Miss Minimalist: Inspiration to Downsize, Declutter, and Simplify

40. Make one-pot meals, and drastically reduce your after-dinner cleanup.

82. Accept others for who they are. Live and let live, and you’ll have much less to worry about.

70. Choose your battles. There are thousands of little things that just aren’t worth fighting for—let them go.

75. Consolidate your tasks. It’s more efficient to do your ironing, pay your bills, and answer your emails in one sitting than in bits and pieces. 76. Consolidate your errands. Plan your visits to the grocery store, dry cleaners, post office, and other stops, so you can take care of it all in one trip. 77. Declutter your To Do list. Purge any unimporta

3. Go with the flow. Don’t try to control the events, things, or people in your life with an iron fist. You’ll feel much happier, and more serene, if you let things happen of their own accord.

62. Limit the number of blogs you read. When you subscribe to a new one, drop an old one, so as not to increase your time commitment.

84. Don’t meddle in other people’s business. Concentrate on keeping your own life in order, and don’t worry about everyone else’s.

But any good traveler will tell you that the magic happens when you let go of the reins, and let things unfold of their own accord. Take each day as it comes, and be surprised and delighted by what transpires.

Here’s an example of text to include: “I appreciate your generous spirit, but just wanted to let you know I have all the things I could possibly want. This year, I’d like to try something special: a stuff-free holiday. Instead of exchanging presents, let’s find other ways to enjoy this wonderful season together. We’ll each have one less gift to wor