On Simplicity

I’m not a doom and gloom naysayer, but as many folks this summer can testify, floods, fires, and disasters are a fact of life. My heart goes out to folks who’ve been hit by disasters, and I feel lucky that I have time to create a plan. I’ve had to sit down and think about what’s actually important enough to save in case of emergency, and it was an eye-opening experience.

So today, I’d like to extend the question: what three non-essential things would you save in an emergency? Your family, friends, pets, and any medical needs are considered essential for this question, so we’ll assume you’ve already got those.

For me, I’d like to save:

1. My bag of photographs. While I have digital copies of lots of these, there’s something about the crinkled and worn originals (especially the ones that go back a few generations) that’s magic for me.
2. The external hard drive. It’s not so much the basic information, though that would helpful. It’s all years of writing, including the awful college poetry, that I would hate to lose.
3. A pair of high heels. I know it’s ridiculous, but having something so frivolous would give me hope as I rebuilt and would be a physical connection to carefree times.

If I had anything that had serious heirloom significance, I would probably switch out the heels. At this point, though, none of that is at my house. Walking around and realizing that I had room to spare with a limit of three was a shocking feeling. I’ll be honest, it made me think two conflicting things: I’m so lucky to be so free, and Should I be concerned that I have nothing of value?

Well, I’ll leave the floor to you. What three non-essential things would you save in an emergency? Drop into the comments and let me hear your thoughts, or your stories if you’ve got any.

photo credit: futureshape

When I asked about your definition of simplicity, many readers included the importance of having less, but enjoying more. When it comes to actually giving stuff up, though, it can be easier said than done. In that spirit, here are five ways you can make it easy to enjoy a life with less stuff.

Use what you do have. Go through your music collection and make a playlist of forgotten favorites. (I love doing this!) Pull a favorite book off the shelf and give it another read. Pull a passed-down antique out of the closet and give it a place of honor. Using and enjoying what you do have gives you a feeling of abundance that’s incredibly uplifting.

Keep a list of free and fun things to do. You could take a photographic walk, teach the dog a new trick, snuggle with a loved one, incite a family wrestling match, write bad rhyming poetry, take a nap, or dance to the radio. The more items you can dream up, the more fun you have at your fingertips.

Start seeing empty spaces as packed with freedom. Celebrate every empty shelf, bare wall, and exposed square foot of flooring as the ultimate victory. If freedom equals happiness (or at least a big component of it), then not having something just brings you closer to your personal nirvana.

Engage all five senses. Don’t just put on your shirt in the morning. Take a second to feel the weave, to take in the color, to smell the freshness (it is clean, isn’t it?). Okay, you don’t have to taste it, but you’re starting to get the idea. Same with your food. Don’t just eat it; savor the smells and sights of a delicious meal. By packing the mundane with meaning, we create a luxurious lifestyle out of nothing at all.

Make a list of the things you get in return when give things up. My list includes freedom, peacefulness, and room to think. Keep the list at the bottom of sock drawer and reference as needed. It’s a powerful reminder of exactly why I’m not filling my drawers with endless new things.

photo credit: apes_abroad

To everyone out there who suffers from allergies, I salute you. I never understood your suffering over a simple sniffle or watery eye. It seemed like much ado about… ragweed. But alas, the gods of schadenfreude have caught up to me, and I’m now a fellow allergy sufferer. I apologize for any lack of sympathy that may have been expressed up to this point and humbly beg your forgiveness.

Here are some other items that got under my skin and made me all aflutter this week:

I’ll start over at Get Rich Slowly, where J.D. has been churning out fascinating reads all week. I thoroughly enjoyed (and agreed with) The Myth of Multitasking: How Doing It All Gets Nothing Done, and found it highly relevant. My favorite, though, was The Psychology of Happiness: 13 Steps to a Better Life. If you missed this one, please go back and check it out.

Over at My Super-Charged Life, Jeff had a couple of gems as well. 5 Things Scuba Diving Taught Me About Living Life to the Fullest got me thinking about trying new things and what I’ve learned from my hobbies. In the nuts-and-bolts department, he also questioned the fairness of FICO scores.

Frugal Dad caught some great insights on frugal living from over 5,000 reader comments and Simple Mom gave me great ideas for awesome and cheap wall art.

Emily at Remodeling This Life kicked off a great discussion on What Motivates You, while The Wisdom Journal provided 20 Questions to Help You Overcome Barriers and Find Your Passion. I find both of these to be perfect for morning tea pondering time.

