Today I told my husband that he will need to move into his own house when the girls leave for college because his need to consume and my desire to simplify by owning less, do not make good living companions. I'm trying to reduce, while he collects bargains that we don't really need. Lucky for him, one of the girls said, "You can come live with me dad. I like to collect things too." Argh!!
I've discovered over the past few months that simplifying is difficult when life is busy. The advertisers know just how to make you think that an extra crock pot really would help you get 14 dinners cooked in one four hour Sunday afternoon. An appealing thought when one's dinner choices after a 12 hour work day consist of KFC or Mexican take out from the neighborhood restaurant on the corner. Being busy makes me feel like I need more stuff; more things to help me stay organized, more things to help me get everyday chores done faster, more money spent on people to help me take care of all the stuff I already own. It's crazy when you stop to think about it.
When I'm busy, I stop at the grocery store more often and purchase more things I don't need because I don't take the time to make myself a list or check the pantry before I go. I binge shop on Amazon and Zulily because I'm tired and it's easier to lie in bed and spend money with the push of a button than to get up and get moving. Lack of energy, for me, equals money spent. Spending money is effortless, requires very little mental energy, and makes me feel productive because I've accomplished ordering something that will be delivered to my door in a short 46 hours.
No wonder people feel like they have to sell all their belongings, move the the country and live in a tiny house to finally relax and breathe. Living in the suburbs of a large city, and working a very hectic job add up to spending money... more often than not, to purchase things that we don't really need.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Monday, June 6, 2016
Simply Traveling
Simplicity is not in my nature. I have to work at it. Which seems counter intuitive for someone who is trying to live a more calm, balanced, simple life. But whatever, I don't wake up every morning with a calm mind and a gentle focus for my day. Oftentimes, I awaken with at least 147 things running through my head, some connected to my daily to-do list, some random thoughts about something I don't need to think about for another 13 months...some trying to rectify a past issue. Like I said, simplicity is not in my nature. I have to work at it.
Today I'm preparing for a trip. Which for me is anything but simple. And this one is a particular challenge because the girls and I are traveling without Dax. And we're flying, which the girls haven't done since before they turned 2. Oh, and did I mention that we're renting a car and driving over 7 hours to our final destination once we land. In my heart, I know I can handle it, but my head likes to mess with my heart a bit and today is no exception.
If it was not for the itchy need to aim for perfection and to try so hard to prepare for every possibility, I would be a lot less mentally consumed this morning. But being a long distance car-traveler. I'm used to being able to throw in last minute items, to pre-purchase snacks, and to bring a variety of just-in-case items with me on the trip. I really don't want to hassle with over packed suitcases and excessive supplies with me on this trip. But it's hard to put the girl scout in me to rest.
Take for instance the fact that I just spent 10 minutes contemplating whether or not I should take my yoga mat with me or plan or purchasing one once I arrived. It would be heavy and take up a great deal of space in the smallish suitcase I'm trying to stick with as I pack. Can I do yoga without my Chromebook? How will I access my classes? If I take my mat, I need to take my Chromebook. Which would be o.k...because I can write on my Chromebook. But then I need internet service for both of those functions and there really isn't a whole lot of service at my mom's house. So, is it worth it? Could I do my yoga without a mat and without an instructor? Could I write without my laptop? And what about the camera. Photography is supposed to be my hobby. I should really take my camera. But that will make my bag heavy, and then I'll feel obligated to drag it with me wherever I go. Could my phone camera be enough for this trip? Hmmmm...
You see the problem I'm having preparing for this trip. Simple and I are not often close companions.
But I don't want this trip to be about "stuff." I want it to be a bonding time for the girls and me. I want to spend time in a part of the country that feels like home. I want to visit places we've never been before and enjoy the time I have there. I want to eat good food and take in what's around me. What "stuff," do I need to accomplish these things? Stay tuned...
Today I'm preparing for a trip. Which for me is anything but simple. And this one is a particular challenge because the girls and I are traveling without Dax. And we're flying, which the girls haven't done since before they turned 2. Oh, and did I mention that we're renting a car and driving over 7 hours to our final destination once we land. In my heart, I know I can handle it, but my head likes to mess with my heart a bit and today is no exception.
If it was not for the itchy need to aim for perfection and to try so hard to prepare for every possibility, I would be a lot less mentally consumed this morning. But being a long distance car-traveler. I'm used to being able to throw in last minute items, to pre-purchase snacks, and to bring a variety of just-in-case items with me on the trip. I really don't want to hassle with over packed suitcases and excessive supplies with me on this trip. But it's hard to put the girl scout in me to rest.
Take for instance the fact that I just spent 10 minutes contemplating whether or not I should take my yoga mat with me or plan or purchasing one once I arrived. It would be heavy and take up a great deal of space in the smallish suitcase I'm trying to stick with as I pack. Can I do yoga without my Chromebook? How will I access my classes? If I take my mat, I need to take my Chromebook. Which would be o.k...because I can write on my Chromebook. But then I need internet service for both of those functions and there really isn't a whole lot of service at my mom's house. So, is it worth it? Could I do my yoga without a mat and without an instructor? Could I write without my laptop? And what about the camera. Photography is supposed to be my hobby. I should really take my camera. But that will make my bag heavy, and then I'll feel obligated to drag it with me wherever I go. Could my phone camera be enough for this trip? Hmmmm...
You see the problem I'm having preparing for this trip. Simple and I are not often close companions.
But I don't want this trip to be about "stuff." I want it to be a bonding time for the girls and me. I want to spend time in a part of the country that feels like home. I want to visit places we've never been before and enjoy the time I have there. I want to eat good food and take in what's around me. What "stuff," do I need to accomplish these things? Stay tuned...
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