In my time class we’ve been talking about how difficult it is not to stay super busy. Often people feel so guilty when they slow down. It’s usually because they are listening to these kinds of beliefs:

• I show my value by how much I get done
• Working hard is more important than who I am
• Imperfection will make me less lovable.

A speaker in my Sunday School class today was talking about playing horse with the grandkids. They don’t care how hard he works or what is does. They love him for him and all they want is for him to be present.

But, you have to work through the programming most of us grew up with to be present, to slow down, to simplify.

We are valuable because we are, not because of what we do.

It’s not better to be a hurried, impatient person just because you get more done.

People love us, but not because of what we do or because we do everything right. People love us to connect.

What beliefs do you want to play with sorting out?

How you think about yourself as a housekeeper can affect how you care for your home.

If "other people" have the pretty, organized homes you are less likely to have that kind of home.

If you think you are disorganized, lazy, scattered you are more likely to act that way.

In my classes, we talk a lot about breaking through the beliefs that are holding you back. The beliefs that limit you. That tell you what is possible.

Organizing, cleaning and decluttering are much more about habits that who you are as a person. I was not "born organized". I needed to learn skills and habits to live the life I wanted. And you can too.

What do you need to believe to experience a simpler, saner life?

I don’t get more done when I hurry.

I can create habits that support me.

I desire a more peaceful home.

I can create the atmosphere in my home.

Notice your beliefs regarding you and your home.

When I coach or teach people, the ones that make the most progress are the ones that bring the lessons deep inside. Simplifying or any other change works better if the changes are internal as well as external.

Photo by Jeff Dargis

You can do all the time tricks in the book, but if you are still rushing to please some inner critic or because you feel you aren’t good enough you may not slow down. You need to figure out the internals. Notice what is happening.

You can work on decluttering, but if you haven’t dealt with the belief that ‘more is better’ it’s going to be a tough battle.

If you simplify your life without figuring out your values, you may be living a simplified, but boring life. One that is not for you.

Paying off your debt is great, but until you know why you got in debt in the first place you may be in the same place in a couple of years.

If you don’t practice saying no because you are afraid people won’t like you, you will always have too much to do.

Which part of simplifying gives you the most trouble? What underlying beliefs can you question?

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After writing this, I ran across this video from Brene Brown on Listening to Shame. Very helpful in seeing what might be underneath your shell.