One of the best ways to stay focused on improving your life is to define a set of principles to live by. These principles then become the default for when you are not sure on a decision or path to take.
Here are the principles we use to guide us along our Sanity Plan (not sure what a Sanity Plan is? Click here). Each highlighted principle has a linked post explaining it in further detail.
- Be present – This above all else. Presence of mind is the key to all the remaining principles; without awareness, one is perpetually stuck in a reactive state of being.
- Discover yourself – Be on a “journey of self-discovery.” Self-knowledge will aid in making better decisions based on your unique needs.
- Build your network – We cannot do this alone. If you don’t have a built in support network of family and friends, build your own.
- Forge close relationships – Worthwhile relationships are as important as food and water. Get past the surface and give more of yourself.
- Be solution oriented – Become aware of the problems you face, and take steps to find a better way to tackle each one. Implement on the spot, if possible.
- Control your inputs – We are a living in a sea of information and stimulation. Be conscious of creating a filter based on your values.
- Create systems – Recurring tasks should be automated to reduce workload.
- Reduce obligations/Simplify – Obligations eat away at the balance you are trying to create in your life. Accommodate them sparingly.
- Honor your body – Your body is going to carry you through this life. Nourish it with real food, good sleep, and exercise.
- Give back – Complete the cycle. As you receive the fruits of your journey, share them with someone else who needs a hand.
I will be covering each of these principles in a separate post, and use them as recurring themes as well. Be sure to follow to join in the conversation!
Would you add anything to this list? What principles do you live by that help keep your life sane?
Yes yes yes! I especially love number 5 and it’s definitely something that I need to work on!
There is so much on this list that I’m currently trying to work on…. Loved reading this!
Self discovery is the key!! Great read!
Thanks for reading, Erica!
Love all these tips!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
You have great info here! There are a few that are speaking to me directly! Thank you!
Awesome, I will write about these principles a lot if you want to follow along!
This is a great list. Being present is so hard, especially when as blogging parents we’re tied to our phones. I’ve been making a conscious effort to leave my phone at home when taking walks in the park or doing quick errands. I’ve seen a big change in how my child and I interact when I’m not pausing to take pictures of him or even checking an electronic grocery list.
Absolutely! I think this is going to be difficult as we become even more dependent on technology. I struggle with the same, and honestly, sometimes I’d rather my kids see me with a pen and paper than my phone all the time.
Definitely something I need to work on!
It’s always a work in progress 🙂
I agree with your plan! I need to work on #3 and #4, I’ve been slacking in that as we don’t live close to our family and friends, so we need to make new friends in the area.
Definitely takes effort, but when I need a friend, I am really glad I did 🙂
Nicely put! I’ll be waiting for all the articles from this list:D