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Simplify: A Guide to Caring for the Soul
We've all been there--too many pressures, too little time. Life starts to feel out of control. Learning to simplify our lives is much more than avoiding phone calls and trimming hectic schedules; more than cleaning closets or paring down possessions. Based on the premise that the most destructive aspect of stress is what it does to us spiritually, the author outlines eight principles--using each letter of the word SIMPLIFY--to keep us from becoming so distracted by trivial commmitments that our spiritual view is dulled. With these eight principles as a guide, we can engance our ability to choose our priorities, remain calm amidst the daily chaos of life, and focus on things that really matter.
Hardcover
First published April 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 28, 2018
This was a past book club selection. We don't often read church books but this came highly recommended.This could shock you...but I doubt it will...I am not a huge church book reader. I don't drool with delight in Deseret Book or Seagull. I like to read biographies about church leaders or sometimes I will read a book by one of my favorite General Authorities or President Hinckley but I don't go searching for them. I RARELY read a book (OK that should be changed to pretty much never) read a book by a random LDS author about a gospel subject. Therefore I was somewhat excited to read this book as I would NEVER have picked it up on my own. Although in all truthfulness I did ask myself "Who is Carolyn J. Rasmus and why should I care what she thinks".
That didn't really help me out with why I should care what she has to say...so very skeptically I began to read. In case you are wondering...this book isn't full of helpful hints on how to simplify your life or how to get organized. What it is about is the atonement. Such a complex and multifaceted subject. A subject that I just never get a full grip on just what it is/does/means. Just when I think I do it slips through my fingers like a gossamer thread. Maybe that's the point. I don't think we will ever fully know or understand the atonement in this life...and we will spend most of our lives trying to comprehend the amazing gift we were given through the atonement of our Savior.
It was good Sunday reading and it did broaden my horizons and made me think about how the atonement works in my life. Always a good thing. So if you enjoy church books or need something for Sunday reading you would probably like this book.
That didn't really help me out with why I should care what she has to say...so very skeptically I began to read. In case you are wondering...this book isn't full of helpful hints on how to simplify your life or how to get organized. What it is about is the atonement. Such a complex and multifaceted subject. A subject that I just never get a full grip on just what it is/does/means. Just when I think I do it slips through my fingers like a gossamer thread. Maybe that's the point. I don't think we will ever fully know or understand the atonement in this life...and we will spend most of our lives trying to comprehend the amazing gift we were given through the atonement of our Savior.
It was good Sunday reading and it did broaden my horizons and made me think about how the atonement works in my life. Always a good thing. So if you enjoy church books or need something for Sunday reading you would probably like this book.
September 14, 2011
5 stars for content, 2 stars for good reading (or reading that I enjoy). I feel guilty giving a book like this three stars... that's a compromise between the 5 and 2, but read on... there are definitely some five star gems here.
There's no doubt that this material is good... I mean scriptures and quotes and thoughts that could help anyone improve his/her life. I can certainly find good things to help me in my life. And I don't want to be critical of someone who is trying to help others improve the quality of their lives.
I would love to be able find more "church" books that I love to read... there have certainly been a few along the way (biography of Ezra Taft Benson by Sheri Dew, Our Search for Happiness by M. Russell Ballard, Truth Restored by Gordon B. Hinckley, The autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, However Long and Hard the Road by Jeffrey R. Holland), and I'm sure there are a few more that I can't think of.
Anyway... here are my notes... the helpful ideas and quotes for me... some of the "5 star" stuff:
It is Satan who would "keep us busily engaged in a multitude of trivial things in an effort to keep us distracted from the few vital things that make all the difference." Kapp, Joy of Journey, 4-5
To simplify is about enhancing our ability to focus on things that really matter... to deliberately choose our priorities, and to refuse to let unimportant things take over the things of real importance.
To simplify our lives is a spiritual quest; it is to care for the life of the soul.
It's impossible to add something to your life without taking something away.
Ask God, "What do I need to change?"
"Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord." David O McKay
We can't think one way and act another without experiencing disharmony... Consider daily activities... do they match up with beliefs?
Are the things that keep you busy taking you where you want to go?
1928 dictionary definition of mercy: "That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant.
