“Just because we have our eyes open, doesn't mean we are awake.” - Richard Wilkins

Simplify: Reclaiming Your Life with Conscious Choices

In our (allegedly) mega connected lives, there is "noise" everywhere leading us to distraction and reactivity, feeling overwhelmed, feeling lost and drained which seem to be a constant in our daily hectic lives. We operate on autopilot not even noticing how the need to progress and to perform has taken over. We are bombarded with distractions of information we don't need, demands that are other people's helping us successfully lose sight of who we are and what truly matters and gives us meaning.

We all want to be in the "driver's seat" of our lives with the destination to "finally getting there" but most of us find ourselves in the "passenger seat" - being driven by everything and everyone but our own choices.

But what if we could simplify our lives by making conscious choices about where our focus and our energy go?

Let's explore how we can reclaim the feeling of aliveness and being at peace with ourselves by redirecting our focus, raising awareness, taking self-agency, and building sustainable structures in our day-to-day existence.

Raising Awareness: The First Step to Simplification

The journey to simplification begins with awareness. Start by noticing what drains our energy: repetitive, negative thoughts? Blaming, complaining and judgement of others? Scrolling senselessly through unhelpful social media, watching reality TV, or engaging in activities that numb (shopping, drinking, etc) instead of supporting our well-being and mental expansion? By becoming aware of these energy drains, we can start making intentional choices about what we allow into your life that feels nurturing and brings joy. Raising our awareness will allow us to focus on our desires, discover our potential and give us the direction that we are seeking to move towards to.

Ask yourself: What am I consuming? How does it make me feel? If something leaves you feeling depleted or negative, it’s time to reconsider its place in your life. Awareness empowers you to focus on what truly matters.

Focusing on Self: Building a Foundation of Self-agency

Focusing on ourselves isn’t selfish; it is essential. This is what allows us to self-agency or building a relationship with ourselves, instead of blindly following learned, inherited or societal norms, believes or behaviours. Meaning we are no longer relying on others or outside circumstances to make us feel good about ourselves but we get to know ourselves, accept ourselves and practice self-compassion that nurtures us. Really seeing ourselves instead of dismissing and postponing ourselves because we believe what our negative voice is implying. It means prioritizing our mental fitness, emotional states and physical health.

Starting by simplifying and creating small rituals that nourish us and enhance our awareness, limiting or even cutting the unhelpful "noise". Whether it’s a morning meditation, a walk in nature, or journaling, a little dance or a yoga practice or simple body stretch, these practices help you connect with your inner self.

Building structures in your days, weeks, months and even quarterly by creating space for ourselves is crucial. And allowing flexibility instead of remaining rigid. Make time each week reflecting on what’s working and what’s not. This reflection helps you make adjustments that align with your needs, intentions and desires. Over time, these small changes build into a sustainable lifestyle that supports your well-being and well-feeling.

Embracing Courage and Resilience

Simplifying our lives requires courage and a dose of curiosity. It means facing the negative voices in our heads telling us we are not good enough or that change is too hard. But remember, courage isn’t about being fearless or reckless; it’s about taking action despite the fear and even discovering the two sides of fear. The fear that is threatening and paralysing and the fear that is exhilarating, the fear that overcomes us when we feel we expand our presence, when we get out of our comfort zone and gain more energy as a result, the fear that overcomes us when we inhabit a larger space than we are used to.

Resilience isn't about building barriers or walls for protection but the capacity to remain flexible and an openness to recover quickly from difficulties and toughness just like an elastic object springs back into shape. Resilience becomes a natural byproduct when we learn how not to listen to our negative voice, taking self-agency and allowing self-nurturing, self compassion and self-worth to take its place.

Creating Space Instead of Boundaries

Setting boundaries - although true and necessary, implies we are building a barrier, something slightly aggressive, something that is hard to do because we have to exclude people. And often we give up on "seeting boundaries" because we are waiting for permission to do so.

Therefore, think about creating space. This subtle shift in mindset can make a big difference. Space allows for flexibility, growth and expansion. It is also inclusive and available to everyone. Space is giving you focus and room to breathe and adapt. It’s about making room for what truly matters while letting go of what doesn’t serve you.

Practicing Gratitude and Self-Love

Gratitude and self-love are the powerful tools for simplification. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what is already abundantly available in our lives. Taking a moment each day to reflect on what we are grateful for will not only make us feel good but also allowing us to expand our mental capacity. This practice can transform our mindset and help us appreciate the present moment.

Self-love means treating ourselves with kindness and compassion. It’s about recognizing our worth and taking care of our needs. When we love ourselves, we naturally make choices that honor our well-being.

Incorporating Conscious Choosing in Everything

Finally, practice conscious choosing in everything we think and do. This means being aware and paying attention of the thoughts that influence us and realizing that our thoughts create our feelings. Our negative thoughts usually run on autopilot letting us believe everything, even if that thought drains our energy and makes us miserable influencing our decision making. By paying close attention to the thoughts we produce and how we feel as a result, we can learn how to redirect our thoughts, meaning we consciously choose. And choosing as a result will take us closer to our desires and intention we have for our work, life and relationships.

Simplifying your life is an ongoing process of raising awareness, focusing on ourselves, noticing and making conscious choices. It’s about building structures that support your well-being and having the courage and resilience to stay true to your path. By creating space, practicing gratitude and self-love, and consciously choosing your thoughts and actions, you can reclaim your life and find more meaning, fulfillment, and joy. Start today by taking small steps towards a simpler, more intentional life. You deserve it.