Mountaintop Pondering

Last week we had two family vacations, I was sick with a cold, and we had a wonderful week.  While on our campout up in the moutaintops, I took time to really ponder my life and simplify.

We hiked 3 miles up to a lake and 3 miles back down.  And during the hike I breathed in the surrounding nature and communed with my Heavenly Father.  Together, we simplified and realigned priorities, and created a schedule for the upcoming school year.  And then, several times during the hike, a light drizzle would fall from the sunny heavens, and it seemed to me to be a confirmation to the ideas I was receiving.

Now today I begin again to live a new routine.  Until last week, I dreaded the thought of changing up my schedule every so often.  It seemed that just when I'd construct one, life would change and I would have to start all over.  I wondered when, if ever, I would find the perfect routine.  But during my simplification process last week, the Spirit whispered a truth that has changed my paradigm:

"It's okay that I have to realign priorities and develop new routines/rhythms.  I did this in school each year, each semester, trimester, and quarter.  Life is constantly changing.  I have faith that the Lord will help me create an excellent way each time I have to adjust."

You see, it doesn't mean that the routine was wrong, when it comes time to change.  Life will always flow and change as the times and seasons do.  There is no one perfect routine.  One must be constructed again and again, and if done with the help of the Spirit, every routine can be perfect.  Now I know that I have found the perfect routine...at least for now.  And someday, life will cause me to tweak certain parts of the schedule, and maybe overhaul completely, but for now, it's perfect.


Happy Challenge:

Evaluate your routine or rhythm.  Ask the Lord if your life is going in the direction He wills.  Adjust priorities, if necessary, and create or tweak your routine until it fits the plan the Lord has for your life in this season.

Simplify by Serving.

Today is the last day in this Simplification Series.  I may revisit the subject as time goes on and I glean more experience, but for today, may I share one more way we might simplify.

That of service.

At first, this doesn't seem like simplifying at all.  It appears like more things to add to our overflowing plate.  But I'm not suggesting we become "Super-Mom" or "Super-Dad" or even "Super-Server."

I am suggesting that we offer our services to the Lord in prayer each morning and ask Him to bless us with inspiration to know how to bless the life of just one person....

A few years ago I had the impression that if I committed to blessing just one person's life each day, by the end of my 80 or something years I would help the Lord in blessing thousands of life.  I recorded in my journal that I wanted to seek to bless the life of one person every day.

As the years have passed, there have been times where I've been more focused and committed than other times.  There have been times when I have felt the joy of daily service to those in my circle of friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, and times when I have felt to focus my blessing on those in my immediate family.  But always, ever present in the back of my mind, is that little voice that whispers of that day when I received that personal "call."

Today I have the desire to recommit and serve...just one person...just one small and simple thing...every day.



Happy Challenge:


Read these beautiful words and see if your heart doesn't swell with the desire to reach out and bless someone's life...

“God bless all who endeavor to be their brother’s keeper, who give to ameliorate suffering, who strive with all that is good within them to make a better world. Have you noticed that such individuals have a brighter smile? Their footsteps are more certain. They have an aura about them of contentment and satisfaction … for one cannot participate in helping others without experiencing a rich blessing himself.”  ~Thomas S. Monson, “Our Brothers’ Keepers,” Ensign, June 1998, 39

{Photo Credit}

Simplify by Listening.

Just for today, make the choice to listen a little more closely to the voice of the Spirit.  Just a few minutes ago I was talking with my husband on his lunch break and spilling to him the worries and troubles from my heart.  In his wise and wonderful way, he asked me to do 2 things for him.

#1. Follow the Spirit.  He asked me to do what I am prompted to do for the Spirit will lead me to do things that will comfort and uplift my soul.

#2. Be comforted.  He promised me that because of prayers and faith the Lord would seek to comfort me today.  But I must let the comfort in.  I must choose to feel the comfort He will inevitably provide for me.

And then he asked me to have faith.  So I promised I would do these things, he told me he loved me, and we said goodbye.

Now it has been 25 minutes since I hung up the phone and I am already witnessing miracles from acting on the two simple suggestions from my sweetheart.  I know that I will only witness more as the day goes on.

Thank you, Sweetie, for your words and wisdom.  And thank Thee, Father, for the miracles.

Would you care to take the challenge as well?  I can only attest that miracles will follow--even if they are small and simple.  They will come.  They have for me...

Just 1 Thing....small and simple.

For today's simplification goal, all I want you to do (and me as well) is write down one small and simple thing you want to do for your children (or nieces, nephews, neighbors, those you serve at church, etc.)  Something that is very important to you. 

