Sunset over Redondo Beach, CA
Anything simple always interests me. ~David Hockney
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the The Simple Living Network, I highly recommend you take some time to check out this great site. You won’t regret it. If the idea of slowing down and simplifying your life is appealing to you, the wonderful resources on the The Simple Living Network will help you do just that!
I came across this site several years ago and have found the articles, book recommendations, and links to other resources invaluable. After hiding in the background for several years, I recently took the plunge and joined the discussion forums and I’m having a blast. It’s a great community and so inspiring. I love knowing there are others
out there like me because it helps keep me focused and on track.
Now don’t confuse simple living with poverty or deprivation. Simple living is a lifestyle choice that allows a richer inner life through a simpler outer life. Like wealth, simple living can have many definitions as well. There are no rules when it comes to living simply. One person’s idea of simple living might be to pare down to as few possessions as possible while another person’s definition might be planting a food garden in their backyard.
My personal definition of simple living is cutting out the things in my life that no longer serve me or the greater good of the planet. By keeping it simple, I stay focused on those things that enhance my life the most. I’m also much more mindful of my consumer choices and how they affect the environment, because I want to do my part in treating Mother Nature the way a lady should be treated.
Before I was introduced to the concepts of simple living, I always felt disorganized and rushed. It seemed like I never had any quality time to myself. Being the ultimate people pleaser, I was always accepting invitations out of obligation when what I really yearned for was a few quiet moments alone to reflect and regroup. I was always on the go and never able to fully enjoy the present moment. Then one day while browsing in Border’s bookstore on my lunch break, I found a book called Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James. I found the whole concept of voluntary simplicity fascinating. Hungry for more ammunition to help me in my quest to take back my life, I started surfing the web for more information and that’s when I found The Simple Living Network.
Since I have begun this path, some of my results are as follows:
No Debt- One of the ways I did this was by taking the bus to work and freeing up the money I would have spent on gas and parking to pay off bills. Our household has still managed to remain debt free (with the exception of a car repair bill I blogged about a few months ago, but hey that’s almost paid off, thanks to simple living principles!)
More Time for my Interests-One example is Yoga. It’s my passion and I practice several times a week. It’s my priority so it takes precedence over shopping at the mall, attending social events I have no interest in, and lounging on the couch watching reality TV.
Quality Time with my Husband-My husband and I keep our calendars very simple so we can spend time with each other. We like hanging out together which is one of the reasons we got married! Our favorite time of the week is Friday night. We order take-out from our favorite neighborhood restaurant and watch paranormal or crime documentaries. (Yes, we’re a bit twisted! 
)
Quality Time with Friends-Since I have cut back on activities I have no interest in, I have more time to hang out with my friends and family. We don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant or over-priced concert. I can have just as much fun going out for coffee, taking a hike together, or sharing a bottle of wine while sitting on my front porch.
Massive De-cluttering- I have thrown out so much junk over the last few years. I still think I have too much but it’s nothing like it used to be. Now that I have less, I can now more fully enjoy what I do have.
Respect for the Environment-I have never been against protecting the environment but I used to think it was something I had no control over. I now know different. Each of us can make a difference. Owning a fuel efficient car, choosing walking over driving when it’s feasible, and recycling, are just a few of the many positive habits I have developed which are helping me lessen my footprint on the world.
A More Creative Life-I no longer feel I have to live life a certain way. I can create the life that works best for me and not what advertisers or the status-quo say are best.
I’m still simplifying my life. It’s a constant journey and I’m loving every minute of it.
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