From the kiwi point of view

books:


	• Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter Elaine st James Hyperion Books, 1997 - 256 pages average customer review:based on 46 reviews view larger image
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Simplify Your Life

This book is the first of several by Elaine St. James that attempts to show how one can get rid of clutter from their daily life and change mundane rountines so we somehow gain the benefits of a simplified life. While I agree with some of her points, namely get out of debt and change spending habits, some of her other suggestions appear to be either unrealistic or unobtainable.

I cut down on errands to one or two outings per week, but managing my recyclables is not really going to add much benefit to my life. I collect my plastics, papers, and cans and put them at the curb every other week. What else can I do? I do agree that I won't be a slave to either my yard or my job. Oddly enough she says nothing about the spiritual life, which is one area I've been focusing on in recent years. Maybe she thinks the spiritual life is not worth commenting upon.

Anyway, this is a quick book to read and it does help one reflect on their own life, but it really should be taken with a grain of salt. I keep my clothes closet up to date while my wife has stuff in her closet from twenty years of marriage.

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Simplicity at it's best

Everyone should have a copy of Simplify Your Life as a reminder how full our lives become with everything that isn't necessary. Elaine St. James does a wonderful job of organizing the different areas of life and highlighting places to simplify.

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Simply Terrific

I read this book about 10 years ago, and it changed my life. I made a few small changes and a few big ones, and I couldn't have done it too soon. I recently read it again and confirmed that I am still doing somethings to simplify but needed to re-simplify in other ways. You may agree with all, some, or none of the points, but it is really a good way to get you thinking about how you could be doing things differently in your life. I also bought a few copies to loan or give out to people I care enough about to see leading a happy and simple life.

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From the kiwi point of view

This book has been invaluable as I work towards simplifying my life and being able to enjoy myself more and know what enough is! Being from a small country like New Zealand, we end up so far removed from the rest of the world yet greatly influenced by what we see on TV. I now know that enough is when you have time to do what you want and can still find pleasure in the small things like a walk in the park. Thank you Elaine for writing a treasure that can be used all your life and from which you can pick and choose what to implement into your life.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

This is the audio version of Elaine St. James' first bestselling book, Simplify Your Life. St. James shows us how to reduce the clutter in our lives, from cleaning out our closets to canceling newspaper subscriptions. Full of hints and anecdotes, listening to this audiobook is the perfect way to help you map out a plan to un-complicate your life. St. James shares her wisdom and insight and explains exactly how to save time and energy and leave more room open for the things you really enjoy.

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