Author celebrates an ordered life in 'The Power of Simplicity'

The book teaches readers how to get things under control.
By DEVIN ROSE
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
"The Power of Simplicity: Choosing to Live Your Life On Purpose," by Patty Kreamer (Publish Connect, $14.99)
"The Power of Simplicity: Choosing to Live Your Life On Purpose" by Patty Kreamer feels a bit simplistic. Kreamer actually gushes about what a peachy life June and Ward Cleaver had, writing, "Life was so simple then."
Still, her book is worth reading for the regard with which she treats simple living.
Simplicity, she stresses, is not minimalism, so don't fear that she's going to expect you to live on the bare necessities. Instead, her idea of simplicity "entails having whatever you like in your life as long as what you have matters."
That being said, she teaches readers how to get their possessions under control by exploring whether they need or want something, are buying on impulse or making a well-thought-out purchase. She's big on the "one in, one out" rule -- every time something new comes into your house, something old has to go. (She says this equation works for everything from office supplies to friendships.)
Kreamer is not one for taking life as it comes. Plan 70 percent to 80 percent of your day, she insists, adding that every minute planned saves 12. Set goals to develop a sense of purpose, tell others about them so you'll be held accountable, and write them down to stay focused.
Create a positive, present-tense vision such as: "I am organized and a great example to my children."