I am slowly but surely moving towards a life that is simpler. Not simple in that there is no effort to live, but one that takes our world into consideration and one that makes the most of what we already have.
With rising costs I believe that the more we can do for ourselves, the better off we will be. Add in the wars that are raging around the world and preparation is definitely necessary. Today, Canada and the U.S. under the umbrella of NORAD, had to scramble planes as Russian fighters were getting very close to Alaska and Canadian airspace. We do live in turbulent times, and I don't think things will improve for awhile. This is not the first or only time that Russia has tried to enter the airspace of other countries with their fighters.
While I do have many things that make life easier overall, I am decluttering those items that I no longer use. Thus making space, not for other things but space to breathe and to just be.
I have been reading so much about waste lately that it has made me realize that at times I have lead a very wasteful life. Small changes have been made and more are coming. The more that are coming is shopping more at a secondhand store. We only have two here which is kind of limiting, but I am sure I can find things to recycle into my life. I have already found reading material and craft supplies in one over the years, but now I will be looking for clothing to refashion and things to use with what I have. Perhaps I can find a decent set of pots and pans.
Living simply means using what we have to the best advantage. This also goes very well with using up, wearing out, making do or doing without.
Are you moving towards a more simple life? If so how?
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
I get what you’re saying - intentional living and I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about the Russian fighter jets flying so close. Yes turbulent times for sure and I don’t believe they’ll get better. This is our world now.
Yikes, I hadn’t heard that about the Russian fighter planes. Yikes 😳
ReplyDeleteI hear you loud and clear on second hand shopping and waste. I have a fitted sheet that has two tears in it, but is a beautiful fabric. So, I’m going to remake it into something else, even if it’s just smaller cleaning clothes, I’m not going to just toss it. It can be remade into something useful. I hope you find that decent set of pots and pans. I was at a church yard sale this summer and concentrating on clothes when the lady next to me was able to get a whole set of nice pans for $5.00! I was amazed they sold them that cheap. We see a lot of pans second hand here. Thank you for your thoughts on this topic. We learn so much from each other and your examples always encourage me. 😊
I agree with you regarding Living Simply Jackie - its those small changes we integrate in to our daily lives that makes the most difference. xx
ReplyDeleteI think I live a fairly simple life. I am a carer for my son, so I don't have time to go recreational shopping or eating out. We have always only had one family vehicle and I try to recycle/reuse/repair things whenever possible, but I am always learning new things. For example, I recently got a really big grease stain on my favourite t-shirt. My husband told me to toss it and buy a new one, but I treated it with washing-up liquid and bicarbonate of soda until the stain disappeared. It took five attempts, but I kept it from going to landfill, so that was a win. I found the information on the internet. I try to keep away from technology as much as possible, but the internet is really like one big encyclopedia and can actually be a great aid to simple living.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing I find useful is to simply put the word out when I need something. If you can't find the pans you want in your local second hand stores try mentioning what you are looking for to friends and family. I often find that someone will have the exact thing I need sitting unused and are only too pleased to pass it on.
The post echo's my thoughts, the bigger world is a very fearful place, so to focus on home and our lives at this time in our lives is perfect. I can't bring myself to purchase second hand clothes, but I try and get quality on sale and make them last.
ReplyDeleteI am a work in progress. I do waste too much food, an ongoing problem. Otherwise, i do what i can. I have a box that never empties from items for the thrift store. We buy most of our clothes there, no underwear. I conserve water as best i can. My husband does not. That seems to be a bridge too far, for him. We walk to town quite a bit unless we need food. We can do better, that’s for sure.
ReplyDeleteI love that so many are trying to live a more considerate and non-consuming lifestyle. We all need to work on it.
ReplyDeleteTrying, but I've got a long way to go. I think we've all been guilty of being wasteful at different times in our lives. These days I'm grateful that there's very little we need other than the basics for living. What I need to master at the moment is making us of what we already have and iradicate unnecessary spending.
ReplyDeleteSince I've retired I've become an enthusiastic thrifter. Except for underwear and socks and shoes, almost every other piece of clothing I've purchased from a thrift store. (I did find and buy brand new underwear with the tag once) And any other purchases are items I find on sale.
ReplyDeleteYou may not find a full set of pots and pans at a thrift store, but if you decide on a brand (or two) you'll likely be able to find pieces overtime. Sadly, in my experience, most of these items are well worn before they are donated. But there are exceptions.
My life has been simplified in many ways since I retired. I certainly have more time. My possessions have been reduced as well. I've complicated things a bit with spending time both in town (most of it), in the city, and travelling. But as long as I can continue to do it, I will.
We have been thriftie shoppers for years and I have to say that most of both my wardrobe and RC's have come from there. The only things we tend to buy new are underwear, socks and shoes/boots. One thing I wish we could cut back on is going out for breakfast but I know it's something the RC looks so much forward to so I hate to rock the boat on that.
ReplyDeleteThere is a place online that sells used clothes and I don't know the name of it or all the details but I think, if memory serves it's to help cut down on waste.
ReplyDeleteI love simple too and I get what you mean.
Cheers, Ivy.