Simplicity Is The Spice Of Life
Earlier this year one of the first goals I set was to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Steph). I was so excited at the prospect of the simpler life, for the first time ever I created a mood board and even set it up as the background on my computer.
One would think with the measures I put in place it would be easy to follow a “simple” plan of attack right? WRONG!
It began innocently enough by developing a few goals for the year. Once this was done I broke down each goal and assigned tasks to allow me to accomplish the goal. Then I periodically reviewed and updated my goals to ensure I was on target. Sounds like a reasonable plan, yes?
Now I freely admit to being somewhat of a perfectionist and while friends would disagree, I possess a little OCD trait. I mean what’s the big deal in needing order and following consistent routines?
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. ~Confucius
The issues as I see them are:
- When unforeseen circumstances arise, and they will, with a minimum amount of wiggle room, the plan will go off kilter.
- There is an overabundance of everything; from cable TV, goods & services, computer systems, to information, etc.
- The aging process has put a minor kink in the plan.
So what’s the solution to said issues? Going back to the beginning which in this case is K.I.S.S. then purge and revamp.
My mother’s illness did not fit into my plan. Knowing I need to spend quite a bit of time at the nursing home to make sure all her needs are met, the last thing I want to worry about is my appearance. Keeping it simple is a major timesaver when preparing to visit my mom.
Granted while summer’s apparel is lighter than other seasons, by swapping out and adding a few pieces, the same formula can be used for fall and winter. On most days I wear jeans, top and flats however on those real humid days I could be seen wearing shorts or a skirt.
With the exception of three pairs of H&M sneakers, I did not buy anything new for this past summer. Also donating last year’s capris left me capriless (a new word I made up all by my lonesome) I improvised by rolling skinny jeans midway up my calf.
Since part of my purging process was getting rid of things (including clothing) I do not use, I was thrilled to find two tees from last year, with the tags still on them. In today’s pictures I am wearing:
- Scoop-neck pink tee with tiny yellow specks
- Skinny jeans cuffed at the ankle
- Long “Warriors in Pink” decorative pink scarf tied at the neck. This was free from the Race for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.
- Brownish heels accented with a bow (these are ancient but oh so comfy)
- Earrings, bracelet and blue glass ring
Another time-saver I take advantage of in the summer, is minimizing my makeup to only include, brows, eyeliner, mascara and lip color. After cleansing, exfoliating and using an SPF moisturizer on days when I’m just bumming around, I forego all makeup, throw on sunglasses and a pair of earrings then I’m ready to head out the door.
The power to choose is a marvelous thing, however at this stage in my life I don’t want or need a lot of extras. Giving away all but those things that I use, will help to simplify my life, save money, allow me to be content and restore my sanity. As I continue purging then finding an intern to assist me with time-intensive tasks I’m confident of clearing the cobwebs of my mind.
Have a wonderful day!! Oh and don’t forget to “like” my Facebook page in the sidebar and connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. ~Steph