"That we may do a lot may not be so important. That we focus the energy of our minds, our hearts, and our souls on those things of eternal significance-- that is essential." Joseph B. Wirthlin
"Many things, in fact most, are interesting, and many are enticing. But some things are important. The limits of time dictate that we must prioritize what we do. The divinely given and heaven-protected gift of agency allows us to determine to what degree we will seve others and allow them to serve us. The depth of involvement in that which is important, rather than just interesting, is our own choice. William R. Bradford
"Are there so many fascinating, exciting things to do or so many challenges pressing down upon you that it is hard to keep focused on that which is essential? When things of the wold crowd in, all too often the wrong things take highest priority. Then it is easy to forget the fundamental purose of life. Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people. It is distraction. He would have good people fill life with 'good things' so there is no room for the essential ones. Have you unconsciously been caught in that trap?" Richard G. Scott
There's no doubt that this material is good... I mean scriptures and quotes and thoughts that could help anyone improve his/her life. I can certainly find good things to help me in my life. And I don't want to be critical of someone who is trying to help others improve the quality of their lives.
I would love to be able find more "church" books that I love to read... there have certainly been a few along the way (biography of Ezra Taft Benson by Sheri Dew, Our Search for Happiness by M. Russell Ballard, Truth Restored by Gordon B. Hinckley, The autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, However Long and Hard the Road by Jeffrey R. Holland), and I'm sure there are a few more that I can't think of.
Anyway... here are my notes... the helpful ideas and quotes for me... some of the "5 star" stuff:
It is Satan who would "keep us busily engaged in a multitude of trivial things in an effort to keep us distracted from the few vital things that make all the difference." Kapp, Joy of Journey, 4-5
To simplify is about enhancing our ability to focus on things that really matter... to deliberately choose our priorities, and to refuse to let unimportant things take over the things of real importance.
To simplify our lives is a spiritual quest; it is to care for the life of the soul.
It's impossible to add something to your life without taking something away.
Ask God, "What do I need to change?"
"Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord." David O McKay
We can't think one way and act another without experiencing disharmony... Consider daily activities... do they match up with beliefs?
Are the things that keep you busy taking you where you want to go?
1928 dictionary definition of mercy: "That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant.
"That we may do a lot may not be so important. That we focus the energy of our minds, our hearts, and our souls on those things of eternal significance-- that is essential." Joseph B. Wirthlin
"Many things, in fact most, are interesting, and many are enticing. But some things are important. The limits of time dictate that we must prioritize what we do. The divinely given and heaven-protected gift of agency allows us to determine to what degree we will seve others and allow them to serve us. The depth of involvement in that which is important, rather than just interesting, is our own choice. William R. Bradford
"Are there so many fascinating, exciting things to do or so many challenges pressing down upon you that it is hard to keep focused on that which is essential? When things of the wold crowd in, all too often the wrong things take highest priority. Then it is easy to forget the fundamental purose of life. Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people. It is distraction. He would have good people fill life with 'good things' so there is no room for the essential ones. Have you unconsciously been caught in that trap?" Richard G. Scott
March 30, 2009
Goes through the idea of simplifying your life and specifically your soul, using the letters in Simplify. For instance, S is for Stillness.
This book isn't well-written, but the woman isn't a writer, she's a public speaker. At least twice a chapter my husband and I would pause on a sentence and gripe about it. (I read it with my husband, chapter by chapter, over the course of about 2 weeks.)
But the ideas are pretty solid. Not original, but they don't have to be, since the ultimate source of simplification and peace for the soul remains the same: Christ.
There were quite a few chapters that didn't speak to me, since I'm already a pretty simple person, and I'd already started the simplification process out of necessity about a year ago. She also spoke about not holding grudges (I don't, cause they eat away at my soul and I can't take it), learning to say no (did and done), and other such things that likewise didn't speak to me, since I'm already pretty good at them. But I'm not the typical Mormon woman who guilts herself about everything or wonders if there's one more person I could bring a casserole to (speaking of casseroles: why doesn't someone bring ME a casserole a little more often, huh?) or who over-commits to things because that's what we're "supposed" to do.
(As a side note, I didn't particularly care for her take on Integrity, but that's neither here nor there.)
But the last two chapters - Fortify and You - spoke to both me and my husband and we had great discussions about them.
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could. I would recommend that if you read this book, read it outloud with someone else. I doubt I would have been able to get through it reading it to myself.
This book isn't well-written, but the woman isn't a writer, she's a public speaker. At least twice a chapter my husband and I would pause on a sentence and gripe about it. (I read it with my husband, chapter by chapter, over the course of about 2 weeks.)
But the ideas are pretty solid. Not original, but they don't have to be, since the ultimate source of simplification and peace for the soul remains the same: Christ.
