9 WAYS TO SIMPLIFY LIFE IN 2024

[@Jordan-4-Him-NM]

My rule: you touch it, deal with it then. Nothing stacks up or becomes cluttered. Ex: I used to take off my shoes and put them in front of the closet door where they go. Now, open the door, put them away. All these acts take only a second or two and my house always looks neat and tidy.

[@williamclark1244]

I feel the same way. When you don't put things away its just more work later and a constant nagging in the back of your mind. Your items are signaling to you "put me away".

[@Shria9]

As a knitter, I can tell you two things. First, your mother is very talented and chooses fine-quality fibre to work with. Second, there is no way she could ever sell her work for what it's worth and, if people don't pay what it's worth, they won't appreciate it. It takes a lot of time to make a scarf like yours. Even with straight knitting and no cables or other embellishments, it would take at least 80 hours to make. No one is going to pay much more than $40 for a scarf, especially when they can buy it off Amazon or in a local department store for about $20. They just don't value a scarf that much. I don't think your mother should sell her pieces for much less than they are worth to people who might keep them for a few seasons and then donate or throw them away when they want something different. She is better off making fine-quality pieces for people who will truly appreciate the many hours she puts into them and know that every stitch is made with love and affectionate thoughts of the person the piece is being made for. I suggest you gift her fine-quality yarns in colours and textures you like and I bet she will derive many hours of joy making you things you love that will act like love and memory batteries. Long after she's gone (hopefully a long time from now), you will feel her loving hugs in your scarf. In rare cases like this, a thing can be more than just a thing. Of course, I'm not suggesting you must keep everything she makes for you. It's fine to pass on some to someone else who will appreciate them, but I suspect you will want to keep a few treasured pieces that really resonate with you, your connection to your mother and hold loving, joyful memories for you.

[@naomiu3779]

As a knitter myself....this is so true! Great advice.

[@SilviaN1]

I agree (also a knitter) - only sell or give handmade things to people who will appreciate it. @@naomiu3779

[@francoiselafferty-hancock5112]

Absolutely agree! I've had people say I should sell the stuff I make, but noone would ever pay what my time was worth. Knitting's a labour of love for the person you're knitting for ❤

[@elizabethdouglas3417]

So true! My mother crochets and hand quilts, but she never sells her stuff because no one will pay what it’s actually worth. So I enjoy and appreciate the scarves, hats, sweaters, and quilts she makes, and she enjoys giving gifts to people she knows will appreciate them and love them.

[@christawildesen4664]

I love to do all kinds of needlework…knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, etc. I find joy and peace when I make something beautiful, especially when it is for someone I love. Making something to sell takes away the joy, for me; and the above comments are so true…not many people will pay what handmade items are worth. Hobbies for me are therapy. I belong to a stitching group where there is a wide variety of stitching and everyone of us agree that the simple act of stitching and coming together is therapeutic to each of us. We have become very close and share so much which all began with a hobby that we share in common.

[@KristinaGrice]

For me it looks,that you have already one hobby-your dog 😊. I think, that we don’t need to have expensive hobbies😊. Just simple things which brings us joy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts❤

[@ritabutler1951]

I tied a bow on my clothes bar in my closet. It can slide depending on need. Everything to the right of the ribbon I have worn before but it can be worn again before laundering. So clothes at the end of the day either get hung up to be reworn, or into the laundry basket.

[@kamloopscruiser874]

I love that your mothers scarf goes perfectly with your new winter toque (🇨🇦term). 0:30 1: Cook simply 1:30 2: Be ok without having a hobby 2:45 3: Build better habits- starting with putting things away where they belong 3:42 4: Only purchase planned items with plenty of forethought 5:08 5: Focus on deepening existing relationships over fostering new ones 6:33 6: Travel less, stay home more to stay true to my values 8:07 7: Recognize my needs for rest, don’t push my limits 9:57 8: Be ok with missing out sometimes, not to let FOMO dictate decisions 10:57 9: See my belongings objectively as just stuff So much resonates. Appreciate this list and the thoughtful description of each “tool” in the Simplification Toolkit. Life gets difficult at times- I’ve never yet regretted anything I let go and I have been incredibly thankful I got started when I did. The simple open spaces are easier to navigate my scooter and walker thru (MS) and my husband’s current health crisis requires room on surfaces for medical equipment. It’s not easy but I hate to think what it would be like if we hadn’t gone minimal.

