Summer's here at last!

The days are long and warm. And the gardens are out in all their glory.

Now's the time to slow down a little to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends.

Don't let clutter and chaos prevent you from enjoying these "lazy summer days...

This Summer – Keep It Simple

One of my favorite sounds this time of year is the chirping of crickets in the late evening. It's a simple sound, but when it floats in the window on a warm breeze, the stresses and preoccupations of everyday life lift away.

It's just one of the things that, in summer, reminds me that time is the only thing we really have. How we spend our time is how we spend our life. And while I'm not a big fan of "lazy," I do think we could all use a breather now and then.

That's why this summer my theme is going to be "Keep It Simple." Modern life has become crushingly complex. Cell phones, beepers, email, TV -- these are such standard accessories that there's almost no such thing as "getting away from it all." We're constantly running here and there, our families are scheduled from dawn to dusk, and we wear ourselves out with the frenetic pace of life.

Five Ways to Simplify

By clearing away some of the clutter and learning ways to free up some time, you'll be on your way to a simpler, more pleasant summer. Here are five ideas to get you started:

Idea 1: Weed.

And I don't mean just the garden. Now's a good time to take a good look at those swimsuits and other gear. Does your family really need four suits apiece? And those broken goggles would do you more good in the trash than taking up space in your beach bag.

What about school papers from the past year? Now's a good time to go through them with your kids and weed out all but the best samples of their work. Take pictures to remember big projects, and store everything in a designated bin.

Idea 2: Beware the rummage sale.

Before you buy more stuff ask yourself three things:

1. "Do I need it?" There's a difference between needing something and just wanting it. By training yourself to buy according to need, you'll learn to buy less. You'll save space and money.
2. "Do I love it?" Even if you don't strictly need an item, if you're really passionate about it, by all means buy it – but not unless you can give a positive answer to question three.
3. "Do I know where I will put it?" This is the clincher. To keep your home organized, you have to be able to put everything in its place. If you don't have a place for something, it'll turn into clutter.
   

Idea 3: Free up your calendar.

If you're feeling pressured and can't find time to relax, perhaps you're filling your calendar with too many activities. Take a good hard look at your schedule. Be willing to give up the things you neither need nor want to do. Then make it a priority to schedule time with your spouse, children, relatives or friends.

Idea 4: Schedule down time.

Even if it's only 15 minutes, you need to have some quiet time to regroup. And don't spend the time thinking about all the things you have to do. Resolve to clear your mind. Give yourself a chance to daydream, to sit out in the yard with no other agenda than to soak up some sun and listen to the birds. Make this your chance to experience the "timeless."

Idea 5: Maintain your perspective.

I know it's a cliché, but the best things in life really are free. If you think back on the best times you've had, chances are they didn't cost a lot. Keeping life simple involves learning how to be content with what you have at this moment – whether it's the company of a good friend, a rare conversation with your teenager, or the satisfaction of a job well-done.