Simplicity, Health, Money, Time, and Life Satisfaction.

 I have an autoimmune disease that for twenty years I mostly try to ignore until I can't. You would think after twenty years I would learn but alas it seems no. I take for granted when I feel good that I can do things, all of the things and so then I plan them, I do them and then I am in bed and hurting and wondering why I am so bull headed. *I have a host of diagnosis from thyroid disease to arthritis to a bunch of other odd ball stuff but as one of my doctor puts it "It's all autoimmune". Basically my bodies immune system turns and attacks me and stress is my main trigger. Did I mention I am a "Stress Management Specialist?". We clinicians are the worst patients.

Several months we were slow at work due to working in the medical field and people wanting to wait till the first of the year to start on a new deductible (I work in cardiac and cancer rehabilitation services). I thought I was handling the down time well enjoying a less hurried schedule and in the midst of this I said yes to hosting & teaching a large workshop. My personality is when I do something I go 150% and try to make it perfect.  I will make myself sick working to much. So the workshop has ended and it was a great success (I do love the people) and I am now on a 12 day work streak, staying in bed until I have to get dressed to go to the clinic and coming back home and going to bed.
Taking advantage of the downtime I hauled my work, my rat terrier, and my laptop to my bed. I am spending these days doing what I can from the bed and thanking the universe for the internet.

Here is what I am doing in the process of trying to bring back simplicity into my life.

1. I said "No" to another workshop offer and said "I am honored however, I cannot take on anymore until fall at which time I will then consider where my schedule is.". Because this means less income I have to find ways to save and be creative.
2. I am going through all my bills to see what subscriptions and memberships I can cancel and where I can save money. I cancelled my Microsoft acct to use Google Docs (Free), I cancelled my email list and will use social media and targeted small emails but since I plan to take time off I don't plan on sending many anyway. Saved $21.00 a month.
3. Paid off a car worth about $7000 and I am cancelling full coverage and going to liability (I keep $7000 in an account to replace it). Savings $600 a year. Sold two cars in the past two months which saves a ton on insurance and taxes and I put the money in savings. We had four cars due to our business, we are down to two that are 11 and 12 years old. I expect this total savings is well over $100 a month.
4. I am on what I can call a conscious spending plan. Every expense is thought through before buying. I plan on buying a new pair of jeans. I have the cash saved up for them, they are expensive but I've been needing a good pair so I saved $100 for them. I am not doing other shopping right now. We did go out to eat but we picked the cheaper restaurant (a coffee house with vegan food) and I drink water and we didn't do any fancy add on things. We pack most of our meals and cook at home but again I am in bed and hurting so my energy is zapped.
5. I will begin to focus on exercise (staring light today) and good healthy food is always a focus, also now that the weather is nicer more hiking. I plan to go this weekend for a one mile outdoor walk.
6. This may sound odd but I am allowing myself mindless t.v. time. I work and I work hard. I exercise, eat right, pay my bills, volunteer and sometimes I just want to veg and not think. I do not feel guilty for watching a movie or a few hours of t.v. after all my daily to do list is checked off. In the summer we hardly turn the t.v. on because we live on a farm and there is so much to do. So now I allow myself this pleasure, no guilt.
7. Cutting out the unnecessary. I ask myself the question "What needs to be done today?", "What can wait?", "What do I feel like doing based on the energy I have to give today?".
8. I am also now in the stage of life  I call  "Preservation Mode". I started my career at age 30 and I will be 50 this year. I have built it, they came and now I want to serve those folks better. This means focusing on what is built not building more, literally or otherwise. We have three businesses (roofing, Air B & B, and my yoga business which includes 20 plus weekly hours as a medical yoga therapist, yoga speaking engagements and royalties from two books and contributing to other media). See why I have to say no to more?! Nuts right.

What do you do to bring simplicity back when you feel you have lost it?

Love,
Courtney