Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

I recently heard an interesting interview with Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker, in which he talked about a study that found eight minutes with a caring friend is all it takes to significantly decrease anxiety and depression and improve mood.

The 8 Minutes’ Story

He told a story about his friend who shared with him she had recently experienced a very rough patch. Simon, who prided himself on being a good friend, demanded to know why the friend didn’t reach out so he could support her, but she insisted she had. Simon took out his phone and read a few of the friend’s last texts, inviting him for coffee, or asking if he wanted to come over. He explained those texts weren’t clear enough to convey that his friend needed him. So they made a deal that in the future when they needed each other, they would use a special code, sending the words, “Do you have eight minutes?” as a way to communicate their need for support.

He said it has changed their relationship and strengthened their bond. A short telephone conversation with a promise to follow up with a visit or some other way to connect means his friend will always feel secure he is there for her, and he will never again miss a plea for support.

Not Always Easy to Find the Time

This struck me as such an important concept. I’ve shared it with my circle of close friends, and we made the same agreement. It seems like so little time to devote to a friendship, and I always want my friends to know I am there for them.

However, I also must admit there are days that roll by when I’m thinking of a friend with whom I’ve lost contact and sincerely wish to reach out, but I just can’t find the free time for a nice, long visit – or I’m held back by reluctance to interrupt their work day or time with family. I wake up with them on my mind and vow to call or text to set up a date, but too often don’t, as the days slip away with so many other things demanding my attention.

Like most of us, I have a full life. I have intentionally filled it with activities that fulfil me and keep me active and engaged. As many other women, I enjoy a structured schedule, it suits my personality, but it sometimes lacks the opportunity for spontaneity. I try to schedule regular visits with my friends as well, but sometimes it’s not enough.

Here’s My Approach

I’ve decided to take a creative approach that may not suit everyone, but could make it possible for me to spend meaningful time with those I care about, even when my schedule is packed, when there’s no pressing need, and I just want my friend to know I’m still invested in our friendship.

Ways I will create opportunities to connect:

• Ask my friend to meet for a quick coffee as part of my regular errands.
• Invite myself over for a visit when plans change last minute, and I find myself free.
• Invite my friend to join me on a walk or hike. I devote considerable time to fitness and bringing them along for a peaceful walk in the woods could also be conducive to deep communication.
• Go shopping together, spend the private moments driving to the shops to share what’s happening in our lives. I’ve had plenty of intimate conversation in the privacy of my car sitting in a parking lot.
• Cook together. Making soup on a rainy day or preserving fruits and vegetables during harvest is part of my everyday life. I will ask my friend to join me and send them home with something delicious.
• Deal with the clutter together. Cleaning out closets, garages and storage units can be a wonderful way to spend time together, sharing memories and stories, while getting a dreaded task off the to do list.

I know it may seem somewhat ridiculous that I need to be so calculating and creative to sustain a relationship that matters, but for me, time seems to have sped up as I’ve aged, and I’d rather do this than lose these friendships. I hope you’ll consider your own need for connection and make a plan to satisfy it.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you connect with your friends? Do you make exclusive time for them? Do you plan it ahead of time? Is there a special way you convey you need them for support?

Photo + Info: @ginakirschenheiter

Originally posted at: Gina Kirschenheiter’s Blue Tweed Mini Dress

Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering; it’s a mindset shift toward intentional living. Over the years, we accumulate possessions that hold memories and sentimental value. However, these belongings can become overwhelming, weighing us down both physically and emotionally.

Joshua Becker’s insight into minimalism, as shared in The More of Less, resonates deeply: it’s about creating space for what truly matters in life. By letting go of excess, we invite more meaningful experiences and connections into our lives.

Minimalism Across Life’s Stages

Early Adulthood

In our youth, societal pressures often drive us to pursue material wealth and possessions. But as we mature, we realize that true happiness lies in experiences and relationships, not in material goods. Minimalism encourages young women to prioritize experiences, travel, and personal growth over accumulating possessions.

Middle Age

The middle years bring a unique set of challenges, balancing career demands with family responsibilities. Minimalism offers a way to simplify and streamline our lives amidst the chaos. It’s about prioritizing our time and energy on what truly matters, whether it’s nurturing relationships, pursuing passions, or finding moments of solitude and self-care.

