They say, “Variety is the spice of life.” And yes, I can agree, taking chances, making changes, and trying new things can be a very good thing, but I also strongly believe that keeping things the same is a good thing. In fact, I think that keeping it the same is a great way to keep it simple.
Consider 3 areas in your life where you might keep it the same to keep it simple.
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Food
Almost every day I eat a salad for lunch. I shared this little tidbit in a previous post called 7 things I do to make my life a little easier. Instead of staring into the fridge or rifling through the cupboards, I get out my salad greens and various toppings to create my tasty lunch salad. Boring? Not to me. Simple? For sure!
When it comes to my kids’ school lunches I also keep it the same. Their lunch containers have handy dividers that help me pack with a consistent system: a waffle or bagel sandwich in one, fruit in another and veggies in the third. Throw in a water bottle and a bonus item, and there you have it! A simple lunch is complete! I don’t have to try to overthink school lunches each day. I keep it the same to keep it simple.
For meal prep & more check out these posts:
Why My Kids Bring Their Lunch to School
The 5 Tasks You Should Do Before You Grocery Shop
Clothing
Have you ever heard of the 10 item wardrobe? It’s essentially a seasonal wardrobe consisting of 10 key items paired with a few extras. It’s a popular minimalist approach to clothing. Why is this approach so appealing? It simplifies things. You have a small assortment of items that fit well and make you feel good. No more standing in front of an over-stuffed closet for the better half of the morning (while still) complaining that you have nothing to wear. No more ill-fitting clothes that remain in your wardrobe “just in case”.
Although I don’t have a 10 item wardrobe I have been trying to be more intentional about what items I add to my closet. I have also been quick to remove items that don’t look good or ones I no longer wear. A more minimalist closet is a type of “keeping it the same”. If you know that a certain style of jeans look good on you then get rid of the other styles. Keep it the same. If you love to wear t-shirts and cardigans then get rid of the button downs that are shoved in the back of your closet. Keep it the same. If you have 30 pairs of shoes but consistently wear the same 3 then get rid of the other 27. Keep it the same.
For more on clothing, check out these:
$10 credit towards your first thredUP clothing purchase
Got 15 Minutes? Bedroom Closet Organization
What I Do with the Clothes I Purge from my Closet
Daily Routines
Daily routines seem to be the most basic way you can keep it the same to keep it simple. I’m a big fan of routines. Routines are not as rigid as schedules, in my opinion, but they do provide a rhythm to your day. Do you have a morning routine? An after school routine? An evening routine? In my last post I shared 5 tasks to do before bedtime to prepare for the next day; those tasks are basically an evening routine. Doing them each evening is keeping it the same. If you have not implemented some general routines into your schedule, taking one part of the day and choosing 3-5 things you do each day around that time might be the perfect place and way to start! A routine is a way to keep it the same. Keeping it the same is a great way to keep it simple!
These are just 3 areas in your life where you might begin thinking about keeping it the same. Keeping it the same keeps things simple. And keeping things simple is just one of the many ways to make life just a little less busy.
What about you? In what areas of your life are you keeping it the same to keep it simple?
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Until next time,
Charissa
I eat the same breakfast every morning. There is no guessing how long it will take or how involved it will be (or how long until I get hungry again). The kids can usually only chose between 2 breakfast items, they know this so there isn’t any back and forth, or me making a different breakfast for everyone.
Nice, idea, Jessica. I think breakfast and lunch are the perfect meals to keep the same!
All of these ideas are so helpful. Sometimes I over think things and these simple reminders help to keep things in perspective and remember to simplify. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome, Jenna! For me, less choices/changes equal less stress and a simpler life!