Remember studying Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs in high school? It seemed pretty simple. Once our basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and security were met, we start advancing up the pyramid to three more levels: social needs (love, entertainment, community), self-worth (ego satisfaction, recognition), and finally, self-realization (personal/spiritual growth, contributing to mankind). Chances are, if you’re an American woman, you’re somewhere in the top three tiers of the pyramid, and if you’re like most women, you’re stuck in the gridlock between self-worth and self-realization (the ego doesn’t like to be left behind).

Our ego, which has the grip of a fierce undertow dragging us under the water, wave after wave, is one of the by-products of our rich American culture where self-worth is often measured by the material things we have.

It’s difficult to simplify our purchases when we succumb so easily to pressure from commercials, friends and family. “What would they all think if I don’t have the latest, greatest, biggest?” It’s important to distinguish between needs and wants, however, life would be no fun if you only bought what you needed. If you keep your purchases to 50% needs and 50% wants, you’ll live a pretty modest life. If you slide the scale to 80/20, you’ll simplify even more. Anything below that will probably have you living in a tree house!

Your home is a great place to simplify—not only the size of it but what’s inside. My friend, Jillian, is an expert in Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement of items in your environment to maximize the flow of positive energy (chi). Although she balances chi by adding certain things (crystals, plants, photos) to homes and offices, much of what she recommends to clients is taking away items to reduce clutter and create more organized, cleaner spaces. The effects on your life can be remarkable.

Once you simplify the environment in which you live or work, your life naturally flows more easily and happily. And why stop with material items? Perhaps there are people in your life that are cluttering your space as well. Do you really need them, or is it time to move on? Many women think they need a man in their life to be complete. If you’re in a stressful relationship, think of how free you’ll feel once you end it. Freedom from any type of clutter in your life (whether it’s human, animal, mineral or your ego) opens up blocked areas. A simpler life allows you to use, appreciate and enjoy everything you have, without the added stress of clutter, but with more than enough space at any given time to add in the things and people that bring you pleasure. That’s when the Goddess finally reaches the top of the pyramid: self-realization.

5 Ways to Simplify:

• Clean up your house clutter and donate what you don’t want, need or use.

• End relationships that aren’t working anymore.

• Don’t live on credit only—buy what you can truly afford.

• Trade money for time, and always choose time!

• Try not to be a slave to your mortgage.

Excerpted from the book: The Goddess of Happiness, A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss

Debbie Gisonni, aka The Goddess of Happiness™, is an author (The Goddess of Happiness: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss and Vita’s Will: Real Life Lessons about Life Death & Moving On), speaker, happiness expert and columnist for iVillage.com. Contact: http://www.goddessofhappiness.com

Copyright, All Rights Reserved, Debbie Gisonni

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