[@nukhetozmen]

My mother also knits. She is 91. She has three children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She knits for all of us, throw blankets mostly, each with different patterns and colors. I believe all this counting, creating patterns, changing colors keeps her brain very sharp at this age. So your mother has a gift that you cannot compare its benefits with anything else, especially with money 🤗🌸

[@magueysunset]

I've been on a kick of throwing stuff out. I'm using a journal notebook called Throw It Away by Guru Notebooks that my sister gave me. It's feels so good getting rid of stuff.

[@charlottenrgaard7942]

Totally get it.. I live with chronic pain and get exhausted and my friends have 8-10 hour events dinners etc.. Phew.. :) I love to join but..

[@RayTator]

Your mom has a great gift. The scarf is very pretty Lynn

[@SarahAddy-k6w]

Knowing when not to test my limits! Absolute gold that one. As a fellow chronic illness sufferer I need to work harder at this so thanks for the reminder!

[@jennifervictore5471]

From a Dr I heard recently.. MS= parasites. Plz, look into this & detox them❤️

[@plannerbrittany]

Yes! Your mom should sell them! It’s gorgeous! I can crochet but somehow my scarfs never turnout how I like!

[@sharina4040]

I love your voice ~ it's comforting. When i need some "me time" and need a lil bit of relaxation, i won't travel overseas, but will instead travel local and just chill at a very nice resort or hotel. By the time i get back to work, i'm refreshed without the travelling and jetlagged.

[@ivyvelasquez4156]

The scarf is beautiful and I love the color. Hi Elin’s mom. Blessings to you and yours 😊❤

[@bananie2383]

You have lots of wisdom for such a young woman. Your mom must be very proud of you.

[@ritaowens7378]

I Relate soooo much to your thinking about Not pushing myself and enjoy my Home and stop feeling like I am missing out on life. I have Systemic Lupus and I know about Exhaustion and in pain. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts💖🙏🙏

[@hetepeirene7485]

Yes, I love that scarf!!

[@evasochocki5209]

Thank you. Very good advice. I especially like the part about simplifying cooking and remembering that your material things are not people, they're just objects.

[@serenitynow8021]

I really enjoyed this video. It validated my own desire to do less, not more. I appreciate your desire to take care of yourself and listen to your body. We all have limits but we aren’t taught to respect them in our culture.

[@leek7987]

I am so glad you remind us to leave a thumbs up. I always feel a "thumbs up" for all your content but without your reminder, half the time I would forget. Please keep us updated on the possible move situation. While I really love your wonderful house, it is kind of like our stuff, while it is a great house, it is still just a house. You and Andy make it a home and y'all can do that anywhere you live together.

[@kimchapman2210]

Love the beautiful scarf and yes I think your mom could sell things she makes. Also love the hat.

[@maryb-h980]

Well done Elin. I know I was younger when my MS began, but I fought it for too long, when I should have listened to my body! Yes, I eventually got there, but it's only in the last decade that I've fully embraced the art of saying 'no' for my sake rather than agreeing for the sake of others! Be blessed dear one mxxx

[@danaplate6459]

Such a wonderful video Your home is beautiful If your mom loves knitting for the fun ... calm ... of it, then doing so for money might not be congruent - just a thought since you mentioned hobbies without a purpose or "side hustle" for yourself ...

