Sunday Reflections: Simple Formula for Living

A photo of this Simple Formula for Living popped up in my Facebook memories a few weeks ago and I love the simplicity of these rules. Life doesn’t have to be complicated if we just follow these few tips. Because these tips can potentially eliminate some stress, I thought it would be nice to share here. I tried to find the original source, but was unable to find the original author. I’m sure it is a shorter and more basic version that someone penned based on the ideas from a 1997 book with the title Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff, Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life, By Richard Carlson (affiliate link).

Simple Formula for Living

Live beneath your means.
Return everything you borrow.
Stop blaming other people.
Admit it when you make a mistake.
Give clothes not worn to charity.
Do something nice and try not to get caught.
Listen more, talk less.
Every day, take a 30 minute walk.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Be on time.
Don’t make excuses.
Don’t argue.
Get organized.
Be kind to unkind people.
Let someone cut ahead of you in line.
Take time to be alone.
Reread your favorite book.
Cultivate good manners.
Be humble.
Realize and accept that life isn’t fair.
Know when to keep your mouth shut.
Go an entire day without criticizing anyone.
Learn from the past.
Plan for the future.
Live in the present.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
It’s all small stuff.

I made several designs to print out if you would like a copy to frame as a daily reminder. The different designs and links for the printable are below. Use the glass from an 8″ x 10″ picture frame to mark your trim lines, then cut to fit your frame.