I experienced many unexpected events in the last four weeks. Most of them were sad, but nothing out of the ordinary. The normal issues of life and death. Every time a loved one dies, I take the time to reflect upon my life and take my inventory. I ask three questions. "Is my life working for me as it is?" "Is anything missing?" and "What can I improve?" After the most recent time of reflection, not much time passed before I had my answer - LESS IS MORE.

You're thinking "Okay, Barbara, what does that mean?" First, have you noticed that home improvement shows have overtaken much of TV programming? No matter what time of day you tune in, you will find a show dealing with getting organized, redesigning your home, or revamping your office. And, even department stores have picked up on the trend with whole departments dedicated to "getting organized." An extensive industry of organizing products caters to the disorganized. Folks have figured out there is plenty of money to be made helping people to get their lives in order. Even though I believe in professional organizers (remember, I am one) I believe the fad is a bit out of control.

How did people get or stay organized 20 years ago? What kinds of products did your parents or grandparents use? Did they panic when they could not use see-through containers? Did the lack of containers or gadgets mean people were less organized? Well, the easy answer is "YES." Yes, we need all those gadgets to keep us organized. Try this example. Without my _______ (you fill in the blank), I cannot function.

Perhaps this will disappoint you, but I am certain the answer to being organized is simply to have less stuff. Yes, it's as easy as that - just have less.

Instead of having 15 spring/summer suits perhaps you do equally well with 10. Instead of owning 20 pairs of shoes, you be better off with only 15. Did you know that we wear 20 percent of our clothing 80 percent of the time? So, why have all that stuff you don't like, don't use or doesn't fit ? Instead of collecting dust, you can choose to let go of things.

How about those gadgets you have? CDs you've not listened to in the last 10 years, books and magazines. What is the attraction of having stuff? Does it make you feel better, more secure, or more important? If it does, I am going to boldly suggest that you are not experiencing true security or comfort.

For example, keeping magazines and books that are rarely used. It is just as easy to get information from the library or on-line. Much of what we need is often just a dial or click away. Do you get the idea?

What about gifts and more important, those things we actually need? There are always exceptions. I am not suggesting you own NOTHING, but I do suggest you be mindful. Be sure you want what you want. If you want a simpler life you must take action to make it so. Owning things requires you to take care of them-to dust them, insure them, secure them and maybe even worry about them. If you have LESS, then you take care of LESS.

Here are guidelines to help establish your need for having or keeping items. Ask yourself the following questions. Do I love it ? Does it bring me joy? Do I use is regularly? Do I need to keep this for tax or legal purpose? The answers will help you to simplify your life.

Take a chance at change, let go and see what the universe brings to you.

"Drive thy business or it will drive thee."

    Benjamin Franklin

Spend at least two hours this month simplifying. If you have nothing to simplify - make a list of items to repair - and then take care of them.

"Imagination is
more important
than knowledge. "

Albert Einstein