Golden Years

Retirement marks a significant transition, often accompanied by downsizing and decluttering. But beyond just physical possessions, minimalism in our golden years is about embracing a simpler, more intentional way of living. It’s an opportunity to focus on experiences, relationships, and personal growth, unencumbered by the weight of unnecessary belongings.

Practical Tips for Embracing Minimalism

Assess Your Belongings

Take a thoughtful inventory of your possessions, reflecting on their significance and utility in your life. Consider Marie Kondo’s approach of keeping only what sparks joy, letting go of items that no longer serve you.

Start Small

Minimalism is a gradual process. Begin by decluttering one area of your home or one category of belongings at a time. Whether it’s clothing, books, or kitchen gadgets, approach decluttering with mindfulness and intentionality.

Embrace Quality Over Quantity

Invest in items of high quality that align with your values and lifestyle. Instead of accumulating numerous possessions, focus on owning fewer, but well-loved, items that bring joy and functionality into your life.

Practice Mindfulness

Cultivate a mindful approach to consumption and decision-making. Before making a purchase, pause and consider whether the item aligns with your values and contributes positively to your life. Mindfulness extends beyond material possessions, encompassing how we spend our time and energy as well.

The Benefits of Minimalism: Backed by Research

Research supports the myriad benefits of minimalism for overall well-being. Studies have shown that decluttering and simplifying our physical spaces can reduce stress, increase productivity, and enhance mental clarity. By letting go of excess, we create room for growth, creativity, and meaningful experiences in our lives. Minimalism isn’t just about having less; it’s about living more intentionally and authentically.

Embracing a Life of Simplicity and Purpose

In a world inundated with consumerism and excess, minimalism offers a refreshing alternative – a path to simplicity, fulfillment, and freedom. For women over 60, embracing minimalism can be a transformative journey toward greater clarity, purpose, and joy.

As we navigate life’s transitions and milestones, let us remember that the true measure of wealth lies not in what we possess, but in the richness of our experiences and relationships. Embrace minimalism as a guiding philosophy – a way to live more fully and authentically with each passing day.

The Role of a Life Coach in Embracing Minimalism

As a life coach, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of minimalism in the lives of my clients. Navigating the journey toward simplicity and intentionality can be daunting, but with guidance and support, it becomes an empowering and liberating experience.

Clarifying Values and Goals

My role as a life coach is to help my clients clarify their values and goals, guiding them to understand what truly matters in life. Together, we explore their deepest desires and aspirations, aligning their actions with their values as they embark on their minimalist journey.

Accountability and Support

Embracing minimalism requires commitment and consistency. I provide my clients with accountability and support, helping them stay focused on their decluttering goals and encouraging them to overcome any obstacles or resistance they may encounter along the way.

Mindset Shift

Minimalism is as much about mindset as it is about decluttering physical spaces. I help my clients shift their mindset from one of scarcity and accumulation to one of abundance and intentionality. Together, we explore the beliefs and attitudes that may be holding them back, reframing their relationship with possessions to cultivate gratitude and contentment.

Creating Action Plans

Minimalism is a journey, and each individual’s path will be unique. I collaborate with my clients to create personalized action plans, breaking down the process of decluttering into manageable steps and celebrating progress along the way.

Building Resilience

Letting go of possessions can be emotionally challenging, especially when they hold sentimental value. I help my clients build resilience and navigate the emotional ups and downs of decluttering, fostering a sense of empowerment and liberation as they release the weight of unnecessary belongings.

Sustaining Momentum

Minimalism is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice. I support my clients in sustaining momentum beyond decluttering, helping them integrate minimalist principles into all areas of their lives and cultivate a lasting sense of simplicity and purpose.

In my work as a life coach, I’ve seen how embracing minimalism can lead to profound transformations, allowing my clients to live more authentically, intentionally, and joyfully. Together, we navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories, creating a life that is rich in meaning, connection, and fulfillment.

As a dedicated life coach, I’d like to offer you a 20% discount on my Life Coaching services. Just enter the code SIXTYANDME when purchasing a session or package by June 1 to receive this exclusive community discount.

You can also download my FREE Life Coaching eBook to help you navigate through life’s many transitions with resilience, strength, and grace.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you on a minimalist journey? Were you a minimalist when you were younger or is this a recent development? If you haven’t embraced the minimalist lifestyle, what’s stopping you?