What is your idea of living simply?

[corpsefeet]

Well, let's see..

1. I do not own a clock. I have no reason to rush myself to go anywhere- I try not to make appointments.
2. I drive at the speed I wish. Considering that I have no appointments and no need for watching time, I have no need to rush.
3. If someone or something is a problem in my life, I cut it out completely. No need to stress myself over something unnecessary.
4. I do not own clutter. We own only the clothing we need and a few pieces for dressing up- we both own about 3 pairs of shoes.
5. I do not buy anything that I do not need.
6. I try to only use things that have multiple uses(i.e. baking soda, vinegar, essential oils). Nothing I buy just sits.
7. I make do with what I have. You *CAN* learn to be content with exactly what you have.
8. I set realistic goals, and I meet them regularly.
9. I do not go places where I will be stressed, tempted to do something that is not for the greater good of my family, or where I will stretch myself in any way possible.

There are many more things I do that allow me to live what is, IMO, a *simple* life. To me living simply means not living an extravagant life, not being stressed by your life, and being completely happy with exactly what you have. It also, to me, means getting back to the basics.... I only like to own and use as many products that have been around for centuries as possible...none of those fad chemical laden things that come and go- only the basic, high quality, lasting things. This allows me time to do much more than I ever thought possible.

[melodys]

I made a real effort to simplify my life for the past couple of years and I'm happy with the result.

Went from a house that was too big with too much maintenance to a much smaller home.

Got rid of about 1/2 of my posessions.

I choose to do things that I enjoy without feeling guilty about it.

I work hard at my profession and I love my job. Satifying work is, to me, a simple pleasure.

I don't buy the majority of things that I would like to have - when I have the "I wanna buys". However, I do buy quality items that I have confidence will make my life more pleasant.

I read more, watch TV less.

I have learned to say No.

[perSue]

oh my wish list of things to do, the few things i sorta want (don't need, could live w/out, but wouldn't mind having - ie, stainless steel cookware ) is a mile long...

BUT...

i live simply now.

I want what I have & have what I want - and use it.

To me that is living simply. Sure, we've got things we don't "need" per se (ie, a tv, a cell phone or "decorations" (think: pictures, dust collectors))... but it makes US who we are. And I like us. lol

So, in short, I've got everything I need - and a few things more I don't. But we don't have a whole lot, but we don't live bare-bones either. It's just right.

[homesteadmamma]

A thoughtful and inspirational thread!

Simple living begins in my mind and soul. When I am at peace with God and man, everything else begins to fall into place. So I try to keep my mind uncluttered of trivial things and enjoy what is really important to me. I strive to draw closer to the design that God has for my life, and in doing so, the trivial slips to the wayside.

But how does that translate into everyday living?

Hubby and I determined to be debt free, and we achieved this several years ago. That gave us an incredible peace of mind! It made us the master and not the slave of our resources. But in order to be debt free, we had to reorder our priorities and values. We worked hard (someone else mentioned that a simple life is not necessarily easy: so true), to pay off mortgage, student loans, and vehicle loans. Then we determined to not go into debt for anything again. Make it do or do without. We paid off our mortgage in 5 years and were really proud of that.

Debt free living does not mean that we live with trash and flimsy things. We buy the best that we can afford, in knowledge that it may be more frugal to do so. Debt free living does not mean that we have no fun. We are in the position of choosing to have our enjoyable times, knowing that we can pay for them. So we plan great vacations, or certain purchases with that knowledge.

We live in a big, but simple house, quietly furnished with things that are important to us, and no clutter. A clean home translates into peace for me. Art, music, and literature are important to us. You will find our home filled with these. I enjoy cooking and scrapbooking; you will find space for these in our home. Our home is a reflection of us.

Besides keeping my mind and soul and home and finances in order, I also strive to keep my relationships and calendar in order. We are blessed with a multitude of friends and a large family. Although our family lives away from here, we enjoy our time with friends. We find it refreshing to gather with friends for a meal or games or chat. We enjoy every minute that we have to be with family. But we have to be careful to not be too busy. Hubby and I tend to be people who are VERY busy. We do volunteer work, teach part time, have all our hobbies and interests, are people-persons, are involved with our church........ If we aren't careful, all these good things can consume us. We cherish the times that there is nothing to do.

Simple living means not having to worry about my health. We get our check ups, take vitamins and supplements, watch our diet, stay fit. We get flu shots. I go to Curves daily, and Hubby and I love to walk in our woods. Not everyone is blessed with good health, so I am thankful this. My body has had about 60 years of use and wear, so it's not perfect, and it has aches, but it's doing what I want it to do.

Finally (whew! you probably thought she would never end!), living simply involves harnessing my desires and the impact they may have on the next generations and on the world around me. That is the reason we deliberately have a low-key Christmas. We spend very little, but manage to create memories of good times. We want the emphasis to be on Jesus, and not on our own materialism and desires. (I know this is different from a lot of folks; please don't slam me on this). We don't care if something is new or not. We have no desire to keep up with the world. We see the effects of a "me-first" mentality and of consumerism, and want to do our part to counteract that. It's a gift to our children and grandchildren!

I couldn't have said it better myself.

I do want to add that simple living for me is also to be able to sit quiety and hear the still small voice. To not feel guilty in sitting in that quiet space. I love our simple lifestyle and wouldn't change it for the world. It brings peace to my soul and my thoughts each day.

[brenda67]

I (we) plan to live more of a simple life when we move into our house with lots more room and lots of land to be more self effient...I'm so unhappy living in this trailer where everywhere I look there is not one uncluttered spot to speak of..I plan to change my ways in our new house..a fresh start free of clutter..granted I don't feel it's all my fault with having so little space and lots of stuff (most of we needed) we are a family of 5 living in a box..I don't feel like I have control anymore..I feel overwhelmed unmotivated and I'm sufficating sp? living in such a small space..I want to feel at peace with myself..I want my children to feel less stress and not see their mom freaking out all time because of suffering from clutter and no room to breathe and a less of a clean home then I want it to be.. Yes the house will be a blessing for all of us..I plan to be a more calm..patient person/parent/simpler life in my (our) new envirement sp? I can't wait..

[frugalfriend]

I'm so excited for you, Brenda! Can't wait to hear all about it as you move into your new home and enjoy all that space!

[peanut]

Simple living to me is about management...

~ time management - careful scheduling, giving adequate rest time, all the frugal things I do...are they worth it?
~ stuff management - de-cluttering, thinking twice about buying, is it useful or beautiful? How can I make the routines of life more pleasurable or more efficient?
~ soul management - spiritual growth, having room to be who I was meant to be, enjoying God's creation, nurturing myself on a regular basis.

That's simple living to me in a nutshell.

Jean

[brenda67]

I'm so excited for you, Brenda! Can't wait to hear all about it as you move into your new home and enjoy all that space!

Ive said it once and I'll say it again.."I LOVE YOU" my friend!!! I can alway's count on you putting a smile on my face !!! I do need that right now..I must be pms'ing..LOL.. I could start bawling any second ..you are a very uplifting/positive person..I wish you lived near me! (((HUGS)) and thanks!

[frugalfriend]

Trying not to hijack this thread , so I'm sending you a PM.

[rowdy35]

for me it's being happy with what I have and not comparing myself to others. I have ADD too so I don't mind working alot & I do have a full time job and a part time job.

Right now I'm trying to get my ducks in a row and it's a long process but I am content with what I have and wish for nothing, life is good and I am greatful to be who I am.

I don't need granite countertops or a "Sham Wow" to be a better person.