Fwd: [thesimple_life] Simplify Your Life!

January 11, 2010

The Simple Life

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. ~Confucius

Practicing the simple life, is what makes it simple. When you keep practicing, you find what works. If you try something just once, and it doesn't work for you, don't give up just yet, it still might!

When cooking a meal, wash all the dishes as you go. That way you won't have a huge pile at the end, and when you are done eating, you will be able to wash your dishes in no time!

Find ways to cut energy and bills. Most of the ways you cut energy, such as CFL bulbs, or LED's also help save money, so they simplify in two ways. Help the earth, help yourself! More insulation saves energy, and cuts heating costs. Wrapping pipes, checking tire pressure, lowering the thermostat, sharing rides, eliminating trips to town all serve two purposes.

Freedom is getting out of debt and staying there. Buy a small home, pay it off, buy a good used vehicle, and pay that off, and drive it as long as you can. When you are out of debt, you can save, invest, or spend wisely.

Before you spend money on a hobby, think it through. Some hobbies are very expensive. Some are not. Some are good exercise, thus serving two purposes. Some are seasonal. Choose how you will get the best bang for your buck, and what will best suit the family.

The less you own, the less you have to take care of. Everything, pets, hobbies, knickknacks, vehicles, and even property takes maintenance. Are you willing to invest the time it will take? Consider renting a vacation home, rather than owning one. Also, consider sharing hobby items with like-minded folks, rather than single ownership.

Learn to think outside the box. Many people think of things in one way, but learn to look at other ways to solve problems. It may be unconventional, but if it works, use it! Most inventions were started by people who simply looked for a different approach to a common problem.

Plan ahead. Instead of running around trying to get ready for work or school, and plan a lunch, at least know what you will wear the night before, and what is available for a lunch. Making a batch of soup for lunch at work, is also a great way to make an easy lunch and save a trip to a fast food place.

Everything we possess that is not necessary for life or happiness becomes a burden, and scarcely a day passes that we do not add to it. ~Robert Brault

Cook enough for a double batch, and put one in the freezer for a busy night.

Write every family activity on the calendar. Check it every morning in case you forget an appointment.

Paying bills online may make things really easy for you. You can schedule all your bills to be paid on time, or even deducted automatically from your checking account. Paying bills on time eliminates unnecessary fees.

Focus meals on healthy eating. Fruits, vegetables, fiber and whole grain should be the top priority in your meals. Better health will follow.

Remember, people are more important than things.

Have you ever met someone who seems to have it all? Do they seem to spend a lot of time taking care of it all? It amazes me how someone who should be happy, is running around like a chicken with her head cut off, managing all the "stuff" that is supposed to make them happy.

When you buy something, ask yourself if it will make your life easier, or just add to the clutter.

Be nice. If we all learned the simple enough thing of slowing down and being nice, the whole world would be a better place.

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~John Burroughs

If you don't have time to play with a child, or notice a sunset, or a bird, or stoop to play with a kitten, or give a hug, you just might want to have a `sit-to' and think about how your life is going.

Keeping it simple,

Sheryl