There were other great pieces going around, so if I missed one, drop me an email and let me know! Also, I usually keep track of potential items for my round-up through my Favorites on StumbleUpon, so if you find a great read, drop me a line there (I go by SimpleSara) and I’ll have a better chance of seeing it.

photo credit: ninjapoodles

Yesterday, I wrote about how pets can help us learn to be selfless. Today, I’m going to hit on ways two and three that dogs–or any pets–can improve our lives (even while mercilessly complicating things).

#2: Dogs require you to be social.

Want to curl up with a book all night and get lost in your own thoughts? Too bad; Fido wants to play, and he won’t take no for an answer. Dogs understand that touch and play are essentials, and they force you to get in on the game.

And you know what? Even though I’m initially annoyed when Roo tells me it’s time to take a play break, I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated afterward. Forced social interaction–even when it’s wordless in nature–can be just what you need to keep your sanity and gain a new perspective on your schedule.

#3: A warm, fuzzy creature can contribute to a frugal life.

Many people write or talk about the costs of pet ownership, and they’re completely right. Foods, toys, vet visits and time are all drains on your money and energy. However, it’s vital to understand that pets can also lower some of your bills. Cold evening? Curl up next to Lassie instead of cranking the thermostat up. Bored? Play hide and seek with Rex instead of hitting the mall.

No money for a gym membership? Take Bingo for a walk each day and get in shape. Feeling stressed? Play with your pup before you call the shrink or shell out for a new homeopathic remedy. The true monetary costs of dogs tend to balance out in the long run, especially when the health benefits are taken into consideration.

What are your experiences with these? I loved yesterday’s stories of world-watching rats and spaghetti-stealing pooches, so keep ‘em coming!

photo credit: El Caganer

About a year and a half ago, I became the lucky owner of a nine-month-old puppy. As a first-time pet owner (no one seems to count fish as pets), it was quite a transition. However, I’m just beginning to learn about the responsibilities and rewards of pet ownership. It’s equal parts simplicity and complexity, and it’s become a vital part of my life.

This week, I’d like to take some time to talk about pets, and the ways they complicate our lives in some simply beautiful ways. Since I’ve got a dog, that’s what I’ll be writing about, but please feel free to share your thoughts on any creature, from toddler to turtle.

1. Pets require you to be selfless.

It’s not that I enjoy walking around the yard when it’s below freezing. I also don’t enjoy cleaning up dog poop. I certainly don’t do these activities for my health. However, I care about Roo, so I do these things almost unfailingly. It’s no longer just about me; it’s about another creature’s needs, and that’s a good thing. Yeah, it would be fun to stay curled up and watch “Friends” reruns for hours, but it’s not a bad thing when my ShedMaster 2000 prevents me from doing everything I want, all the time. Stepping outside my own needs and wants, even for a few minutes at a time, is a great way to restore balance and humbleness to my life.

Has pet ownership changed you? Please share your stories and let me know what you’ve gained from your pet.

While there’s little point in having regrets, I think we all wish we’d been a bit wiser when we were young–at least in one or two ways. So this week I’d like to hear three things you wish you’d known when you were 20.

Here are mine:

1. Focusing on your school work will pay off (literally). But it’s also okay to blow off a few more afternoons and have some fun.

2. Don’t worry about guys. You met the right person years ago; you just don’t realize it yet.

3. You will change over and over again. Don’t worry about figuring out who you are just yet. Oh, and buy Google when it goes public.

What do you wish you knew at age 20? Or, what are you glad you didn’t know? I’d love to hear about your experience, so drop into the comments and leave a response!

Last night I took up running, something I haven’t done regularly in years.

As the wind blew my hair and I cheerfully gasped for breath, I started planning how I would write about it. Who cares that I had a nagging throat tickle and the makings of a cold? I was on my way!

“Running Toward Simplicity”? Nah, too cheesy.

“Any Time Is a Good Time to Kickstart Healthy Habits”? Potentially.

“Reaching Your Dreams Is as Simple as Taking the First Step”? Kinda wordy.

Well, the real approach hit me in the middle of the night, as I was awakened by the fiercest sore throat I’ve ever had. As the white fire of Hell scorched my tonsils and my legs shook uncontrollably with every swallow, it hit me:

“Bad Timing Kills Good Habits”

Don’t Do What I Did

I still believe that there’s rarely a time when you should delay starting a good habit. However, I now concede that you should let common sense prevail when you’re in doubt. Ask yourself these questions first:

1. What’s the worst that will happen if I take this action?
2. Is anyone depending on me who could be negatively impacted by this action?
3. What’s my motivation? Am I simply avoiding something else?

