simplifying-- one step at a time.

I am in the middle of reading an inspiring "self-help" book. I thought I would wait until I finished to give a report, but I feel like sharing a bit today. It's called Simplicity Parenting and if that title alone doesn't make you interested, the caption under the title will: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids.

There is so much I could say about the beauty of this book, but I wanted to share the list given at the end of the first chapter, titled "Why Simplify". It reads:

Imagine your home...

• as a place where time moves a little slower.
• becoming less cluttered and more visually relaxing.
• with space, and time, for childhood-- and with time for one another everyday.
• having more ease as you begin to limit the distractions and to say no to the stress of too much, too fast, too soon.
• as a sense of calm and security to take hold.
• becoming a place where those we love know it, by virtue of our attention, protection and appreciation.
  

In a society that embraces speed, we must find ways to remove stresses, distractions and choices for our kids-- which are all forms of clutter. In the introduction chapter, it reads: This book is not about hidden dangers, quick fixes, or limited-time opportunities; it is about the long haul. The big picture: a reverence for childhood. That last passage "a reverence for childhood" has been in my mind for weeks now.

One way we've tried to simply our home is getting rid of the TV. It's been almost two months now that we've lived without cable & DVR. At first, I thought I was going to die. No Oprah to keep me company while I make dinner... no cartoons for the kids on Saturday mornings... no ESPN. We do have little rabbit ears that will pull in a few local channels and we can watch movies when we really want to veg, but our house is so much quieter and calmer. We have more time to read, play games, and just be together. The biggest change has come in our sleeping routine. We are in bed early and it feels so great! I know getting rid of television entirely is a bit drastic for most families, but we've slowly cut it out little by little until it seemed silly to be paying a cable bill. Obviously, this isn't a cure-all. But it's really helped our house become more of a home.

I have a lot I need to work on, and over the next few weeks, I will try my best to share some of my recent revelations. Reading this book has opened my eyes to little things I can do everyday to simplify our routine and bring more peace to our lives. Isn't that what everyone is looking for?