Perhaps it's a greater focus on music or reading or teaching how to serve.  Maybe it's cooking comfort meals or spending quality giggle/tickle time with them.  Maybe it's as special as participating with them in one of their hobbies or as simple as asking them one sincere and specific question about their day.  Choose just one thing that is very small and simple.  Write it on a notecard and place it by your bed or on your nightstand where you will see it first thing each morning.  If your goal is specific enough, commit to trying it out.  If it's a general goal, then perhaps create a few smaller and more specific goals that will allow you to feel successful once complete.

Refrain from choosing more than one thing.  It's hard (especially for perfectionists) to pick just one, but if you list 25 things, and then only do one or two (or none because you're too overwhelmed), it will only result in feelings of failure.  Remember, the whole intent of this week is to SIMPLIFY.

Now look at the Master List you made yesterday--remember the 3 headings (Personal, Relationships, and Household)?  Insert this one specific goal under the "Relationship" heading.  If your list is beginning to look too long, reevaluate it.  Do you really need to do and engage in everything on the list, or are there a few things that can be cut out or honed down?  Remember, your small and simple thing you just jotted down may be more important than some of the original things on your list.

Good luck!  And have a Happy Day!

How to Simplify Life: Divide and List

Today we begin the simplification process.  First, we must divide our lives into 3-4 different categories: Personal, Relationships, and Household.  If you have a job in addition to these responsibilities, add "Work" as well.  I found it helpful to list these 3-4 categories as headings at the top of a sheet of paper.

Next, choose one category and list the things you do for that particular aspect of your life.  For example, the list under my Household heading looks something like this: cleaning, organizing, grocery shopping, paying the bills, cooking.  Do this for each category until most of your life is mapped out on paper.

Now, look over your lists and cross out anything that is not "small or simple."  Especially on the "personal" list analyze your hobbies and other things you devote your time to.  Make sure they are building your spirit, or bringing you a sense of fulfillment or purpose. Most of the "household" and "work" list will need to stay out of necessity, but is there a way you can revise any of the tasks to make them a little simpler?  Is there anything on any list that is draining your time and energy?  Are there things that need to be changed or completely crossed off?  How about adding a few small and simple things to your daily schedule that you've really been wanting to, but haven't had time because of your busy life.  Consider adding a few (not too many at first).  Things such as reading for a few minutes with your children, writing a thank-you card, a small service, or a personal hobby or pursuit may be a worthy investment of your time.  I won't set a limit to how many items can be in each category, but be very careful not to overload yourself.  The point of this exercise is to cut out, or at least to cut back and simplify, simplify, simplify.  Take some time and play with your sheet until your life feels more simple and small.

This sheet now becomes your "Master List."  Make copies or convert it to the computer where you can easily duplicate it in Word or Excel.  Then every week add the specific things in addition to the general things already listed that you must accomplish.

Now, before this just becomes another day planner or organize, let's make sure this is a means for simplification.  Before you add anything on the list, ask yourself, "Is it small?  Is it simple?  Does it bring me joy?"  If you answered yes to any of the questions, you have permission to add it to one of the categories.  If you answered no to all three questions, and it really must be done, add it to a 4th (or 5th) category called, "Necessary." On this list are those things that must be done.  However, put a limit as to how many things you can have on the list at a time.  For me, 3 seems to be the magic number for now.  Only when I am able to cross off something on the list can I add something else.

Happy Challenge:

Do the above steps and see what changes you can make to simplify your life.

How to Simplify Life: Is it Possible?

There are some who say that our modern life these days can't be helped--we're just destined to be busy.  While it may be true that our technologically advanced society is adept at swarming in upon us from every angle, I personally believe that busyness is a choice.

We can choose to be busy, or we can choose to live more simply.  The trick is to know your personal limits, how much you can realistically and feasibly do without becoming frenzied and frazzled.  There is no magic number of things we can take on.  It is different for every individual.  Each one of us must take an inventory of everything that has been placed on our plates, as well as the things we've opted to add ourselves.

Tomorrow I'll mention some ideas for the "how" of simplification.  But for today, believe that life can be simplified.  We may not know all the answers yet; it may take days or even months to begin and complete a personal life simplification.  But know that it is possible.

Virginia H. Pearce, in a BYU Women's Conference last year, told about a little sticky note she has on her desk.  It says, "Keep it small. Keep it simple. Give it time."  I love this.  It is a very good motto to live by.

It reminds me of one of my very favorite verses in the Book of Mormon. Alma 37:6 reads--

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise."

 As I was thinking about this verse the other night, it struck me.  This verse is not just speaking about how our little efforts can someday bring about great things.  It's also talking about life itself.  If we choose to live a small and simple life, our lives will turn out great.  And isn't this what we all desire deep down?  To leave a legacy of a life well-lived?  This can best be done by living small and simply.  This I know.


