Craving Simplicity, Part 1

I have a pattern in my creativity. I get blocked for a while then suddenly, I become practically obsessed with organizing and clearing the clutter in every part of my life:  home, relationships, office, work, communication. You name it, I want it clean and simple.

I’ve been feeling “creatively blah” lately, then this overpowering need started about a month ago. It’s become increasingly distracting to my daily life. I feel that if I don’t clear out NOW, I cannot move forward. On any front.

I’m not sure any obsession is healthy but on the upside, this one has forced me to take action. Here are a few things I’ve done so far (I’ll be addressing simplicity in communication in the next post).

• Clutter:  I tried selling items online a few times this year but alas, I only got rid of a couple of things. So I’m giving Craig’s List and eBay one more try and if they don’t sell this time — Goodwill, here I come!

• Relationships:  For me, simplicity in relationships means focusing on the folks who bring joy to my life. I also view simplifying as creating a healthy distance between myself and “high-maintenance” people who drain me.

• Paperwork:  I’m slowly getting through the big pile that used to be many piles. (If I were better about filing, this wouldn’t be an issue. ) I keep threatening to go paperless, but I’m still searching for the right scanner. Any suggestions?

• Work:  I’m starting a new online business while keeping my writing and marketing business going. This requires clarity and focus, so I’ve narrowed goals dramatically to keep my “eye on the prize” and ensure that it all gets done.

• Social Media:  Over Thanksgiving, I deleted accounts on social networks I never use. I unfriended and unfollowed more than 100  people/businesses and wow, did it feel good! And I’ve decided to limit all blog posts to 500 words…unless I need more.

I especially like this last one on blog entries. I’m following in the footsteps of Leo Babauta who writes Zen Habits, a blog on simplicity and clearing the clutter. He also writes a blog on minimalism, which is where he decided to limit blog posts to 400 words.

As strange as it sounds, I find the 500-word limit quite freeing. I hope it will motivate me to write a little more often.

• Have you ever felt that if you didn’t take action on something right NOW, you wouldn’t be able to more forward?

• If so, what was it? Clearing clutter? Making a phone call? Cleaning old files or dust off your computer? Managing your time?

Click “Leave a comment” at the top of this entry and speak your truth. Have a refreshing and productive day!

Add to: Facebook | Digg | Del.icio.us | Stumbleupon | Reddit | Blinklist | Twitter | Technorati | Furl | Newsvine