There were quite a few chapters that didn't speak to me, since I'm already a pretty simple person, and I'd already started the simplification process out of necessity about a year ago. She also spoke about not holding grudges (I don't, cause they eat away at my soul and I can't take it), learning to say no (did and done), and other such things that likewise didn't speak to me, since I'm already pretty good at them. But I'm not the typical Mormon woman who guilts herself about everything or wonders if there's one more person I could bring a casserole to (speaking of casseroles: why doesn't someone bring ME a casserole a little more often, huh?) or who over-commits to things because that's what we're "supposed" to do.
(As a side note, I didn't particularly care for her take on Integrity, but that's neither here nor there.)
But the last two chapters - Fortify and You - spoke to both me and my husband and we had great discussions about them.
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could. I would recommend that if you read this book, read it outloud with someone else. I doubt I would have been able to get through it reading it to myself.
December 12, 2011
This was a gift given during the busy Christmas season last year, and so I felt like I was too busy to pick up a book about simplifying my life (I do see the irony).
So instead I picked it up this very busy holiday season instead and found it a very soul-satisfying read, that I will definitely return to again and again.
If you're looking for a book on cleaning your refrigerator, dejunking or any other similar topic, it's not to be found in this book. But if you're looking for how to let go of immaterial things that weigh you down and cause you to feel mentally cluttered, this is a book for you.
So instead I picked it up this very busy holiday season instead and found it a very soul-satisfying read, that I will definitely return to again and again.
If you're looking for a book on cleaning your refrigerator, dejunking or any other similar topic, it's not to be found in this book. But if you're looking for how to let go of immaterial things that weigh you down and cause you to feel mentally cluttered, this is a book for you.
January 2, 2009
In general, I do not enjoy reading "self help" books. Unfortunately, this one was no different for me (except I appreciated that this one was not manipulative as many "self help" books from my experience are). It seemed like the material was very redundant with the same idea presented just a slightly different way in each chapter (which was pretty much to prioritize and put the essential things of life first). I guess I was just hoping for something more profound, but perhaps that would go against the idea of a book entitled Simplify, anyway.
September 24, 2007
I loved this book and will definitely re-read and study it. It's exactly what I needed to read right now.
December 8, 2024
This isn’t a how-to book for getting rid of clutter or better budgeting. It is about caring for the life of the soul. Simplification comes to each person individually through a focus on God and spirituality and has less to do with circumstances or surroundings.
This has been my contemplative book to read during a quiet time in my regular church worship. Each week for the past two years I have pulled it out and read a few pages and meditated on the content. It’s been like the bar of good chocolate I keep in my nightstand: a perfect and anticipated treat. It’s a beautiful volume, written specifically for members of my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mostly because it includes references to scripture other than the Bible. However, the principles in the book are universal if the reader has or is interested in a spiritual focus or practice. I encourage curiosity and recommend it to anyone. I love to seek out and am always uplifted by religious writings centered in beliefs and doctrines other than my own.
This has been my contemplative book to read during a quiet time in my regular church worship. Each week for the past two years I have pulled it out and read a few pages and meditated on the content. It’s been like the bar of good chocolate I keep in my nightstand: a perfect and anticipated treat. It’s a beautiful volume, written specifically for members of my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mostly because it includes references to scripture other than the Bible. However, the principles in the book are universal if the reader has or is interested in a spiritual focus or practice. I encourage curiosity and recommend it to anyone. I love to seek out and am always uplifted by religious writings centered in beliefs and doctrines other than my own.
September 8, 2020
I really loved this book and will be revisiting it again.
June 27, 2018
I loved reading this little book every night before bed, which is all about the idea of simplification from a gospel perspective. The author took each letter of the word "Simplify" and focused on a different aspect of the gospel that had to do with it, such as "let go" and "fortify." Each letter/concept got its own chapter, which was filled with the author's personal experiences, scriptures/gospel principles, and practical applications of the concept.
I've read a lot of books on simplifying, and I liked how this one focused much more on the spiritual aspect of it, rather than just on things having to do with the physical environment (such as decluttering). While there weren't necessarily any revolutionary or new ideas in this, it was still filled with plenty of reminders and nudges about how I can improve personally in my continual journey with trying to pare down to the essentials.
I've read a lot of books on simplifying, and I liked how this one focused much more on the spiritual aspect of it, rather than just on things having to do with the physical environment (such as decluttering). While there weren't necessarily any revolutionary or new ideas in this, it was still filled with plenty of reminders and nudges about how I can improve personally in my continual journey with trying to pare down to the essentials.
