1. Choosing the Simply Beautiful Life

2. Letting go of non-essentials so that you can joyfully embrace what’s most important to you— that’s what it means to live a “simply beautiful” life.

3. Choosing simplicity involves clearing away clutter that detracts from the true purpose and beauty of your life. It means taking a fresh look at what you really value, and making sure you’re spending your time, energy and money to support your cherished goals.

4. 1.Think about your values, dreams and life goals. List the 5 most important things you want to do with your life from this point on. 2. Pretend you’ll suddenly die in three months. List the most important things you want to do with your remaining time. 3. Are your two lists in harmony? Of all the things you listed, put a star by the 3 most important. 4.What new steps toward your dreams and key goals do you want to begin taking? Living Your Values

5. Yearning for Balance NATIONAL SURVEY RESULTS  66 percent of Americans wanted to spend more time with family and friends.  56 percent called for a less hectic, more relaxed approach to life.  80 percent agreed that most of us buy and consume far more than we need.  30 percent had voluntarily downshifted to a simpler lifestyle

6. Examples: Surviving a plane crash with minor injuries, or being revived from cardiac arrest after a near-death experience. The result is always the same: A reminder that our life is precious, that we no longer have time for pettiness, that we have much to give, and the time for doing what is important is now. Wake-Up Calls

7. Need or Greed?  The average American uses far more than his or her share of our planet’s resources.  We generate more trash—by a long shot— than any other citizens of the world.  The United States ranks first in billionaires and number one in children and elderly living in poverty.  We rank number one in big homes and number one in homelessness.

8. Clearing Away Clutter What specific, creative suggestions can you offer for getting rid of old clutter and preventing new clutter? How much clutter is there in your drawers, closets, attic, basement, garage, and living areas that is taking up space and is seldom or never used?

9. Making Fresh Starts ªWhat suggestions can you offer for working through and releasing old emotional clutter? ªWhat role can forgiveness play in freeing one from past hurts and resentments? ªWhat are the benefits of forgiveness? Another kind of clutter gets in the way of a simply beautiful life— old hurts and resentments.

10. Universal Shopping List 1.Do I really need this? Is there anything I can use instead? 2.Will this item bring enjoyment and beauty into my life? 3.Is the cost of the item worth the time it takes to earn the money to buy it? 4.Could I buy it used? Borrow it? Rent it? Share the purchase with someone else? 5.How will this purchase affect the environment?

11. Intuition Simplifies Decision Making ªHonor your gut feelings and other signals from your body-mind. ªHeed your conscience—“the still, small voice within.” ªPay attention to the feelings, thoughts and pictures that “pop” into your awareness. ªExercise discrimination and courage in following through on your inner guidance.

12. Try this: Limit your TV watching to 7 or less hours a week. Based on typical American television viewing habits, you’ll gain at least 700 hours of free time each year. The Time Eater: Television  Briefly discuss the pros and cons of TV. ? ? ? How much is enough ? ? ?

13. Drowsy America  Millions are seriously sleep-deprived.  About half of us don’t get enough sleep. What problems are caused by sleepiness and lack of alertness? What are some suggestions for solving the problem of inadequate rest?

14. Do What You Love  More cheerful  More inwardly satisfied  Physically healthier  Able to give more to others  More energized When you follow your true passion, you are:

15. Support Yourself ¦Start a Simply Beautiful Journal. ¦Get together with like-minded friends. ¦Enjoy inspirational reading. ¦Arrange periods of quiet time. ¦Know when to say “no.” ¦Spend time with nature. When we start to make positive changes in our lives, we often run into resistance. Ways to Support Yourself

16. Surround Yourself with Beauty § § § Pay more attention to what enchants you. As you dwell on beauty, you attract its healing qualities into your inner and outer worlds. What are some creative ways of adding more touches of beauty to our lives? Beauty delights the heart and nourishes our souls. § § §

17. Pause and Enjoy Remember: The past is a memory, the future a dream. But right now—this moment— is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. Tune into and enjoy the countless wonders with which life constantly surrounds us.

18. A Grateful Heart Heartfelt thankfulness is a simple practice, one that awakens us to the goodness of life and reminds us that we are awash in a sea of blessings.

19. To be content with what we have at this moment, to bloom now where we are planted —this is the wisdom of gratitude, this is the very foundation of a simply beautiful life.