I have been thinking a lot about simplicity and ways I can simplify my life.
In the past, I prided myself on my efficiency. Now I am honoring simplicity. When I have a few minutes between appointments rather than accomplishing a task, I am focusing on using that time to relax and breathe deeply. I find that these are moments that I savor and am then motivated to create them more frequently. Surprisingly, they are sometimes the most enjoyable of my day.
I am embracing silence rather than filling quiet spaces with the radio or even music.
Before I begin a new project even a small one, I take some time to consider the best way to go about it. Upon completion, I try to take a moment to acknowledge the accomplishment as well as anything I may have learned from that project.
I am learning to be more patient. Those who know me know that I love to talk, and I respond quickly when I’m in conversations. Recently, I heard someone suggest waiting 30 seconds to respond in conversation. Now, I have not become that patient! However I am waiting 10 seconds after the person finishes speaking to begin my response. At the very least, it reduces the amount of interruptions and lets the speaker feel heard and not rushed. My inner New Yorker has trouble with this but in the long run I know it will be helpful.
