Episode 115: Simplify Your Life with Courtney Carver

It’s so beautiful to let go of what isn’t serving us. If you could simplify one area of your life that causes you stress, what would it be?

Courtney Carver is an author and simplicity advocate who simplified her diet, debt, clutter and work to make space for what she loves: yoga, reading, traveling, hiking, and creating beautiful meals. The one thing that simplified her life the most? Removing alcohol after seeing how freeing it was to go without it for 100 days. Whether you want to simplify your wardrobe or your commitments, tune in to hear incredible, intuitive wisdom from Courtney on how to start your own simplicity journey, honor your boundaries, and create a life you love.

Is the opposite of stress actually simplicity?

Have you ever rewarded yourself with a special purchase?

Courtney had a high-paying chaotic job, a large house requiring attention, and all of the things. In the face of so much stress, she often used her earnings to treat herself with more stuff. In 2006, her life was interrupted by a string of symptoms leading to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.

As she researched the illness, a common theme among others with MS was the role of stress in exacerbating symptoms and flair ups. Taking this information Courtney began sifting through the different areas of her life, releasing each of the stressful things. What was amazing to her as she did this, was the realization that the key to less stress was simplicity.

She describes, “By removing the things that were removing me from my life, I was able to Discover more purpose, better sleep, and just a calmer way of living.”

This discovery opened the door for Courtney to begin making changes in her life. Instead of tackling all the stressful areas at once, she took one step at a time, waiting until she had integrated fully before moving on. First was her diet, then she moved on to eliminating debt in her life. Next was clutter, and lastly was her job.

Courtney became voraciously curious about every area of her life that wasn’t working for her. Simplifying and discovering what worked best for her took years. She honored this journey, giving herself permission to do things differently.

If you could focus your attention on one area of your life that causes you stress, what would it be?

How can you get curious about doing things differently?

Letting go and ditching alcohol to find yourself

Imagine if you only had 33 items of clothing in your closet. Don’t include undergarments, sleepwear, or workout clothes (this does not include the yoga pants you wear on the daily!)

Courtney was surprised to discover that simplifying to a more minimalistic capsule wardrobe also released emotional baggage. We have attachments to clothing, like those jeans you never wear that make you self-conscious, or the shirt a friend gave you that you don’t actually like. Courtney found so much freedom in parsing down her clothing, that she even wrote a book, Project 333, so others can embrace more with less too!

Clothing wasn’t the only item Courtney released from her life. She was also aware of the role alcohol was playing in her stress.

While she regularly used alcohol as a way of opening up more at business events and as a way of socializing with others, it also cost her restful sleep, a clear mind, and her emotional presence.

What started as a 30 day break led to 100 days without drinking! It was then that Courtney knew she wouldn’t go back. The benefits and integrity of living in her truest expression of self were too important for her to trade in for a fermented beverage.

Creating space to fill your life

Courtney views the process of simplifying as a journey of trusting yourself. When we take the time to pause, reflect, and take honest stock of our lives, we know what areas are working and which ones aren’t.

Be honest with yourself and ask the tough questions:

What areas of your life are going well, that feel like you’re in true alignment with your best self?

Which areas of your life are giving you the opposite effect?

Go even deeper. Figure out your “why” for simplifying and use that as encouragement and motivation in the process. You’ll be amazed by what you discover.

One invaluable piece of Courney’s journey has been the gift of time. Instead of feeling the need to fill every moment, she honors the need for white space to be present with herself and process life.

Just because there is nothing on your calendar does not mean that you’re available! Give yourself grace and permission to say no, and to take away the sense of urgency from anything that is not in fact urgent.

If you only used social media for an hour a week, what would that open up for you?

What boundaries could you honor for yourself around commitments for others?

It’s questions like these that lead to a spacious and fulfilling life!

“I could tell within half a glass of wine that I was softening and becoming less who I was. And while of course, at times, that felt really good. It was completely opposite of my overall mission to be healthier, and more calm and happy.” Courtney Carver

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED

Discover more from Courtney on simplifying your life on Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up for her email list through her website.

Learn more about Project 333 and Courtney’s membership: The Simplicity Space

Karolina’s book is available in hardcover, Kindle, and as an audiobook. Be sure to get your copy of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You today and leave your review.

Follow @euphoric.af on Instagram

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