Bold and Uncomplicated: Your Life

by Tess

Life is simple. We choose to complicate it. We have the power to life simple and happy lives by doing things just a little bit differently. 

A shift in perception can change an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. One, well thought out, decision can transform a life. Living boldly doesn’t always mean living loud or living large. A small brave and courageous move can transform your world in a significant manner.

Simple and profound ways to live a bold and courageous life:

Look for beauty in the ordinary. Choose one subject and allow yourself to be wowed by it. Discover trees for the first time. Sit under a tree. Take in the texture of the bark. Notice the different shades of green. Breathe in the smell of the tree. What do you see that you’ve never seen before? Tomorrow choose a different topic.

Search for the best in people. We are spiritual beings having an ego experience.  Therefore, it’s easy to be annoyed by others.  It’s easy to give advice. It’s arrogant to thing we know better.  Today choose to see only the good. Allow others be where they’re at. Choose acceptance over rejection. Choose love over fear.

Don’t hold back. We have so much to share. Compliment someone, today. Hug someone, today. Call someone, today.  Visit someone, today. Go the extra mile for someone, today. Apologize, today. Keyword…today.

Enjoy what you do or stop doing it. Do what makes you feel good. You may have a job that you don’t like, but it’s currently not feasible to quit. Are you in the habit of complaining about your job? Are you in the habit of ruminating about your job? Are you in the habit of mentally taking your work home with you? If you answered yes to these questions and don’t enjoy doing these things, stop! Fill all of your free time enjoying yourself and your life.

Open your heart. Someone you know has poor manners. Love them anyway. Someone you know favors a different political party than you do, love them anyway. Someone you don't know cut you off in traffic, love them for it. Someone you know hurt you, forgive them and love them from a distance. Open your heart, choose love.

Listen like you’ve never listened before.
Listen with an open mind and heart. Listen to the story. Hold back on your own. Listen for the pain. Don’t share yours. Listen with understanding. Put yourself in somebody else’s shoes. Be silent and nod your head. Listening is a sacred act. Honor the person speaking.

Create something today. Make something with your hands. Write. Shoot a movie. Plant a garden. Cook and serve a healthy dinner. Use your talents. Seize the moment. Create something and share it with others.

Lighten up.  Don’t take things personally. Turn off the news. Smile more. Surrender. Live like today is your last. Have a playful attitude. Make your life an adventure. If you choose, you can pick up your problems again tomorrow.

One shift at a time. One tweak at a time. One small step at a time. Choose a little boldness. Life is simple. Don't complicate it.

Please share your thoughts below. 
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }

Harleena Singh August 6, 2012 at 8:50 am

Wonderful post Tess!

Yes indeed, life is simple but we are the ones that complicate it. I guess we ourselves often time remain perplexed about things or don’t really know what we want from our lives.

Loved the simple ways you shared, which if we follow will make us much happier and content as a person. I especially liked the point about looking for the best in people and accepting them for who and what they are, which you can do when you change yourself rather than trying to change them. And yes, we need to take one step at a time and make a go at it – gradually.

Thanks for sharing and reminding us how we can make our lives simpler. :)
Harleena Singh´s last post…Should You Change Your Life

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Tess The Bold Life August 8, 2012 at 7:20 pm

Harleena,

Yes looking for the best in people is something we have to put an effort into doing. Humans are quick to judge. I also think it’s the people closest to us that we have the most difficult time accepting. If I could go back in time I would change that about my parenting. I didn’t do it very well. On the other hand nobody knows how to parent ahead of time;) I now know to accept them as is, loving, wonderful, amazing humans.

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The Exception August 6, 2012 at 9:01 am

Last week I read an idea that has stayed with me. Life is not a problem to be solve; life is a mystery to be lived. I think that it applies well to what you are writing here. we spend a lot of time complicating our lives. Your words are some to remember throughout the day.

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Tess The Bold Life August 8, 2012 at 7:22 pm

Hi,
I don’t know why we thing we can solve anything. I know I don’t have the answers for myself half the time. How would I have the answers to live or other people. I would say love solves all problems that exists.

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Sandra / Always Well Within August 6, 2012 at 12:22 pm

Tess,

What strikes me the most about this post is the reminder that I am in charge. I also love the whole sense of choosing simplicity and going one step at a time.
Sandra / Always Well Within´s last post…Are We Inspiring Ourselves to Distraction?

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Tess August 6, 2012 at 6:53 pm

Sandra,
Yes I needed to hear me remind you that I’m the one in charge:)

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Elle August 6, 2012 at 1:54 pm

I think it was Einstein who said I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind. And your post tells us how and why.
Thanks Tess.
Elle
xoxo
Elle´s last post…Time For An Attitude Makeover?

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Tess August 6, 2012 at 6:53 pm

Elle,

I love that and never heard it before. Power, greed, and neediness are of the ego. It’s the stuff that complicates.

