Can we live a perfect and calm life, if we only have a little? It’s a question that pops up a lot, especially when we get the feeling that our closet may be full of everything, and so is our fridge, there are many beauty creams in the bathroom, we just got back from a wonderful vacation, but still … Despite everything, something’s missing. Dominique Loreau believes we can lead a great life without having much, all we have to do is empty spaces around us and within us, and know that the only true satisfaction comes from our heart. Everything else is relative. It’s worth betting on quality relationships and true friends, and at least once a year do a spring cleaning and get rid of all those that we either don’t need or that are harmful. Impossible? I don’t think so, because it’ s all in our head: if we manage to persuade ourselves, we’ll go through with it.
Nourish yourself. Nails, hair and skin don’t need a lot of effort to be perfect, ice cold water is the key, which helps improve overall well-being at the same time. You don’t need much makeup for a natural look, only some mascara for the eyelashes and a good powder, everything else can wait.
Less clothes in the closet. I love fashion, but I admit, clothes sometimes smother me. If I have too many, I get nervous, because they wrinkle and the closet gets totally messy. So I give to charity and clean out my closet regularly, all though I’m no champion when it comes to this discipline and I still need some practice. Still, it’s better to have fewer things that are right, that’s the key to joy.
Little by little. There are many goals and not all of them are quickly attainable, so keep in mind that small steps will get you far. Slowly, but surely. Slowly, but lovingly. Don’t rush, take your time, think things over, take a breath, relax and then take confident steps on the road you choose.
Empty apartment. Well, not completely empty, but not stuffed either. You’ll have more trouble living, if every nook and cranny is full. Chaos brings with it more chaos, so try to make some space around yourself, keep your things tidy and clean, and above all, try to reduce objects you don’t need to a minimum. Simply give them or throw them away.
The right cleaning products. We spend a lot of time cleaning and it’s a well known fact that we have at least three cleaning accessories for every chore, which means there is a closet somewhere in your apartment, full of cleaning products – too full in fact, considering there are many we don’t actually us. Keep only a few cleaning products, but make sure they’re the right ones and strong enough for what you need to do.
Basic food supplies. It’s similar when it comes to food; don’t overstuff your refrigerator, because that leads to food that’s gone off, which is no good to you. Make sure you have your basic food supplies, and only buy the rest when you really need it. And, you know, you can’t eat what’s not there, and if you don’t have every single thing at home, at least you won’t be able to eat it late at night in front of the TV.
Walk. Forget about the car and other means of transportation at least once in awhile, and just walk to where you need to go. Walking is good for your body, it clears the head, makes sure you breathe correctly and keeps you in shape. It would be good, if we walked every day, and the lack of time is a relative matter; if you organise your schedule well, you’ll find the time.
A few friends. The true ones. You don’t need many, you really don’t, and if you have one that’s good, that’s a lot. Friends are like a treasure – you never forget them, they’re all you need and they’re the ones that will be by your side when you need them.
Travel. You don’t have to go far, but every travel is also a travel for your spirit, which makes it quite useful. Meet new people, keep your mind and heart open, allow yourself to go with the flow of life, because there is so much beauty around us and sometimes all we need to do is open our eyes to see it.
Take it easy. Take a day off and do absolutely nothing. Keep your To do list empty, just like your mind, let your feet rest on the sofa, let it just be a day of not doing anything in particular, except for being relaxed and happy. And do it without feeling like you’re missing out on anything, because you’re not. Enjoy, my darling ladies, because you deserve it.