Both books were written by Elaine St. James in the 1990s. They are a tidy little size measuring just 5½ by 6 inches and averaging fewer than 300 pages each. You could read them both in an afternoon or two.
Ms. St. James was a high-powered real estate investor with a time management system the size of Texas. Her husband Wolcott Gibbs Jr. was an author and magazine editor. She briefly recounts what led to their decisions to sell the Big House, move closer to work to eliminate a four-hour commute, and declutter, declutter, declutter.
In the first book, she offers the reader 100 specific ways to simplify in the areas of home, lifestyle, finances, job, health, and personal life. Each suggestion comes with a brief essay on how she handled these simplifications. Here are some samples:
14. Get rid of your lawn.
22. Build a simple wardrobe.
33. If you don't like the holidays, bow out.
77. Spend one day a month in solitude.
93. Stop carrying a purse the size of the QE2.
I read this book when it was published and it was one of the few I could find then that gave concrete instructions on simplifying your life. Ms. St. James is spot on. I see that of the 100 suggestions, I have accomplished about 98 percent of them. (I didn't have a boat to get rid as per idea #21: Sell the damn boat.)
Her writing style is breezy and never preachy. She offers what has worked for her and relates her suggestions with a sense of humor.
In the second book, she once again inspires with 100 suggestions and relates her own experiences in scaling down an over-bought - and over-wrought - life. There is some overlap with the first book, but this second one takes a more in-depth look at our consumer society and gives the reader some things to think about before simplifying and pitfalls to watch out for during the process. It also includes a few responses from readers of her first book and how they took on the task of assessing their lives, deciding what was really important to them, and what they did about it.
This is all good stuff. For me, it was encouraging to see how many of my own changes have been in place for years. But, as we know, one can always simplify more.
Ms. St. James has another book, Inner Simplicity, that I am on the hunt for. A nice little trio of books to inspire and not take up too much room on the bookshelf. Keeping it simple.
I think I need that first book...not only because it's great advice, but because it's also funny. And who doesn't need a little of both?
ReplyDeleteLark, for some reason I find it soothing to read books about decluttering, simplifying, and making life as uncomplicated as possible. Both these fit the bill.
DeleteI read this quite a few years ago also, and coincidentally saw a copy at my library's bookstore recently. I didn't buy it, but now I'm reconsidering. I would like to reread and see what I incorporated into my life after reading it the first time.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kathy. Serendipity! I hope it is still there. I didn't find these books dated at all - except her suggestion to get rid of your car phone. Remember those?
DeleteGood stuff Belle!
ReplyDelete33. If you don't like the holidays, bow out.
Those of us who fall into this category love to hear this repeated again and again, thank you.However our society seems to label us as party poopers (and a lot worse!) failing to understand that most introverts find the added hoopla together with forced celebrations, parties, family dinners, breakfasts etc even in anticipation, are sensory overloads that makes us view December on the calender as akin to the month of the arrival of the Black-Death! Its funny you listed as next on your list: 77. Spend one day a month in solitude. In recent years I have finally said enough is enough and came out of the closet as a confirmed self-accepting introvert and so easily combine 33 and 77 and have never looked back.I do cheat as that "one day" morphs into many in December.
Thanks again Belle!
Ah, Tullik, #33 and #77 struck a nerve with me as well. I too have bowed out of the holidays...parties as well as gift giving. What a relief. But if I do want to attend a celebration or give a gift I feel free to but not obligated. Such a difference! Actually, of the examples I gave, I have incorporated all of them. And as you know, when it comes to solitude and silence, I am the Retreat Queen. I am not surprised that we are on the same page as far as the holidays and quiet times go. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteI love the idea of simplifying life. What I really need is a course in decluttering. It's too easy to stick things in a box and stow it away. I finally got rid of many papers, but the most difficult decision is how to weed our too many books.
ReplyDeleteKat, I have given up on decluttering the books. I just don't look at them as clutter any more. I just recycle and donate as the mood hits me. There are many books to inspire you to get rid of 'stuff'. Two of my favorites are "Unclutter Your Home" by Donna Smallin and "30 Days to a Simpler Life" by Connie Cox and Cris Evatt. Does that say something about me that I have, at last count, six books on simplifying and decluttering? I might want to take a look at that...
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