Want to live a simpler life? It’s simple!

(This is part of a column originally published in The Leaven. For the entire column, click here.)

By Father Mark Goldasich

...I think we can all use a healthy dose of simplicity. Doesn’t it seem like there’s rarely downtime any more, now that we’re always “connected” via our cellphones and tablets? Even summers and vacations, which used to be times of simple rest and renewal, are often more taxing than relaxing.

A quick search of the Lifehack website yielded some of this baker’s dozen rules for living a simple life:

• Put God first in your life. Spend time daily with God. Speak to God about your joys and sorrows, dreams and disappointments. Don’t let work, sports or other leisure activities crowd God out of your schedule.
• Believe in yourself, but be aware of your limitations. Set realistic goals each day. Be mature enough, however, to own up when you make a mistake. After all, nobody is perfect.
• Declutter and simplify. Use everything in moderation. Spend less than you make, pay attention to your diet, and limit your “screen” time.
• Keep things in perspective. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember the words: “This too shall pass.”
• Treat others how they want to be treated. Don’t judge, be generous and do something nice for someone daily. Let others say “no,” and don’t pressure or guilt them into doing what you want.
• Have a positive mindset. Keep in mind the words of Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right!”
• Educate yourself. Keep up on your faith by reading. Learn something new every day.
• Surround yourself with supportive people.
• Banish the word “perfection.” Strive for excellence, not perfection. Most of the time, good enough is good enough.
• Fix it, or deal with it, but stop whining about it. Don’t blame others for your problems, make excuses or be overly sensitive. And, for Pete’s sake, don’t be a drama queen.
• Remember things that you’re grateful for.
• Be passionate about something. “Let’s go Royals!”

One final rule is in order: Don’t try to incorporate the above rules into your life all at once . . . or you can kiss sweet simplicity goodbye.