April 27, 2009
This is a great book that I plan to use as a reference and review over and over again. It's not the typical organizational book you might expect by the title "Simplify". Rather, it is what its subtitle states: "a guide to caring for the soul".
I like the way this book is organized. The author introduces 7 basic concepts (stillness, integrity, mercy, prune, let go, impossible, and fortify) and elaborates on how each of these concepts can contribute to an overall feeling of peace in your soul, a feeling of simplicity. Then, after well-thought-out explanations coupled with quotes from prophets, general authorities, and the scriptures, Sis. Rasmus includes at the end of each chapter a set of suggestions on how to get started in applying that principle in your life. She offers several suggestions, and then lists several quotes, poems, and thoughts to ponder or meditate on in regard to that concept she is teaching in that chapter. I enjoyed this style of organization in the book--it makes it easy for me to go back and apply one concept at a time as I feel appropriate, in whatever order I wish, without having to reread the entire book.
To sum up the approach to this book, I will quote the author herself: "Simplification has much more to do with the spiritual aspect of our lives than the temporal things... simplifying is about enhancing our ability to focus on the things that really matter, to deliberately choose our priorities, and to refuse to let unimportant things take over the things of real importance."
I like the way this book is organized. The author introduces 7 basic concepts (stillness, integrity, mercy, prune, let go, impossible, and fortify) and elaborates on how each of these concepts can contribute to an overall feeling of peace in your soul, a feeling of simplicity. Then, after well-thought-out explanations coupled with quotes from prophets, general authorities, and the scriptures, Sis. Rasmus includes at the end of each chapter a set of suggestions on how to get started in applying that principle in your life. She offers several suggestions, and then lists several quotes, poems, and thoughts to ponder or meditate on in regard to that concept she is teaching in that chapter. I enjoyed this style of organization in the book--it makes it easy for me to go back and apply one concept at a time as I feel appropriate, in whatever order I wish, without having to reread the entire book.
To sum up the approach to this book, I will quote the author herself: "Simplification has much more to do with the spiritual aspect of our lives than the temporal things... simplifying is about enhancing our ability to focus on the things that really matter, to deliberately choose our priorities, and to refuse to let unimportant things take over the things of real importance."
May 20, 2015
The three stars is being generous. Maybe 2 1/4.
This seemed like it would be a good book for me, since I would love to simplify my life inside and out. But the reality was not a fit. I'm just glad I hadn't gone out and bought it.
The best parts were all quotes from other sources. And the author did a good job of collecting a bunch of great quotes. It was her own words between the quotes that was the problem for me: redundant, superficial, and dare I say old-fashioned. There were a few places that were interesting and well-stated, but mostly I felt like I was reading a book from the 60s or something. For whatever reason it did not touch me or speak to me. I didn't feel compelled to do her exercises.
Checking things I marked -
In Stillness she talks about cultivating stillness. This is called meditation, but she doesn't use that word. Although she uses a quote from David O. McKay that talks about meditation.
Something about the Integrity section didn't feel right. I need to explore that a little more and then update this, maybe.
I liked the section on Mercy.
I didn't like that she used the chapter title 'Impossible' and then talked about the Atonement. Since she put herself in a corner by deciding to use one word beginning with each letter in the word Simplify as her chapters/sections, I guess she just had a hard time coming up with something more appropriate, like imagine or inspire or even 'i'm possible'.
Sorry, Carolyn J. Rasmus, this missed the mark for me. But I know others who love it, so there you go.
This seemed like it would be a good book for me, since I would love to simplify my life inside and out. But the reality was not a fit. I'm just glad I hadn't gone out and bought it.
The best parts were all quotes from other sources. And the author did a good job of collecting a bunch of great quotes. It was her own words between the quotes that was the problem for me: redundant, superficial, and dare I say old-fashioned. There were a few places that were interesting and well-stated, but mostly I felt like I was reading a book from the 60s or something. For whatever reason it did not touch me or speak to me. I didn't feel compelled to do her exercises.
Checking things I marked -
In Stillness she talks about cultivating stillness. This is called meditation, but she doesn't use that word. Although she uses a quote from David O. McKay that talks about meditation.
Something about the Integrity section didn't feel right. I need to explore that a little more and then update this, maybe.
I liked the section on Mercy.
I didn't like that she used the chapter title 'Impossible' and then talked about the Atonement. Since she put herself in a corner by deciding to use one word beginning with each letter in the word Simplify as her chapters/sections, I guess she just had a hard time coming up with something more appropriate, like imagine or inspire or even 'i'm possible'.
