It’s “O” week – with 11 weeks to year-end in the SimpleSizeMe Marathon – and a twist starting next week (below).
Options & Opt Out & Optimum- Paralyzing and exhausting is what options are. Sound unexpected? The Paradox of Choice is a 2004 landmark book by Professor Barry Schwartz who says maximizers are victims of abundance (WSJ). He notes that we’re now witnessing too much depression in a time of plenty leading us to set unreasonably high expectations and question our choices before we even make them. We live in a too-much world. Narrow your options, Schwartz says, and you’ll be happier.
Outdated – Go to your medicine or kitchen cabinet or closet and toss to your heart’s content. Chances are, much is expired or outdated What about your thinking? Ancient ideas need a refresh button. Consider Pope Francis and the new thinking he has introduced to the Catholic Church. Can you change any of your thinking in a similar way?
Organize & Order – Banish boxes and bins. Less stuff means fewer vessels for holding stuff. Professional organizers say start with eliminating, reducing, tossing, deleting first. SimpleSize. Organize. Order.
Offload – Yesterday, I walked 2 miles carrying my body and a 5 pound bag. What a load to mail a package! A reminder that offloading excess lightens not only the literal poundage – but also the mental weight. I felt a positive lift offloading the package. Hmmmm…Before the Holidays, I should offload my traveling weight that I didn’t offset with enough exercise. A great guideline: 1 comes in, 2 go out.
Okra – A vegetable I’ve opted out of. Can anyone offer a recipe I would like? It’s just too slippery for me.
Old – When you get to be older, you can dispense advice – whether you’re asked for it or not! ( as this blog does:) Old means experience and hindsight that magnify your bounty and offer clearer perspective to see what really matters to you.
HOPE to see you next week for “P” … when I’ll put a little twist on the last 10 weeks!