[@MisisAe]

My intentional shopping decision this week were: Turning my cheap faux wool gloves into a workout gloves, and using my current cups for cappuccino instead of giving in to my desire of buying the transparent trendy coffee cups 😅 Instead,I had these things on my wishlist so incase friends and family ask me what I want as a gift, they have these options. This decision making was because of your channel.so thank you, Elin 🤗

[@Conval-wi5eh]

Do yourself a favour and don't buy those transparent trendy coffee cups. They are so disappointing. I used to live in a shared living space and one of my flat mates had plenty of them. There were normal ones that got so hot that you could not touch them at all, even the handle. And then there were those with a thermo double-wall. You could touch and hold them, but you have no indication how hot your drink is so I burned myself regularly. And don't get me started on buying cups without a handle - they are so impractical, no matter if they are made out of glass or some kind of ceramics. You cannot lift them until your drink has cooled down significantly. She had those, too. I ended up borrowing two "normal" ceramic coffee cups from my mother. There is a reason why this is the standard.

[@WayneScank]

Love the video. It's great to see you again. I will rewatch it. I have ADD. Putting things away is a habit I want to develop. Visual clutter is one of my worst distractions. Oh, from 1983 to 2001 I lived in the St. Paul Midway - right off 94 - and in many apartments in Minneapolis.

[@beckymartinez6898]

I really enjoyed this video. It’s nice to be reminded that it’s ok to slow down, live with less and focus on relationships! I like keeping my circle small too so that I have more time and energy for the important people in my life😊. I LOVE the scarf, btw!

[@1207susant]

Cooking and reading are wonderful hobbies. 👍

[@elainephillips9997]

Beautiful scarf, it’s like a warm hug from your mom 🥰 I have some knitted pieces from mine, and I treasure them! ❤️

[@juliecarter1465]

I agree!

[@rozitaharun6979]

I can relate.❤ Simplify makes sense...Thank you for sharing.

[@mothercoyote351]

I think that I will try to integrate some of ur ur habits in to my life for 2024 like spending. I have MS too ❣️ sending much love ❤️❣️

[@dianaw248]

I love your wisdom…..thank you so very much

[@lanamichalski3208]

Hi Elin, I totally agree with the points you made...especially the one about going over the limits on what your body can handle. Always prioritize yourself. It's always better to do that, so you won't have to deal with what can follow. I have arthritis very bad in my knees. It's exhausting everyday from the pain. Pushing myself to walk farther when I am out always ends up with me being totally drained. I want to wish you, Andy, Ginger, and your families a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. ❤🍗🥧

[@lindam7518]

A lot of people try to sale their crafts. Your Mother could try if she likes. It's not something I'm normally interested in purchasing but others out there are. Their crafts are usually unwanted clutter in my home.

[@PreciousPamphile]

Yes she should I would buy one!!! It looks so soft and warm. I don’t like the bulky ones in the stores especially with my allergies. Love your channel beloved Happy Holiday to you and your family

[@dannankate]

Love your take on hobbies! I feel this way too ❤

[@helen1859]

Fabulous video thank you. I so agree with keeping cooking simple. I've been doing this intentionally for a while now and I love the process of cooking without a recipe. I like your idea about a 'hobby' . I've noticed a pressure or expectation that I put on myself if I'm not doing it for the intrinsic enjoyment. Interests in the past have been spoilt by my formalising them with a course or some sort of study. Now I mostly read and garden. One thing I've done since the Spring is relax earlier in the evening and go to bed much earlier than I used to. This feels so good even if I'm waking at 5 or 6 o'clock and those quiet hours before most of the world around me is awake feel lovely and tranquil. I really enjoyed hearing your ideas Elin. ❤

[@lindathomas9844]

So uplifting

[@孟丽丽-o7v]

It’s true that we tend to feeling pressure when we decide to do something periodically, even when that “something” is our hobby. For me, I have been writing my diary for eight years, and I do it when I feel like doing it. Everyone around thinks it’s a hard work to do, but only myself know that it takes absolutely no effort.😂

[@angelasinyard3743]

Simple recipes work out perfectly! Eating at home saves time, gasoline, and extra money being sent. I love to paint, and play piano. Good habits take as long as bad ones...intentional living starts occurring

