Montreal Simple Living
October 17, 2005
50 ways to simplify your life
1: Work where you live, live where you work.
2: Break your addiction to the news.
3: Go to bed early one night a week.
4: Keep asking,"Is this going to simplify my life?"
5: Learn to say no.
6: Get rid of clutter.
7: Define your values.
8: Give yourself permission to relax.
9: Screen your calls.
10: Limit your TV viewing.
11: Get a library card.
12: Set up automatic bill payments.
13: Move to a smaller house.
14: Become a volunteer.
15: Make "low maintenance" your motto.
16: Make room for spontaneity.
17: Be wary of "timesaving" electronic gadgets.
18: Find out where your money goes (every dollar - for a
full month).
19: Measure your spending versus how much fulfillment you
receive from it.
20: Cut back on debt.
21: Live beneath your means.
22: Make a to-do list.
23: Shop only when you have to.
24: Use the "transport cocktail" method (bus, biking,
car-pool, car-share, etc).
25: Buy a less expensive car, or no car.
26: Organize errands to reduce trips.
27: Join a barter club, or start you own.
28: Buy in bulk.
29: Buy quality, it'll last longer.
30: Buy second-hand.
31: Buy local products whenever possible.
32: Get a reusable bag.
33: Plan your meals ahead.
34: Decorate your home with natural objects.
35: Take advantage of the city's many free leisure
activities.
36: Get to know your neighbour (pool resources,
babysitting, etc).
37: Explore alternative living options (co-ops,
co-habitation, live-in, etc).
38: Explore different work arrangements (part-time, flex
time, self-employment, contract work, sabbatical, etc).
39: Find the right livelihood.
40: Seek quality, not quantity, in relationships.
41: Don't over-schedule your kids.
42: Favour potlucks over formal dinner invitations.
43: Develop self-reliance by learning new skills.
44: Use technology without becoming a slave to it.
45: Pack your own lunch.
46: Eat right & eat less.
47: Laugh often.
48: Connect with nature.
49: Don't keep up with the Joneses.
50: Attend monthly Montreal Simple Living sessions.