Living Your Best Life

With all the talk about downsizing, decluttering, and Marie Kondo-ing lately, it’s easy to imagine you can wave a magic wand and leave all of your worries behind. You’d spend your time on what really mattered to you, right?

Years ago, after a good dose of soul searching, I gave up a lucrative but highly stressful executive position. I wanted a simpler life. Here’s what I discovered along the way.

You are an asset. Think about that. If you work for someone else, you’re an asset to that company. You’re important to the community you live in, your neighbors, and to those you interact with you on a daily basis. Plus, your value grows, not diminishes.

Count your blessings. Having an attitude of gratitude changes negative thinking into a positive frame of mind. Research shows that practicing gratitude may be the best pathway to happiness, health, long life, and prosperity.

Reward yourself. Take a break, especially when things don’t go the way you’d like, and reward yourself when you succeed. Celebrate little things like checking off items on your to-do list with a special cup of tea or square of chocolate.

Nourish your body. Healthy eating means making choices you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life. It doesn’t mean dieting, which is a short-term plan. The way we eat over the long term affects our entire well-being, helps us feel our best and gives us energy. Proper nutrition can help you handle stress better, too.

Exercise your mind. I remember that my dad read everything he could get his hands on and as a result he knew a little bit about everything. So cut down on television and social media, carry a book (Kindle counts) with you, or listen to an audio book or podcast during your commute.

Be open. Be open to learning something new. Diversify your thinking and the people and ideas around you. Change with the times. Your brain withers if it isn’t challenged everyday. 

Find a sounding board. Call your go-to person, someone who listens without judgement, advises when asked, and tells us we’re being silly, unreasonable, or just plain crazy. Having a person like this gives us a safe place to explore ideas and get encouragement when we need it. They hold us accountable to our goals, too.

Pare back. If money is a stressor, you have two choices:

Make more or spend less. Determine what’s “right” when it comes to how you earn, invest, and spend your income.

Make a sanctuary. Wherever it is, make this place special by decorating it in a way you love. Use color, texture, and music to create this sanctuary. Even a small, sunny nook for reading or listening to music can destress, relax, and recharge you.

There’s no special formula for a simpler life. Instead, I’m convinced that no matter how deep in debt or how rich, how unhappy or content at home or at work, you can make your life better. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of fine tuning, investing some time and energy into figuring out what you really want out of life. Sometimes it takes major change. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – May/June 2019