It’s not foolproof, but it’s a start. In the end, what I’m really encouraging is that you set yourself up for success. 

As for me, let’s just say that the running bug has been effectively squelched for awhile.

Now, I’d like to turn it over to you. What has worked for you?  Are there any guidelines you can think of? Or, do you think a “just do it” mentality is always the right way to go?

My husband tells the story so well.

“I head into the bathroom. The stall door is unlocked, so I walk in and what do I see?  There he is, hand between his legs, handling his business, looking as shocked and mortified as a nun caught in the Playboy Mansion.”

Fortunately, the story’s about a cocky fellow who got taken down a peg because he failed to lock the door on a public restroom. Classic!

Embrace the Inevitable

After hearing how this poor guy was so embarrassed for days by the impromptu bathroom social, I made a decision.  The next time something potentially mortifying happens, I’m going to embrace it. After all, it’s hard to make fun of someone who isn’t embarrassed.

Events are only humiliating if we deem them so.  If you skulk around with your eyes downcast, you’re giving off clear signals that you are ashamed. What’s worse is that you aren’t just conveying that message to everyone around you; you’re telling it to yourself.  It’s a perfect recipe for long-lasting humiliation and unnecessary personal suffering.

Remember that time you face-planted in the middle school cafeteria? Well, no one else does, so stop being embarrassed and let it go.

Seat’s Taken: Plan for the Moment

The next time something mortifying occurs, I’m rolling with it. Someone walks in on me in the bathroom? They’re getting a smile and a wave.  Trip and fall in a public place? So what? Laugh about it, and if necessary, take a bow.

So think about it. How will you react the next time something embarrassing happens?  Will you clam up and radiate shamefulness? Or will you take life’s quirks for what they are and keep smiling?

Either way, one lesson is clear: lock the bathroom stall next time, will you?

photo credit: tifotter

It’s time for me to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak.  I talk a great game about simplicity, but in truth, it’s easy to be simple at this point in my life. This week, the real test starts.

My husband is going in for surgery (nothing life-threatening, just corrective), and I’ll be picking up a lot of extra work as a result. My amazing spouse handles most of the household chores, like cooking, shopping, and all maintenance. I do the laundry, cleaning, and drink mixing.

So for the next few months, as B recuperates and is largely immobile, I’ll be:

• Taking care of B
• Taking care of all household chores
• Taking care of the yards
• Cooking (not my strong suit, so we’ll see how this goes)
• Driving
• Shopping
• Taking care of our beloved (and highly energetic) dog Roo
• Working my regular job
• Working on On Simplicity
• Taking on extra freelance writing work (to help defray the cost of surgery and make up a portion of B’s lost wages from being away from work)

I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of folks look at this list and say, “So what? I’ve been doing this for 20 years. Whaddya want, a cookie?”

That’s fair.

But it’s a big change for me, and I’m taking it as a challenge. It’s a call to make life as simple as possible, for my own sanity.  I look forward to learning new ways to streamline and be happy with less. 

If you’ve got any advice for me, I would very much welcome it in the comments. Have a great week, everybody, and thanks for reading!

photo credit: Satoru Kikuchi

Yesterday’s conversation about simplicity myths sparked reader Marelisa to write,

“For some people simplicity is practically synonymous with minimalism, while for others it’s about priorities and purchasing items because they genuinely please you instead of trying to impress someone else. I think we should each come up with our own definition of simplicity and apply it to our lives…”

I absolutely agree. There’s no standard for simplicity; it’s a concept that’s entirely up to you. It’s also a concept that deserves some serious thought.

So what’s your definition of simplicity?

Here’s mine (at the moment):

Simplicity is stripping everything away from our lives: assumptions, preconceptions, fears and dreams, and then keeping only the things that we truly value. It’s about being happy with enough, and finding contentment from within.

(If you’re interested in reading a bit more about my perspective, check out one of my earlier posts, Am I Just Faking It?)

In the meantime, what’s your definition? It doesn’t have to be perfect or complete. I’d just love to hear about what components of simplicity are valuable in your life. Please glide on into the comments and share your thoughts!

And if you’re interested in hearing some awesome insights on time, values, and living the best life for you, head over to Marelisa’s home at Abundance Blog!