Sorry, Carolyn J. Rasmus, this missed the mark for me. But I know others who love it, so there you go.
December 16, 2014
I picked up this tome because it looked to speak to my interest in personal productivity and achievement. And hey, who doesn't want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life for a more inviting simplicity?
Unfortunately, I didn't really find what I was looking for here.
I thought I would find some practical solutions for simplifying one's life. What I found instead was the typical Deseret Book answer to life's problems. All we need is more church --- more Spirit, more Atonement, more scriptures, more prayer --- and everything will work out just fine.
Uh, yeah, thanks, but that doesn't really help me.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not discounting the need for divine guidance in determining an approach to life, an approach that could change with each stage of life. And I did enjoy the spiritual aspects of organizing oneself and one's time. I just wish that the other aspects of life --- the heart, the mind, and the body --- were also considered so that a more holistic approach could be presented. The ideas that Rasmus presents are all valid. I just think that, when the rubber hits the road, they only get you so far. Life is more than just the spiritual.
I don't really recommend this book. If you feel prompted to look into it, by all means do so. But short of some divine instruction to look closer, you're more likely to find something truly practical elsewhere.
Unfortunately, I didn't really find what I was looking for here.
I thought I would find some practical solutions for simplifying one's life. What I found instead was the typical Deseret Book answer to life's problems. All we need is more church --- more Spirit, more Atonement, more scriptures, more prayer --- and everything will work out just fine.
Uh, yeah, thanks, but that doesn't really help me.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not discounting the need for divine guidance in determining an approach to life, an approach that could change with each stage of life. And I did enjoy the spiritual aspects of organizing oneself and one's time. I just wish that the other aspects of life --- the heart, the mind, and the body --- were also considered so that a more holistic approach could be presented. The ideas that Rasmus presents are all valid. I just think that, when the rubber hits the road, they only get you so far. Life is more than just the spiritual.
I don't really recommend this book. If you feel prompted to look into it, by all means do so. But short of some divine instruction to look closer, you're more likely to find something truly practical elsewhere.
July 30, 2016
I found "Simplify" by Carolyn J. Rasmus to be a very encouraging book about finding ways to truly simplify my internal life. It is not a book about cleaning and decluttering your home, it is a book about finding space inside to focus on matters of the spirit. Many of her suggestions really caused me to think and evaluate the ways that I clutter up my spirit and mind. The writing style was engaging and easy to access. Perhaps the only complaint I had with the book is that each chapter felt like it needed more -- more stories, more examples of how to evaluate my life, more substance. I strongly recommend this book to women of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and any others who desire a simpler approach to life.
September 6, 2012
This book really gets down to the core of one's priorities and being honest with yourself. At first you might think it's something to help you simplify your life, but in actuality helps you to get to the core of what's really important to you and how to simply take care of yourself, which in turn helps you to be able to help others as well (like family and friends, etc.) So beautifully written and the author is so warm and understanding. The tips for tangibly simplifying your life and valuable as well. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down until I finished it! Life changing thoughts and I'm so grateful I stumbled onto this book!
November 27, 2013
Someone I admire greatly recommended this book on her blog. I'm so glad I read it. I wish I'd had the time to read a chapter and let it sink in for a week or so before continuing on to the next chapter. The book wasn't meant to be read quickly. But there were so many nuggets of wisdom- and my favorite was found on the very back cover: "Live a life that reflects your priorities." In the book Rasmus uses the word "Simplify" as an acronym. Each chapter focuses on a key word that, if applied, will make life more meaningful and peaceful. I appreciated the scriptures and quotes from General Authorities that she shared. Maybe I can pick this one up again later and delve a little deeper.
May 6, 2008
This book was exactly what I've needed. Carolyn Rasmus gives some wonderful insights on how to simplify life spiritually...basically it comes down to priorities, and how figure out what your priorities are and make sure they're taking first place in your life. I especially liked the first chapter on "Stillness". I've needed more stillness in my life and this book got me started on taking the time to be still and meditate. I highly recommend this book to anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed and looking for some peace.
June 2, 2009
Don't expect a list of how-to's in getting rid of clutter and simplifying our physical lives. The approach is to simplify our lives by focusing on the life of the soul, geting rid of all excess baggage that is holding us back. And then moving forward with the most imporant priorities first. My favorite chapter, entitled "Let Go" reminded me that it was only between me and the Lord, and what other people think or say to me has nothing to do with my own soul's progression. Nice reminder in a world so fraught with contention.
