Inside: A Soulful Simplicity book excerpt!  Read a short excerpt from the new book, Soulful Simplicity, How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More.

Do you want to learn how to slow down and live with less? Click over to read this excerpt from the new book Soulful Simplicity

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One of my biggest role models in the simple living and minimalism world is Courtney Carver from Be More With Less.  Her blog was one of the first blogs that I read when I started learning about simplifying my life.  Her posts are so genuine and knowledgeable and she is full of nothing but support for the newbies out there!

I am so excited to let you all know that she recently published a new book called Soulful Simplicity, How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More! This is one of the 12 books that I plan to read as part of my 2018 reading challenge!  I have heard very good things about this book and cannot wait to dig in!

In Soulful Simplicity, Courtney shares her story in moving from a stressful, cluttered, busy life that led to a devastating diagnosis to a life with better health, more space, time, and love. Each section of the book is packed with practical suggestions too so you can create your own soulful simplicity.

Courtney has graciously allowed me to share a short excerpt from her new book with you today!!

Keep scrolling to read a Soulful Simplicity book excerpt.


Do you want to learn how to slow down and live with less? Click over to read this excerpt from the new book Soulful Simplicity

The Busy Boycott—a Twenty-one-day Challenge to Help You Slow Down

Busyness has become more pervasive than clutter in complicating our lives. We have plenty of decluttering strategies, but what should we do about our busy lives? I’d like to suggest a busy boycott. You might not think you have time for a revolution right now, but if you ever want time for a life that matters, this is the right time to revolt.

Try the following twenty-one-day challenge and practice each of these three simple steps for seven days each.

1.  Stop talking about it  (Days one–seven)

For all that is good and holy, let’s stop telling each other how busy we are. Perhaps, if we can physically remove the word busy from the conversation, we can stop thinking about it so much. When you tell someone how busy you are, you remind yourself too. You might feel busier than you actually are. Not only that, but often “I’m so busy” comes across as “I’m too busy for you.”

For the next seven days, ban the word busy from your vocabulary. This may be more challenging than you think. When you catch yourself mid-sentence using the word busy, use it as an opportunity to change your response and the conversation.

Tip: Avoid hearing the word busy by asking better questions. Instead of “How are you?” try “What made you smile today?” My daughter often asks, “Did anything interesting happen today?” By changing the questions and conversation, you open up space for connection.

Do you want to learn how to slow down and live with less? Click over to read this excerpt from the new book Soulful Simplicity

2.  Do less. (Days eight–fourteen)

Instead of searching for more efficient ways to do it all, do less. Say no, and protect your time for what matters most to you. Work with people who want your best, not your busiest. Stop comparing your lists, your life, and your love.

Every day for the next seven days, eliminate one thing from your calendar or to-do list. Don’t postpone it, let it go. If you are really worried about missing something, write it down and put it in an envelope. If you don’t miss it or even remember it at the end of the week, toss the envelope.

Tip: Know your strengths. What do you do best? What can you delegate or release completely?

Do you want to learn how to slow down and live with less? Click over to read this excerpt from the new book Soulful Simplicity

3.  Linger longer. (Days fifteen–twenty-one)

A busy life says, “Hurry up! You’re falling behind. Do more!” A slow one says, “You can stop now. It’s okay to be still and listen to your soul or stop to say a prayer in the warmth of the sunshine.” There is no guilt in self-care, and no shame in lingering or waking up slowly.

Slowing down supports your commitment to create and protect your newfound time and space. Savor good food, conversation, and beautiful views. Fall in love. Smile. Breathe. Then, fall in love again.

Tip: Lose the guilt. Instead of thinking about the opposite of busyness as laziness, consider that the opposite of a busy life is a full, intentional life.

If busyness has compromised your health, relationships, or work or if it has silenced your soul, take action with a busy boycott. With more demands on our time, the advances in modern-day technology, and our desire to be seen, accomplished, and important, the pressure is on to do more with less. Instead, join me, boycott busy and be more with less.


Courtney, thank you so much for sharing this excerpt with us today!!  I know I am looking forward to learning more from you in this new book!

If you would like to buy your own copy of the book, head hereto buy from Amazon.  You can also download Chapter 1 of the book for free here.

Do you want to learn how to slow down and live with less? Click over to read this excerpt from the new book Soulful Simplicity

More from Courtney

Courtney has been writing about simplicity and minimalism for a LONG time!  She has a ton of knowledge and expertise in this area and there is much to learn from her.

Project 333

If you need help simplifying your wardrobe, this is the e-course and challenge to try today!  I wrote about my experience with the challenge here and highly highly recommend anyone giving it a try!  It made me look at my clothes differently and I think you’ll have a similar experience!

Learn more and sign up here.

Simple Year e-course

This is a year-long e-course that takes you on a journey to simplify 12 areas of your life, one area per month.  Each month has a different simplicity expert to teach you and engage with you on the various topics.  I completed the journey in 2017 and learned SO MUCH about simplicity and about how I approach this way of living.  I encourage anyone who needs or wants that support and community to help simplify your life.  This was A+ in my book!

Learn more and get on the waitlist here.

Be More With Less Blog

Courtney published her first post in 2010!!  You could browse her archives for hours (and I have done that!). Here are some of my favorite articles to get you started:

Capsule Wardrobe Challenge: 5 Things You’ll Gain by Dressing with Less

Decluttering 101: 10 Rules to Help You Live with Less Stuff

20-Second Hug Effect: trade stress and busyness for love and happiness

Other Books Written by Courtney

Have you read Soulful Simplicity yet?

Let me know what you thought!  If not, get your copy here. 🙂

Do you want to learn how to slow down and live with less? Click over to read this excerpt from the new book Soulful Simplicity

Do you want to learn how to slow down and live with less? Click over to read this excerpt from the new book Soulful Simplicity Do you want to learn how to slow down and live with less? Click over to read this excerpt from the new book Soulful Simplicity

 

10 Comments on Soulful Simplicity Book Excerpt: 21 Day Challenge to Slow Down

  1. This book sounds like a really good read. I will download the first chapter and check it out. I am in the process of slowing down and trying to enjoy life a little more.

  2. Sounds like an interesting book. Here’s my honest question though…if people try to fill their lives with stuff and don’t find fulfillment, will people who try to eliminate stuff from their lives have any more success? Maybe fulfillment doesn’t have anything to do with stuff but with our level of gratitude for what we have whether it be more or less.

    • Hi Alexandra! That is a very interesting question and thought about simplicity and decluttering! Thank you for bringing it up here! I agree that gratitude is an important aspect of a fulfilling life. From my experience when focusing on gratitude on a daily basis, I found that I was more aware of the things that I truly valued. The rest of the stuff was just stuff and usually just in the way. So why not get rid of those things that are just in the way and probably causing angst every time you have to pick up or step over them? Just food for thought. Would be curious what you think!

  3. I have been looking for a positive book to read with all the negativity going on in the world today. I’ve added Courtney Carver’s “Soulful Simplicity” to my reading list. Thank you for the recommendation.

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