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Megan Bord August 6, 2012 at 5:38 pm

I’ve noticed that when I create with my hands (writing, weeding/gardening, cleaning, yard work, cooking for others), I feel connected to something bigger than myself and it feels good.

I’m also a proponent of “doing it today.” Your suggestion to reach out, hug something, say I love you, etc. and to do those things without hesitation or procrastination is wonderful. If I wait, I may forget, and if I had the thought in the first place, chances are whoever or whatever was involved needed me. I want to be available when I’m needed.

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Tess August 6, 2012 at 6:52 pm

Hi Megan,
I feel the same way…connected to something bigger. I love the connection of someone needing us, it’s why we thought of it in the first place right?

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Vidya Sury August 6, 2012 at 8:56 pm

Ah, Tess. This post wraps up my life quite nicely. :-) Looking for special in the ordinary is what I live by. And the “today” principle. For who knows what will happen the next minute? I believe in saying my “i love yous” often. Above all, spending time with children keeps me so young :D

Great points.
Vidya Sury´s last post…Things That Matter

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Tess The Bold Life August 8, 2012 at 7:25 pm

Vidya,
Yes your blog shows you live life well. I’m glad we have gotten to know each other better. Your commitment is amazing.

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Kevin Martin August 6, 2012 at 10:49 pm

I often find that I feel very, very good when I am creating something, especially something that will be of great value to others.
Kevin Martin´s last post…4 Ways To Find Your Life Purpose

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Tess The Bold Life August 8, 2012 at 7:26 pm

Kevin,
That is the secret to service. Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us.

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Fran Sorin August 7, 2012 at 2:19 am

Hi Tess,
You’re singing to the choir on this one. I’m constantly working on simplifying my life and finding the beauty everyday in what we call the ordinary….which when we take the time to pause, appreciate, and observe, is actually the extraordinary. I can’t think of a better way of living….xxoo-Fran
Fran Sorin´s last post…7 Reasons Why Making A ‘To Done’ List Will Unleash Your Creativity

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Tess The Bold Life August 8, 2012 at 7:27 pm

Hi Fran,
You walk your talk and that’s what I like about you. I can only go so far with simplifying in certain areas. Hubs isn’t into it as much as I am. So we meet each other half way;)

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Debora August 7, 2012 at 10:21 pm

Thanks for the great advice. So much of what you shared has to do with our relationships doesn’t it? I’m finding it much easier to get along with others when I’m busy about my own destiny. In my case it’s writing and photography. I’ve gotten so busy with my book and my photographs that I just don’ t have the time to sit around and worry about what others are doing!

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Tess The Bold Life August 8, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Debora,
Yes it sure does have to do with relationships. I love your outlook. The quality of our relationships speaks volumes about the quality of our lives.

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Betsy/Zen Mama August 8, 2012 at 6:59 am

Such great tips Tess! I will incorporate each tip into my day today. I need to be inspired today and, as usual, I finish your post feeling inspired!
Thank you.
Betsy/Zen Mama´s last post…Dear Friend, It’s Time To Change Your Life

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Tess The Bold Life August 8, 2012 at 7:31 pm

Betsy,

Wow you need to be inspired after BlogHer? I’ll bet that was fun and enlightening. I want to hear all about it

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Paige | simple mindfulness August 8, 2012 at 11:43 am

I noticed a smile growing on my face as I read this post.

Focusing on the simple beauty that always surrounds us, doing what we love and loving and appreciating others are sure-fire ways of creating an amazing life.

When I get to the end of a day where I’ve spent most of my time writing, I feel so positive and energized! Expressing myself freely and helping others in the process – couldn’t get much better than that!
Paige | simple mindfulness´s last post…Simple Living Is About More Than De-Cluttering

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Tess The Bold Life August 8, 2012 at 7:32 pm

Paige,
You are a blessing to the people around you and your readers. I’m happy that I know you. I look forward to watching you grow. xo

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Chu Nam August 8, 2012 at 7:05 pm

I believe life is simple and live with that.
I do things that I love to do.
Many years I stop to do things that I love and I feel so bad.
This time for me change something.

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Olabode Anise August 9, 2012 at 6:26 am

Great post like the old saying says life is simple but we make it complicated.

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Christine (The Brighter Side of Life) August 13, 2012 at 6:26 pm

Ah, yes… we complicate things. And it hasn’t been until the last year or so that I’ve actually come to realize that that’s a choice. You make a great point – it’s in our power to view the ‘ordinary’ as extraordinary. My kids help me do that – they get excited about the simplest things, like an ice cube melting… which, when you think about it, is kind of amazing.

Thanks for this great post – it brings me back to the importance of living in the moment and appreciating everything and everyone around me… after all, we’re all wading through this world together.

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