A Simpler Life 2018

I think I am already living as simple a life as I can. I don`t have a mobile phone and only use the internet at home in my free time. I have done the full konmarie works, after joining the amazing and helpful KM thread, every single room, my wooden storage outbuilding and my garage, which is my wood hobby space and holds my house maintenance stuff. Yes, I am widowed and now do all the house maintenance jobs on top of hobbies. I have given away the equivalent of a small house, bar furniture, not expecting anything in return but as per the release of chi, I have so far received three cheques over the whole time I have been doing KM and two were unexpected

So energy starts to flow after KM and it releases stuff psychologically too and it helps one to live in the moment, which is not stressful

I have earthy hobbies, to do with plants, bread, wood and wool, all grounding. Spinning, carving and running my allotment, which feeds me just about the whole year around. I make bread all the time, usually sourdough or long fermentation, have done for 50 years, my grandad was an artisan baker, so it must be in the genes

I could get simpler, ie could get rid of more clothes and some of my nordicware baking forms and spinning wheels and carving equipment but I won`t. These things bring joy and so they are staying. Why should I go simpler now, at my stage of life, it could be enforced on me when I am 20 years older, so now I will enjoy what I have

The only way in which I will now adhere to konmarie principles is one in and one or two out, that will maintain chi, that and moving things around in the house so that feng shui principles also apply

I too, am not sure I can make my life much simpler, but I'm going to have to try

We really really don't have sufficient funds coming in and I can't realistically see a way to improve that. I thought I already did all the frugal stuff, cook everything from scratch (I cook for a living at the moment) Him indoors is retired on a state pension and does food garden, we need to run a car as we are rural (we have got two at the moment, but we've already decided when one goes the way of all cars, we won't replace it, but it's paid for etc) Do charity shops, bargain hunt etc. although of late I've even rather given up the CS because I don't need anything.

I've been tidying recently, I won't say decluttering, because I love my clutter and I really can't see I need anything new clothes wise in the next few years. I've got a cupboard stuffed full of craft stuff I need to go through still...partly have trouble because of my arthritic thumbs and partly don't have much free time it's not being used but getting rid feels like the ultimate admission that I'll never have any free time/crafty fun again.

Because of the pension age changes I have eight more years to tough it out through work wise, and I am counting the days through gritted teeth!

As part of my simple living philosophy I like to cultivate a living space that is calm and peaceful. So no extraneous clutter in The form of ornaments, family photos on display etc Instead I will have a couple of nice plant or some flowers. Plants also improve air quality.

I don’t have the TV blaring out as “wallpaper”or mindless chatter on the radio. I am selective in both my viewing and listening habits. I enjoy the peace and quiet.

I also reduce “white noise” to a minimum. The washing machine and dishwasher are used at night.......on the economy tariff of course.....the kitchen is far enough away from bedroom not to disturb me.

Less clutter certainly means less work and effort but i think it is also more “restful” and less “overwhelm” to the senses.

I havent reached a point where I think I can’t simplify further. Maybe I’ve not been radical enough yet but I’m not ready to do a Steve Jobs and live with no furniture. I do like a few creature comforts. :rotfl:

This week I emptied a cupboard/bookcase which stood in an alcove In my dining room. I will be donating it. I love the empty space where it stood, it makes the room look much bigger and brighter.

Recently I went through all my glassware. I bought a few new really nice pieces from Ikea and donated my rather large collection to a charity shop.

I have stopped saving things “for best”. I have got rid of all the mismatched “everyday stuff” and now every day is “best”. :rotfl:

Less is definitely more.......more style, more quality, more freedom, more time.

kittie wrote: »

look after your thumbs, mine started to get arthritic and painful, when that happened I bought thumb splints, I often go to bed at night wearing a support and I have three different types, they have certainly helped my thumbs to retain their shape. I have one big drastic rsi support for when my hands ache and they are miraculous. Also don`t carry eg a plate in one hand, there is tremendous pressure on the thumb joint if you do.

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I have compression gloves, and just got a thumb splint from hosp. Going back in Jan for the other one cos was out of stock. I thought I might buy the other and maybe a spare pair until I found out they were £40 odd quid each :O I had a steroid injection into the right a couple of months ago which has helped loads, and am due the other done on 19th after my last market before Xmas so I can rest it for a couple of weeks. I have a drawer full of aids and openers now, and my mummy bought me some special shears which are amazing.

I'm going to sort this cupboard out after Xmas, and see if I can figure some stuff I CAN do, I struggle to even thread a needle because of the pincher grip needed, but there must be SOMETHING I can do...maybe look at more sewing gadgets?