7. Take a stand at holidays. I know people who dread holidays because of tremendous stress involved. If it's gift-giving tradition that causes you stress, one way to help is to have a policy that you will abide by. The best part is, you get to decide what that policy will be. It may be no gifts for anyone, yourself included, Pollyanna name trading, buying gifts for needy children instead of each other, a spending limit per person, or whatever you come up with which will work for you. Whatever you decide, let your friends and family know well in advance of holidays and tell them that you'll be sticking to it. They may not believe it at first, but you will reap rewards when you find yourself enjoying holiday season again.

8. Stop getting junk mail and phone calls. Write Direct Marketing Association and have your name removed from junk mail and phone lists. It only takes a few minutes but makes a marked difference in amount of unsolicited junk you get. You can find forms to contact DMA at http://www.catalystorganizing.com or call them directly at 212.768.7277.

9. Stop spending time with toxic people. This is a tough one, but well worth it. Refuse to spend your precious time and energy on those constantly negative people in your life. Life is short. Spend it with those who love, support, encourage and inspire you!

10. Ask for help. Despite your efforts to simplify, things are bound to get crazy sometimes. When that happens, just ask for help. It?s so easy, and people in your life do want to help. It makes them feel needed and valued.

Simplifying your life is not about self-deprivation or living in poverty. To contrary, it is about consciously choosing to be satisfied with less.

It?s about eliminating those things that are taking up your time, space and energy and giving you little in return. When you simplify, you free up a great deal of energy to enjoy your life more. Try these tips and see if you don?t experience it for yourself!

Monica Ricci has been an organizing specialist since 1999, and her motivational presentations teach effective organizing and simplifying techniques for home and work. She also offers free email tips and ideas on how to make life simpler and more organized. Her topics include clutter control, paper management, time management, organizing space and procrastination.Contact Monica at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com.

Everything you own owns a piece of you, so now is time to start parting with all those things that don't bring you joy or value. You will be giving yourself gift of more energy and space.

4. Evaluate your time commitments. Look at how much time and energy you're spending on activities, organizations, clubs, social groups, and other extra-curricular activities.

Evaluate honestly how much value or joy they give you in relation to what you invest in them. If you find that some have outlived their benefit or aren't making you happy anymore, just stop spending your time there. You'll free up time for things you do enjoy.

Simplicity is a worthwhile goal. It?s a process, which occurs over time and as you make different life choices you?ll discover that you?re making room in your life for people and things you love.

Monica Ricci has been an organizing specialist since 1999, and her motivational presentations teach effective organizing and simplifying techniques for home and work. She also offers free email tips and ideas on how to make life simpler and more organized. Her topics include clutter control, paper management, time management, organizing space and procrastination.Contact Monica at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com.