puzzle pieces have come together but you can’t see what the middle of the puzzle looks like, and all of the pieces are the same color.

The best part of it is that even though I don’t have it all figured out, I’m doing it anyway. It’s how I do everything. If I wait until I know where every piece goes, I spend more time overthinking than creating and engaging. Once I get started, the pieces always come together and they rarely look like I thought they would.

If you are considering something new and feeling held back because you don’t know how things will turn out, remind yourself that not knowing how things will turn out is the only way anything comes out at all. And then take a step forward.

Ok … onto the favorites:

If you are worried, read this.

10 benefits kids gain from an UNbusy life.

You’ll love yourself more when you stop doing these 3 things.

Let’s help 18 kindergarteners (mostly from low-income homes) get back to school safely. P.S. If everyone who read this gave only $1.00, we’d far surpass the goal.

If you want to simplify your life but don’t know where to start, try these tiny decluttering projects.

It’s wildflower season here in Utah (pictured above) and in Castelluccio, Italy.

I’m on day 4 of this free course designed to be an eye-opener and a call to action for those who seek to be allies to Black women.

What’s for breakfast?

This time last year I wrote this.

This made me smile.

When I want to write for about an hour, I listen to this playlist.

Awww, poor thing.

And my Instagram fav of the week is from @glennondoyle …

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

3 Compelling Reasons to Schedule More Nothing

by Courtney Carver

It seems as if there is always more to do, so doing nothing can feel like a luxury we can’t afford. Even with quarantine cancelations and schedule changes, we still manage to fill our days with more to-dos.Unfortunately when we refuse to do nothing, we compromise everything.

We can only take so much doing before our bodies say, “enough” and we break down. The break down might not be obvious or dramatic but we lose focus, feel exhausted and struggle to be inspired or motivated. And then we think that we are supposed to feel like this because there is so much to do and feel and be.

Slowing down and doing nothing is a chance to find rest, renewal and delight.

3 compelling reasons to schedule more nothing

1. Margin makes room to better handle emergencies and surprises.
Test fate and plan your day, hour by hour. Don’t leave any room in between tasks, appointments or commitments. Emergencies and surprises consider this an invitation to show up and blow up the notion that you think you run the world. Instead create margin and leave a little room for nothing. The nothing may turn into something and you’ll have time for it. If the nothing is nothing, consider it bonus time for a nap, a walk, or just sitting quietly.

2. Less rushing around makes you a kinder person.
Compare how you feel coming home after a day of back to back meetings with how you feel after coming home from a run or a long walk. Consider how you treat people after constantly reacting to email, social media, people you work with, and your racing mind all day versus how you treat people after you’ve unplugged for a while and given yourself time to be alone; away from people and your digital devices. You are likely more present, softer, and kinder.

3. Time for nothing invites you to remember yourself.
Doing nothing gives you the opportunity to listen to your heart and process ideas and emotions. After a day of non-stop input, you have to recover, shut down, or numb out. Instead schedule nothing if only to give yourself a minute to remember who you are, what you want, and how you want to live.

If doing nothing is hard for you, consider the benefits. Hanging around, puttering, daydreaming or whatever form your nothing takes is restorative for your mind, body, and heart. It’s a gift to you and everyone around you.