Happy Challenge:

Repeat in your mind and ponder in your heart throughout the day these words:  "Simplicity will bring me happiness.  Small and simple things will make my life great.  I can choose to simplify my life."

How to Simplify Life: It's Time to Slow

Summer for us went from a stroll to a canter to a gallop to a full-out tornado-ish whirlwind. Family weddings, photo shoots, registering for kindergarten, family vacations, plans for building a new house, millions of things little and big seemed to crowd in upon us before we could even blink.  Today was the ground-breaking for our house and tomorrow is my sister's wedding.  Then, maybe, hopefully, next week will start to slow down.

I have sincerely missed the slow ebb and flow of how summer usually is.  Many of the things that have transpired this summer have been out of our control, but, of course, there are things I have added that have made the summer a little more stressful.

Perhaps this is a lesson for me---a warning---to keep this fall, winter, and next summer as small and simple as possible.  I have always been a small and simple kind of girl and busyness and me have never quite meshed.  So many of us want to simplify our lives, but the question is, HOW?  When our fast-paced modern life naturally gravitates toward busyness, how do we fight back?

I think it's time for me to post a series (my first!) on how to simplify life.  Join me for the next few days as I think through this topic (and hopefully simplify my own life at the same time!)


Happy Challenge:

Today, sit down for 5 minutes.  Don't have 5 minutes?  Use your bedtime routine of brushing and flossing or some other automatic part of your day to quietly think.

Analyze your life.  Is it too busy?  Do you need to simplify at all?  If so, (and I think for most of us the answer is 'yes') jot down a few ideas of how you think you could simplify a little.  Don't take too long on this, just follow your heart and your first impressions, then make a few notes.

Then, if you wouldn't mind, leave me a comment with some of your ideas.  I can learn so much from you.  Good luck!

Storytelling

I've always admired those wonderful people who could make up stories in their heads, and tell them to their children with adventure and thrilling action.  I've tried.  For a long while, Little Bear's bedtime stories consisted of a little frog named Rupert who did exciting things.  I think he loved them, but after a few months, my creative juices ran dry and I didn't have any more stories about Rupert left.

It has been two or three years since I've attempted to be a storyteller, but yesterday at snack time I tried again.  Our story started with King Romeo, Queen Juliet, and Prince Fabio.  Episode 1 ended with an action-packed bear attack, and today they will find out the exciting next chapter.  I promised them that every day at snack time we would continue the story.  They were sad yesterday when the story ended, but they are readily anticipating today's snack time after their nap.  They even tried to talk me into storytelling at lunch.  I wanted to keep the snack time tradition, but I agreed to tell them a story from when I was little instead.

I hope this becomes a treasured tradition.

Happy Challenge:

Stories have the ability to transport us to new lands and live adventures safely from the comfort of our own homes.  Is there a little one in your life with whom you could begin storytelling?  There's just something magical about watching a child's eyes dance with wonder as you spin for them tales of glory....

Line Upon Line

Yesterday during my scripture study, I read a verse that has always been a favorite, but really spoke to me this time.  2 Nephi 28:30--

For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more;

And I wondered what line He would give me today, what precept He would bestow. 

Later in the day, His counsel came.  I have been struggling a bit with Little Bug who just loves Miss Muffin so much that he can't leave her alone.  He hugs her and kisses her and squeezes just a little too hard.  He just doesn't quite understand that because she is a baby he must treat her differently.  Every time he gets near, she starts to cry and I spend the next ten minutes trying to separate them, usually to no avail.

Well yesterday was no different.  I was playing referee and prayed to know what the Father would have me do.  After all, He knows more about how to reach my little ones' hearts than I could ever hope to.  The answer came.  I sat Little Bug on my lap and explained to him how he must be ever so gentle with his little sister.  This part was not new; the teaching is ingrained daily.  But this time I added that his little sister is somewhat scared of him and we role-played different ways to be gentle.  I explained that she will love him and be so excited to see him if he is soft and gentle.  He seemed to understand to the best of his 3-year-old ability.  And for the rest of the day, every time he would approach Muffin, I would utter a small reminder, "Remember to be soft so she will love you."  And he was. At least, much more than usual.

It was a line upon line, precept upon precept moment for me, and it made me realize how much the Lord cares about each and every one of our daily needs.  Last night I had the thought to pray for a specific need that I see in each of my children.  Then I pondered what the Lord would have me do.  I can testify that He answered...at least a little line and precept to try for today.  And this morning when I awoke, I thought to myself, "I wonder what line and precept Heavenly Father is going to teach me today."  I happily await the manifestation of His hand....

Happy Challenge:

*Ask the Lord to teach you a small and simple line or precept today, then write it down when it comes.

*Or pray for a specific need you or a loved one may have and wait upon the Lord to give you the line upon line answer you are seeking.