Last semester and year I felt as if I had over committed myself to work, school, relationships and extra curricular type things. And at the end of it all I was completely exhausted and my body was worn out. This whole idea to live simple took root around finals week in December when I was in the process of moving downstairs into a much smaller room and had to really prioritize and purge what I owned. Now that I've been living here for over a month I've fallen in love with the simplicity of my space, which has transferred over into other aspects of life.

Here are my top five ways that I've found myself to simplify my life for 2014 and am continuing to work on daily.

1. // Be Present 
After deciding I could graduate a semester early and newly being admitted into the Honors Program I started feeling like I had missed out on so much of college from transferring schools a few times, and now I'd be leaving in two and a half more semesters. I felt like I was finally settled and connected. Then it clicked, I need to be present in every day I'm on campus or studying or out in the classroom. Staying present has helped me stay in the moment of college life and not regret anything, clique I know, but it honestly is true.

2. // Learn To Say No 
To be honest, this is difficult for me. I am a person pleaser and HATE having to say no to someone because I feel like I'm going to disappoint them or they're going to find me flakey. But, I've started to really work on saying no, for example being asked to babysit on a weekend that I know I have an exam the following week or a huge assignment/project has really helped me stay balanced and refreshed. Not only that but my body has thanked me for not going 100 miles an hour.

3. // Clear the Desk 
I do this daily at work and home. I find it to be one of the easiest ways to start anything with a fresh mind and attitude.

4. // Spend Time Alone
I love this one and would add journaling/devotional time into it as well.

5. // Yoga & Exercise 
Every time I pull out my mat or am finished with a session, I always feel more energized, calm and refreshed. There is something about yoga and focusing on your breathing and the movement of your body that puts life's craziness on the back burner. I find myself less stressed when I'm done and overall in a much happier mood.

The unfolding of Your words gives light; 
It gives understanding to the simple. 
-Psalm 119:130 


*If you would like a fuller list of ways to simple living, check out where I was inspired by here:
 http://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/