Decluttering possessions is probably the easiest way to start living a simple life. Those possessions that keep us away from family or stop us from living a life based on our values, or in fact just deplete our bank accounts are not necessary. I do have many appliances, but most enable me to cut down cooking time and give me a chance to visit.
I have also come to realize that I do not need two closets full of clothes and have been gradually ridding myself of those items that do not fit my body now and those that I just do not love.
Slowly but surely I am removing myself from time commitments that also stop me from enjoying a slowed down life. I never realized how much time I spent doing things that did not fulfill me or enable me to take the time for a nice long walk or curling up with a good book.
Debt held us back from enjoying a simple life as well. We no longer have debt and that is so wonderfully freeing. Do what ever you can to lose that weight.
It is amazing to me how much simple living incorporates frugal and thrifty living. I suppose one could have one without the other, but the stresses of a life full of things, of debt, of always trying to keep up with others really do not allow for a simple life. Letting go of those things or ridding ourselves of those things saves us money and allows us to rest.
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
I did a teeny little happy dance today when I downsized my collection of ribbons by adding some of them to the ends of huge (and cheap!) paper clips to make bookmarks. Everybody will be getting one of those in their Christmas box/bags this year.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with all points. We’re debt free and can’t go back. All of our children (3) have just house payments. All cars and debts are paid. So happy about that, too! We use a CC and pay it off each month. The cash back buys gift cards that i use for adult birthdays and Christmas. I’m far from perfect. Still lots of room for improvement.
ReplyDeleteHi dear Jackie, I am very grateful with less, and you are absolutely right. Getting rid of those things relieves stress, allowing us to rest.
ReplyDeleteIt's harder to get rid of clothes when they still fit you, look good and you love. LOL Trust me, I know!
ReplyDeleteYou’re so right that a lot of simple living incorporates thrifty and frugal living. The two go together hand in hand. Debt will definitely keep you from living a simple life. I’m glad you don’t have to contend with that.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent post Jackie - I have been slowly decluttering too & after Christmas I want to start being really ruthless again as it sure does weigh you down. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful place once you reach it.
ReplyDeleteWhat is that saying, too much of anything is bad? Attributed to Mark Twain, he did continue on to say that "too much good whiskey is barely enough". He wasn't wrong about the first part, whether it is items, debt, or commitments.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of the issues you've noted come from the expectations we believe society requires of us. To be honest, I do think retirement makes it easier for us to live simply. But, it is a good lesson for any stage of life.
Well said. Debt slaves have few options in life with the corporations and banks looking over the shoulder. Many lifestyle bloggers peddle excess materialism as well, and use their platforms to do free advertising for the predatory corporation, Amazon.
ReplyDeleteMost excellent. For me, I also have a good deal of kitchen tools and I use them and love them. For me, the magic comes when they all have a home. Ah ... heaven.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that debt is a heavy weight to carry. It feels freeing to appreciate and use the things that we already have rather than constantly chasing more stuff.
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