The Impact of Simplicity
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make a big impact. The problem is that most of us are so busy that we forget to slow down and keep life simple.
This week I caught a dreaded cold. My husband said he’s NEVER seen me sick like this. Probably because it’s been years since I’ve been sick. And here’s the deal, I didn’t have time to be sick this week. My life is full and I only have time for my to do list.
When I realized that, it made me…well, sad.
Sad that I’ve allowed myself to be exposed to amplified amounts of stress. So much so that it broke down my immune system. You know, it can be kind of embarrassing to be sick when you’re in the wellness business. But, it’s a reminder that no BODY is immune to stress. Whether good or bad stress – the body responds the same.
I also felt a little sad that I’m so focused on my “to do” list that I’ve neglected “me time.”
NO MORE!
Why do we tend to add so much to our calendars? Is it that we only feel validated if we can check things off a to-do list? Sitting in my big cozy chair in my living room, surrounded by tissues, and trying to keep up with the pace I had set for myself brought me to one conclusion.
It’s time to simplify.
Setting small simple goals is so much better than to-do lists that never end. Taking time to be in the moment is so much more fulfilling than rushing to the next thing.
Simple is simply better.
The Three Buckets Approach To Simplify Our Life
So how do we simplify our lives? It’s easier than we think. I like to put my life in 3 buckets. These buckets contribute to my overall health and well-being. When these three buckets are full – I feel my best. But, I must be intentional with each “bucket” or it doesn’t get filled.
Mind
When I make time to be quiet, my mind settles. When I fill my mind with only good things then only good things flow from my mouth. How are you feeding your mind? Does it make you feel confident and peaceful?
Body
If I don’t exercise, I don’t feel good. My energy level sinks. My stress levels go up. If I don’t eat right I feel sluggish, my blood pressure feels off, and my stomach is upset. Taking care of our bodies contributes to our overall health and well-being. Garbage in garbage out. Are you making your body a priority?
Spirit
We have a life source to fill our spirit every day. It’s our Bible and quiet time with God. Every answer to every situation we face can be found in reading our Bible and in prayer. Are you feeling overwhelmed and like life is out of control? Make time to read your Bible and pray. I guarantee that you will find peace and answers.
Are you being intentional with the areas of life that matter most to you? How will you simplify? Respond below. Would love to hear your thoughts and comments. 🙂
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Oh Wendie, I needed this so bad!! I’ve been struggling so much. I’ve hated this winter with a passion.
I actually went to a doctor yesterday to get on meds.
Thank you for your inspiration!!
Hi Rachel. I’m so sorry to hear that you have been struggling. Praying for you. Remember – This too shall pass. God sees you and He’s got you.
Excellent article…..I do fine in two of the three, the are I am having trouble with is body, getting excercise in and eating better. I am working on both but find it is easy for me to say forget it to my excercise. I have taken your advice and added movement in throughout my day but I know it is not enough. I have quiet time with God every morning…my day is not right if I don’t start it out with Jesus. I am very conscious of my time commitments and most times do not over book.
Thank you, Colleen. 🙂 I’m so glad to hear that you give Jesus the first moments of your day. I know God loves and honors that. God is also pleased when we take care of the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our body is a gift…I know you know that. So, the question to ask yourself is – WHY? Why aren’t you feeling worthy enough to take time for exercise and to eat well to fuel your body. It’s a loaded question, but it might help you dig deeper and discover the hidden reason for the disconnect in that “bucket” area of life.
The word ‘intentional’ has been burning in my head for over a year now. I had gotten to a point where my constant talking about what I wanted to do had resulted in nothing. It was time to decide what was going to change to get the ball rolling. I cut out some commitments that really were not fruitful. The. I made a plan and stuck to it. Several people along the way helped hold me accountable and I made a point of updating them weekly. Change is a result of doing something different and not just talking something different. Simplification of life brought needed freedom in life and I am seeing life change now that I did t see before.
For sure, Brian. It takes ACTION not just talk. And you have indeed been intentional. We loved having you in the Walk It Off Now challenge and was thrilled at your results. I believe that I cut out commitments when I’m stressed to the max – like now. But, honestly I allow new things to take their place once I’m “chilled” and no longer feeling the pressure. But…no more. This is one I’m being intentional about mastering. Blessings, Brian.
You are so right when you are stressed, your body can’t always fight off your immune system. I know I can tell when i’m overloaded with too much on my mind to even think properly.
I need to concentrate on one item at the time and totally complete that project. It’s easier said than done since I have so much to do and want it all done right then. As you get older it gets harder and harder to complete things. Start now and simplify your life would be my advise to everyone.
YES…great advice to simplify NOW before it becomes more difficult. And yes – when we multitask we deceive ourselves into thinking we are doing more. In all actuality we just end up having a lot more unfinished projects lying around. Intentional focus on one project at a time proves to offer more progress and completion, thus providing more confidence and satisfaction.
Thanks Wendi for the email! You are absolutely right, we must take time for ourselves. I miss our weekly group sessions and the accountability partners. This past week I have done much better at prioritizing and getting in my daily Bible study and journaling. And I’ve managed to get in some daily excersize although not up to the level I want. I do feel much better when contributing to each “bucket” daily. I hope you get past the cold quickly and back to feeling well. Thanks again for the reminder and encouragement. I will do better at filling buckets this week!
Hi Brenda….I miss you, too! Thanks for your comment and your well wishes. I’m on the mend. Happy to hear that you are doing good and balancing your life with the mind, body, spirit “buckets.” Come join us in the VIP Maintenance group. It’s a great place to stay connected and keep Visibly Fit protocols front of mind. We would love to have you. Doing a Stress Release Challenge in there now. 🙂 Big hugs and lots of love.
Good advice. But please don’t apologize for being sick. It isn’t your fault that sometimes your body cannot fight off something that’s all around you. Been through two bouts of this cold thing and I did everything right. It just happens.
Me time is always good. The body doesn’t always respond as you get older the way you want it to. And we can all use a little more spirituality in ways we can’t even comprehend. God is in control all the time. He makes us stop and listen in times when we sometimes have a check list and He needs us to listen. Just realize that sometimes when you mix a slow down it’s a blessing in disguise. Feel better soon
Thanks, Alesa. AMEN…yes. God is in control all the time. Thanks for the well wishes. I’m doing great – on the mend. Blessings. 🙂