Remember studying Maslows 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 youre an American woman, youre somewhere in the top three tiers of the pyramid, and if youre like most women, youre stuck in the gridlock between self-worth and self-realization (the ego doesnt 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.

Its difficult to simplify our purchases when we succumb so easily to pressure from commercials, friends and family. What would they all think if I dont have the latest, greatest, biggest? Its 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, youll live a pretty modest life. If you slide the scale to 80/20, youll simplify even more. Anything below that will probably have you living in a tree house!

Your home is a great place to simplifynot only the size of it but whats 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 youre in a stressful relationship, think of how free youll feel once you end it. Freedom from any type of clutter in your life (whether its 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. Thats 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 dont want, need or use.

End relationships that arent working anymore.

Dont live on credit onlybuy what you can truly afford.

Trade money for time, and always choose time!

Try not to be a slave to your mortgage.