Simplifying Life - Mark II

silvasava

Lilykins - I think we all have the same feeling as you. It really takes discipline to 'still' your mind. I got into Yoga (for the exercise) through a friend but I found there were other benefits for me, as you are able to concentrate on one thing instead of the many - it really refreshed me & I felt able to cope with all the everyday pressures. It was also 'me time' which unless you actually make time for is quite difficult to achieve. Good Luck with finding something that suits you & your needs.

I have just 'simplified' & got rid of my lacy net curtains for vertical blinds - I know they are a bit 'officy' but we are quite close to the road so need something. I have just found that now there is no room for ornaments on the windowledge No washing & re-hanging - less dusting - result!!!

[Deleted User]

silvasava wrote: »

Lilykins - I think we all have the same feeling as you. It really takes discipline to 'still' your mind. I got into Yoga (for the exercise) through a friend but I found there were other benefits for me, as you are able to concentrate on one thing instead of the many - it really refreshed me & I felt able to cope with all the everyday pressures. It was also 'me time' which unless you actually make time for is quite difficult to achieve. Good Luck with finding something that suits you & your needs.

I have just 'simplified' & got rid of my lacy net curtains for vertical blinds - I know they are a bit 'officy' but we are quite close to the road so need something. I have just found that now there is no room for ornaments on the windowledge No washing & re-hanging - less dusting - result!!!

Thank you silvasava- good for you simplifying your windows, it must feel like a weight off your mind, its things like this that will go a long way to saving you time hence giving you more time to actually enjoy life.

I have just spent a lovely day with my mum and sis, both are quite ill but we had a lovely lunch with lots of laughs- thats whats important to me, time with my family.

Spent some time last night looking at simplifying life websites, one was fab, talked about our impatience to do things and that a simple life can't be achieved in a day. I had hoped to forward the link here but can't for the life of me find it today- will keep trying and let you know.

Now for a little glass of wine and sit in the garden with DH, got to enjoy this weather while we can. Have a lovely evening everyone

Nargleblast

A glass of wine in the evening sunshine in the garden.....simple pleasures, simple life! Appreciating what we have from Mother Nature I think is the first step towards simplicity. And an appreciation of the seasons and what they bring.

[Deleted User]

I have just realised - I can do it!!!!

I know I am a major worrier and planner- but have just realised, you cant plan everything!!! Unexpected beautiful weather led to a lovely hour in the evening sunshine with DH, sat in our pretty garden.

Again I'm afraid I was trying to plan our future, more simple life, when I realised, I, at that moment was living in what I actually want for my future- no stress, woory or planning. Instead just peace, chilled wine and the company of my lovely DH. What we were planning was what we were actually doing- sometimes I am blind to what I have.

My aim needs to be to do this more. Whether it be in the garden in the sunshine, in the lounge, tucked up warm, or walking the dogs on a rainy day. I know we work full-time and care for ill family-members but we are lucky enough to have time together a few times a week.

I can plan to clear the clutter and manage my time more effectively, but fundamentally I need to clear the clutter from my mind and life in the moment, take stock and feel grateful for what I have.

Will get there, by clearing my debts I am no longer 'building-up' further clutter and spending on the unnecessary- it doesnt make me happy. Time, peace and family does so this is what I plan to concentrate on.

Thanks for reading x

ginnyknit

I think our aims to have a simpler life are hindered by the clutter in our minds which slows us down. I am a perpetual worrier and thus sleep badly (besides being up in the night as OH's carer and Dgs's grandma ( he stays weekends). I often get stressed when DGS comes to stay but have made a conscious decision to make weekends a break from most things ie. washing clothes, baking, shopping etc and just concentrating on enjoying his company and seeing the joy on OH's face all weekend.

One thing I learned from a feung shui book that you should not have unfinished projects in the bedroom as they make your mind think you should be doing other things than sleeping so am going to move lots of stuff into my craft room so I sleep better.


I also find that the O/S idea of cooking 2 meals at once and freezing one helps me feel good. Last week we had been to the hospital and were quite pleased but a little tired so I just pulled 2 portions of food out of the freezer and bobs your auntie - I felt good

[Deleted User]

Know what you mean ginnyknit, I am a worrier too. However you are seeing the pleasures in your life which I try to do also.

The 5 daily pleasures forum is lovely.

I have had a lovely day at home, yes, doing housework, ironing and cooking but home is where I'm happiest. This evening I had meant two dresses and taken up another so feel very proud of myself- good few more years wear in each, previously they would have been binned.

Off to do some quilting now- lots to do on it before winter

silvasava

Lily & Ginny - you are both learning to take pleasure in the here and now (which is all we have!) instead of always looking in the future - which no one can predict (there's always something that bites you in the bum!)
Virtual hugs to both of you for taking the small steps - they may be small but they are much better than none

[Deleted User]

silvasava wrote: »

Lily & Ginny - you are both learning to take pleasure in the here and now (which is all we have!) instead of always looking in the future - which no one can predict (there's always something that bites you in the bum!)
Virtual hugs to both of you for taking the small steps - they may be small but they are much better than none

Thank you silversava, you are so right, really need to keep reminding myself of this. I have always prided myself on my planning and organisational abilities however although they might be useful in some instances, they have brought a whole lot of stress.

I am even trying to plan a simplier life- why can I let it just happen??? Do I need therapy????

Can anyone recommend a good book on simplifying life?

[Deleted User]

Lovely sunshine, hope to take my little dogs for a walk after work. Then off to care for my poorly mum and sister for a week (no chance for simplifying there!!).
Have sold few things on e-bay, less clutter in house, hoping DH will put more things on to sell whilst I am away. Probably too much to expect to come back to a clean, tidy home.....

red_devil

goobergirl wrote: »

Some thoughts I was having today, after reading previous posts and some of the minimalist / simplifying life blogs.

I have felt different for quite a long time. By that I mean that I haven't felt the need to spend to excess on meaningless things.

For instance, things like Sky TV. I have a colleague at work who is up to their eyes in debt, to the extent it keeps them awake some nights. They will not give up on Sky tv even though it will put over £50 back in their pocket each month.

When I said we haven't had Sky Tv for 10 years and never will again, I was looked at as though I had two heads. It didn't bother me, I had a chuckle inside, as I was obviously the 'weird' one.

I actually love saying I hate going shopping when some of the girls are discussing shopping trips and the 'excitement' of it all. I got another 'weirdo' look when a shop[ping trip to New York was mentioned! By the very one who won't give up on SKY tv.... I could think of nothing worse. I would love to go to NY, but with my OH and definitely not to shop!

So to get back to my title I am glad not to be normal!:j

sky tv can actually be moneysaving too. when you add up the cost of hiring dvds or going to the cinema, sports events etc sky seems cheap and can be very entertaining.