Elaine St. James, a pioneer in simplifying life, wrote the bestselling book “Simplify Your Life” in the early 90s. In the book, she shares 100 ways to embrace simplicity and focus on the things that truly matter. St. James and her husband believed that living simply meant reducing the scale, maintaining comfort, eliminating complexity, and minimizing time demands. Her advice, which still resonates with experts today, includes living on half of what you earn, downsizing, and simplifying your wardrobe.
One of St. James’ key suggestions is to downsize where you can. This includes decluttering your home by getting rid of items you haven’t used in over a year. She also recommends moving to a smaller house that is easier to manage and considering driving a simpler car to reduce expenses. Another suggestion is to have a staycation, where you spend time at home or explore your local community. St. James found that some of her most enjoyable vacations were spent at home, visiting art galleries, museums, and parks in her town.
St. James also encourages people to consider getting a side hustle by turning their hobbies into a source of income. She gives the example of her friend Sandra, who discovered a passion for sculpting and started selling her work at local art shows. Additionally, St. James advocates for practicing mindfulness, suggesting spending one day a month in solitude to alleviate everyday pressures. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on one task at a time and taking time to watch the sunset as a simple yet meaningful practice.
The concept of a side hustle, popularized in recent years, was already a part of St. James’ advice in the early 90s. She believed that pursuing a hobby as a job could provide fulfillment and additional income. St. James also highlighted the benefits of mindfulness practices, such as spending time in solitude and focusing on the present moment. By simplifying their lives, individuals can reduce stress, save money, and appreciate the little things that bring joy and fulfillment.
St. James’ timeless advice on simplifying your life and focusing on what truly matters aligns with modern recommendations for wellness and mindfulness. By decluttering, downsizing, and embracing a simpler lifestyle, individuals can reduce stress and find joy in everyday activities. St. Whether it’s decluttering your space, having a staycation, pursuing a side hustle, or practicing mindfulness, incorporating these principles from “Simplify Your Life” can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