September 7, 2010
I was given this book by my mother in law a few years for mothers day & absolutely love it!!!! Always use it for a reference at church, home, & in my everyday life. I've shared it with my neighbors & gave a copy to my sister who I feel really needed it in her life. Each letter in SIMPLIFY has a meaning. It has helped me in many ways. Especially the P which stands for Peace. I met Carolyn Rasmus & she's a convert to the LDS faith (as am I). She's very down to earth & I consider her a writer. Public speakers turn out to be great writers!!
November 14, 2008
I reccomend this book to anyone. It was plain and simple to read. Lots of excellent quotes by LDS Church leaders. Simple truths and easy to follow, a quick read. Each chapter has ideas on places to start to simplify your own personal life. Small things, easy things to help remove the clutter from your life. Shares notes and scriptures along with stories to help you look at the things in your life that need to be changed. Every person is different and the author acknowledges that.
January 14, 2009
This is one of the BEST books about simplifying I have ever read. It's practical, it's spiritual, it's inspiring, and it's easy and fast to read. It will NOT make you feel guilty and it does NOT tell you how to organize your house. It's all about how to eliminate the non-essential things in our lives so we can focus on the most important things. I'm creating my whole New Year's resolutions around it. Love it!
February 4, 2016
This is the kind of self-helpish book I love. It had good stories and experiences that made me think about my life and what I do. Then, at the end of each chapter were quotes that supported what the chapter talked about and suggestions of things you could do to start working on applying the principles to your life.
This was the second time I've read this, and I liked it just as much this time as the last time.
This was the second time I've read this, and I liked it just as much this time as the last time.
June 5, 2010
So much about simplifying my life is in my own body, mind, and soul. When she says, "simplify" I think she really means PEACE. This books is a guideline for having peace in our lives.
Wow I still have so much to work on. Forgiving myself is a big one. Not judging others is another. Kind of funny, I guess those go hand in hand because if I am critical of others it only makes sense that I would be most critical of myself.
Wow I still have so much to work on. Forgiving myself is a big one. Not judging others is another. Kind of funny, I guess those go hand in hand because if I am critical of others it only makes sense that I would be most critical of myself.
August 12, 2017
Loved this book! If you are looking for ways to declutter, or organize you kitchen/closet/etc this is not the book for you. This book deals with something much more important--caring for your soul, things we can do to focus on what's most important in our lives while letting go of those things that may be good but aren't getting us where we want to be. This is book I will read again and again for its insights.
October 18, 2007
This helps me find ways to prioritize what is important! It helped me come to terms with the fact that I need to let go of the non essential (but loud things) in my life and replace them with the things that will help me reach my eternal goals...still need a lot of evaluating and a life time of perfecting...but it isn't as daunting as it seemed to be.
January 12, 2008
This is the book that our Relief Society theme for 2008 is based on. It is wonderful! I finished reading it last night and there are so many great ways to simplify your life that really will spiritually enrich you also. I can't wait to dive into this theme this year and really come closer to my Savior.
June 17, 2008
This is a valuable little gem of a book. I appreciated its insights and they are proving to be helpful to me in my daily life. This book isn't about simplifying on an organizational, household level; it's about the more important role of simplifying on a spiritual level, of "caring for the life of the soul." It was a motivating and uplifting read.
May 21, 2008
I didn't think I would like this book at first. But, after reading it, I realize it has great value. It's a book that you can just pick a chapter of something you need at the moment and gain some good insight on. I wish I could remember all the good council in my day to day life, but I'm too busy to simplify just now--ha ha!
October 8, 2008
Very good book. It talks about simplifying from a spiritual perspective-- basically you have to get in tune with your spiritual side in order to be able to handle all of the things that life throws at you. Most "simplify" books give lots of tips on how to organize our time and our kitchen shelves. This one talked about organizing your soul.
Want to read
October 26, 2008I have not read this book. I just attended a TOFW conference where Rasmus was one of the presenters...I remember seeing this book for sale at the conference, but I didn't realize I wanted to read it until after I heard her talk. I thought that they truly saved the best for last as she was the last speaker. All the presenters were good, but she touched my heart the most.
November 30, 2012
Gave this to my Mom for Mother's day and had to borrow it to read myself. I found it quite uplifting with some good stories/examples. The author taught that simplifying your life is about more than just organizing physical possessions. I appreciated her instructions on spending our time on activities that match what we truly value. She had lots of other great ideas to think about too.
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