Secrets of Simplicity: Learn to Live Better with Less

by Mary Carlomagno

Bulging in-boxes, out-of-control stress, and even climate change serve as reminders that when it comes to being happy and healthy, less is more. In this interactive journal, organization expert Mary Carlomagno leads readers on a journey toward release and discovery. Guided by the principle that the way you spend your time and money should reflect your true priorities, Secrets of Simplicity shows how to make practical changes to unburden your...

• Format: Spiral-bound
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811863948
• ISBN13: 9780811863940
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

The Simple Life

As my husband and I get older, we have a desire to really simplify our lives and found this book delightful and very helpful.. we have found ourselves buried in "stuff" and the stress and mess of it all is almost laughable - so we have given ourselves two years to downsize and prepare to live our golden years in a stress-free and simple environment...thank you for your help -- highly recommend this book to help give you a push in the right direction - (LESS IS BETTER)

Informative and enjoyable.

I think her travels, study of other religions and cultures have impressed upon her in many ways as they have with me. I could really relate to what she was saying about simplicity and it's freedom.

Finally! I can relate

When it comes to books like this, I have found that each person needs to truly find one that just works for them. I have bought many many books like this in the past only to almost never get through them, or cast them aside because they do not offer exactly what I am looking for. This book is very different and came to me quite by accident too. It is simple to read, not repetitive and makes so much sense, I feel as if she is talking to me. Instead of buzzing through the book, I am taking it step by step and getting through what she recommends before going onto the next step. This helps a lot as I am living the book, not reading it with intent to put it into practice, and then never quite get there. She writes so well and obviously understands that people just do not have time. I also love how in working through each step and putting it into practice I actually get to thinking more about the steps and they end up working so well! If you're still searching... look no further!

A perfect book for our times...

I have 2 jobs, one of which I work out of my home and the melding of personal and work space has created havoc in my house. This book is a wonderful guide on how to simplify my life. I envy folks who have clear, simple homes and workspaces and this book gives me the inspiration and the focus to remove all the useless clutter that is taking up my time, space, and mental energy. In our world where the economy is forcing us to re-examine our preoccupation with material over the immaterial, and the state of our environment which has been damaged by our selfishness needs us to think globally rather than singularly, this book can make a huge difference. It's not about going without, it's about changing priorities and going with that which will truly make us happy. The guide isn't preachy or guilt-inducing, just logical and supportive. Highly recommended.

I am in love with this book

I am so thankful to Mary for writing this book. I knew that sooner or later, someone would write a book that was in a lifetime that I could connect with. I am working my way slowly through this workbook, as I love it and I just dont want it to end. I am a huge fan of simplicity and want to lead a simple and elegant life. However, I need to combine that with working part time, having two young children and living in the city (of Sydney). I dont want to give up my love of clothes and my city passions, but I do want to live simply. Thereby giving myself and my family breathing room and room for spontonaiety. This book combined with Coveys First Things First, really helps me to live my life according to the values I hold dear. When I do that, I am filled with happiness and joy (really!!!). The book has a lovely elegant cover and inside is spiral bound, making reading anywhere and anytime easy. Mary is honest and since reading it I have learnt a few things about myself. This book is magic, its not a program. More she gently asks you to look at various things in your life. As I have realised, we all lead different lives and have our own values, so instead of her telling us ... she gently leads us. Big difference. I LOVE this book and will hold it dear for a very long time. Thank you Mary.