How to Lead a Simpler Life

[whisker]

Simple ...... or is it!

So the idea here is to try and give up a little and see how it feels. You don’t have to ween yourself off of everything but why not try

*a week without fast food,

*an hour less of tv,

*gadget downsizing,

*outdoor activity supersizing,

*taking a walk,

*muting commercials,

*being vegetarian just for one week to see how it feels, or

*just trying to breathe more slowly,

*taking in the world and focusing a bit more on the important stuff.

Heck, don’t do anything new but at least be cognizant than what the conductor says is “important” isn’t necessarily so. He’s wrong that conductor, just trying to make you buy yet another ticket for another spin. Get off while you can and enjoy the real you.

Does any of this resonate with you? Is change easy of difficult for you? Would you be willing to start any of these in the morning?

As for me, I find change very difficult. The one that hits me hardest from above list is "Gadget Downsizing" - me that loves my gadgets so much!

How about you?

[elaine]

This is a brilliant post Whisker, and very thought provoking too. I do think at one stage or another, we need to think, "Do I need this, or need to do this?"

I cut my spending down, it wasn't that I felt at the time, I over spent, but that I tended to by more stuff than I actually needed. I love shoes, and so have quite a few pairs, but seriously. do I REALLY need them all? I'd be just as content, with less.

I think also, with this recession we are in, with more and more jobs going, and high food prices, we are all taking a grip, on life, and simplifying things.

I do not miss having the latest shoes, nor do I miss having less at all. Change can be difficult yes, but as they say...change can make us uncomfortable, but with change comes adjustment, and new adaptation skills too.

I live simply now, I have food, I do not starve, and I buy just what I need for the week. I write a list, and are not tempted to go shopping while hungry, nor with a mate who spends like crazy either.

I do have treats too, 'cos I do, and treat meself to that sticky bun, a Latte, or even a slice of cake sometimes.

I do think we tend to be brain washed by latest must have TV ads, and the latest fashion too.
Changing isn't that hard, if it is done slowly, and do a bit at a time, and ease yourself in to it.

Hardest for me, was eating better, no fast food, no crisps, and no gallons of tea.

Best bit about it is though, I do sleep better, and my skin looks better too. I still love me tea, but that one will be hard to change. I do alternate it with decaf now.

Have others made changes too?

[whisker]

You've given a lot of info there, elaine, that should encourage a lot of people to think again, re what they "want" - or "really need".

One of the above, that I'm clapping myself on the back for, is that I've given up meat a number of years ago. I do eat fish - but if I don't have fish, I can be perfectly satisfied with a vegetarian meal.

I never think of meat - even though I am an avid watcher of Masterchef and all of those food programmes. They rarely show veggie recipes, but I know times are changing and that will change too.

How about you? What's your take on all of this?