Moving To A Simpler Life

 

As I move towards what I consider a simpler and more abundant life, I find myself slowing down more and taking the time to enjoy what I am doing. 

While it might seem like I get a great deal completed many times, most of what I manage to get done are groups of things that can be done at the same time. Laundry for instance can be done and while things are washing I can do dishes, vacuum, dust as well as numerous other tasks. When I hang clothing out to dry, I can water a few pots after or pick some herbs or perhaps a flower or two. I might even get to sweep the decks as I come back from taking out the garbage or recycling. 

The last of my tomato sauce was made yesterday, and while that simmered on the stove I chopped the rhubarb. Putting together what was needed to make a half recipe of chutney. While the jars for the chutney were sterilized, I washed out the pot and got some raspberry jam started. Of course along with the jars for the chutney were being sterilized I made sure there were enough jars for the jam. 

This gave me almost the whole afternoon to do some slow stitching and a bit of decluttering. Planned menus mean that I can get things prepared in minutes and enjoy the process. Cooking for two is a bit difficult for me sometimes, so having leftovers helps with slow living as well. After all what is easier than pulling something out to reheat and just worry about sides (which for the most part are easily planned and done). 

I have a bit of trouble just sitting and doing nothing so slow stitching, knitting and weaving keep my hands busy and my mind slows down to match the needle going in and out of the fabric, the knitting needles clicking, or the shuttle going through the warp after moving the reed. 

Main reason for my constant need to keep my hands occupied is because I used to smoke many years ago, and I still feel the need to be working on something in order to keep the cravings at bay. I probably don't need to do so any longer as it has been many a year, but habits die hard or can be hard to change. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.