[@cwalsh4992]

This is FANTASTIC ❤️ Thank you ❤️

[@Angelwings0209]

Hey Elin wow so impactful it’s funny but I was just thinking about the same things a couple days ago I’m 62 and I love my children and grandchildren but… I am tired of always having to get on a plane to visit I too suffer from fatigue and other body ailments that some days I DONOT have any energy at all. But I’m grateful for you and your channel 🙏 stay well

[@sandykrieger5392]

It was a beautiful video. I loved the script boxes. Great content that I needed to hear. Thank you

[@darcy62]

Happy thanksgiving Elin! Your content is so calming and peaceful. You are a breath of fresh air 😊 I wonder if making a habit to focus on per month would be a good idea for self reflection and growth.

[@lisasawyer2303]

I would totally buy this scarf 🤩

[@AppalachianTransplant]

Starts video with "I think my mom should sell her hobby" Almost immediately points out that you think there's to much pressure in Productivity Society to turn hobby into something more 😂 Love your channel and your ways ❤

[@sonnywind540]

Hey! once again nice ideas to learn to deal with yourself/myself better. I've been thinking about your suggestion of using Simplicissimus when cooking a lot! because I've really overdone it. thanks for this advice. best wishes to your mother, you look so warm & comfortable

[@nasrineable]

Shria9 is so right. If you want your mom to make money she should teach knitting either online or a 1-2-1 session where she cam earn more money. Few years back i wanted to learn crochet i travel from west to east london and took a 1hrs only lesson for 20£. Now imagine 10 persons in 1 hr will be 200£

[@magomago7819]

Just FYI, I take Alpha Lipoic Acid for my MS, its a game changer for me.

[@klmjtr]

I always felt like traveling was way overrated

[@hollyh.828]

Her scarf is beautiful and definitely worthy of being an item that could be sold, but would she enjoy that? I like to hand make cards and many of my friends and family have encouraged me to sell them, but it would rob me of the joy I get from making them as I am inspired to do so and for someone specific that I know and love. So if she would enjoy making them just to make them, then definitely, but if the enjoyment for her is similar to mine, then perhaps she’ll be happier doing what she already does. ☺️

[@janeb3024]

Travelling is hard work. Even day trips require planning.

[@susiehelmuth7595]

I challenge you to rethink "hobbies". In the opening you stated your Mom knitted your scarf, she should sell them. But then your gaol is not to make money with a hobby so that it becomes a job. I think hobbies are to destress and process life.

[@lanamichalski3208]

Oh, I forgot to add that yes, your mom should definitely sell her knitted items. She could start an Etsy shop. People will pay for beautiful quality items like that beautiful scarf you had on. 😊

[@danigirl8884]

Ok but the cooking tip is so helpful because I am the same way 😂🙈

[@1whitecottagelife770]

That tambour door side cabinet is gorgeous! Where did you get it from?

[@jmsl_910]

funny juxtapose of your first point & thinking your mom should monetize her hobby!! your scarf IS beautiful and i'd DEF pay to own one

[@kennethbailey9853]

😊😊😊

[@Shiryone]

"Things are just things." I couldn't agree with you more. So I take it that you don't thank your things before letting them go? :-)

[@lolmakeup5786]

What do you ask for when you get a haircut

[@kathyesargent9088]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sherri.]

Could you possibly consider lowering your music or fading it out while you’re speaking? It would be so helpful to listen more deeply.

[@solar979]

Traveling is also bad for our planet.

[@hindmk1971]

Dear, try to be more careful on using aluminium paper in cooking!

[@charliedurie3013]

Cooking is your “unofficial” hobby😂

[@cindyamos4588]

Sounds like your hobby is cooking.

[@justsomebunny]

You say "I don't want to feel like every hobby or interest I pursue needs to start to make me money" yet you think your mom should be selling her knitting? Make it make sense! Plus, people don't want to pay for something hand knit when you calculate the hours it takes to make something. I should know for I too knit. And don't do it for money.