A is for Acceptance: A-Z of Simple Living

This January, we're taking an in-depth look at the why and how of simplicity with the A-Z of Simple Living. If you want to make 2015 the year you create a simpler, slower life, why not join us? Before you can make sweeping and lasting changes to your home and life, you need to understand where you're coming from.You need to accept your current circumstances, limitations, strengths and weaknesses.If you don't start out from a place of acceptance, all the work you put in to creating a simpler, slower life will be overshadowed by feelings of inadequacy, guilt and comparison.

A is for Acceptance:

1. Accept that where you are is where you are.That may be a family with 3 young kids, a single mum with a teenager, a retired grandmother...Until you accept the place you're currently in, it will prove almost impossible to make meaningful changes to your life as you will be too busy feeling inadequate!2. Accept who you are - your strengths and weaknesses.I don't mean you should stop improving yourself, stop learning, stop attaining new skills. But don't try to squish your square shape into that round hole any more. Some things will prove easier for you than for others, some things will be harder. Accept it and move on.3. Accept your limitations.Both personal and circumstantial. Somethings are just not possible given your current situation.Take pride in the fact that you are working with what you've got and doing what you can.4. Accept that you will be making changes to your life gradually.Deliberately, mindfully, intentionally. These changes are more likely to stick when applied intentionally - even if that means it takes longer.5. Accept that there will always be more you can do.Always.So stop trying to reach the finish line in the shortest time possible. The finish line keeps moving and this is not a race. If there was one thing you needed to learn to accept in your life, what would it be?Me? That I can't possibly do everything (all at once).