Less is More

Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe adopted the motto "Less is more" to describe his aesthetic tactics of flattening and emphasizing a building's frame, eliminating interior walls and adopting an open plan, and reducing the structure to a strong, transparent, elegant skin (emphasis mine, wikipedia).

I like the concept of "less is more." Can you imagine what would happen if we applied Mies van der Rohe's motto to our own lives in the coming year? I believe we would find ourselves more focused on what is really important and ultimately reducing the clutter around us -- uncovering our true self -- "a strong, transparent, elegant skin."

In the spirit of "less is more" ... here is a list of 8 things I plan to do less of in 2008:
8- Spend (less) time on Facebook
I waste a lot of time on Facebook-- in the name of "keeping up with people."
7- Spend (less) time checking my email
For some reason, I think the more I check my email, the more email will arrive. It probably doesn't help I have four email accounts either. First things, first ... reduce the number of accounts.
6- Eat (less) sugar and white flour
This will be a hard one- I love breads and sweets. But, I know I will feel better if I make the change.
5- Spend (less) on non-essentials
Before each purchase, I need to ask the question "Do I need this or just want this?"
4- Watch/listen to (less) television
Living by myself, I tend to have the t.v. on for "company" -- I would like to fill that void in other ways.
3- Keep around (less) paper
Keep the necessary, shred the rest-- everything from cards, scratch pad thoughts, bills, newspapers, etc.
2- Worry (less)
Matthew 6:31-34
1- Bake (less), cook more
Using my new recipes books, I want to cook (meals) more and bake (goodies) less.