Simplifying Life

ceridwen

Anyone else trying to simplify life - to concentrate on more "important" things? What are you doing - all hints please?

Me - I had 3 sideline jobs as well as my full-time "day job". I've dropped 2 of the sideline jobs and the 3rd one will go as soon as I can. Time available - yah!:beer: Thinks..... could be that I need some more of that commodity - with all the O.S. making bread/gardening/......

Hardup_Hester

Hi Ceridwen
I'd love to simplify my life, but unfortunately I too busy reading blogs about other people to get round to it!!

champys

Great thread, Ceridwen! Over the past few years I have been looking out for just about anything that can simplify my life. All about reducing stress and gaining time. There can be a lot in giving up small things and deciding them unnecessary. For example, since I started working from home I have given up wearing make-up altogether, and hairdo's too (no more colouring, hairdressing appointments etc). It is great, I never worry about my appearance anymore - me is me, and what you see is what you get. A great simplifier! A lot of regular OS things are simplifying too: eating what's in season, not bothering with details such as fabric conditioner, etc. etc. Having less 'things' also simplifies your life.

Skint_Catt

I'd love to simplify my life and get rid of all the ho0urly reminders on my mobile to do this that and the other. Maybe in the new year I'd start, but some of them like surveys and pigsback means I won't get extra treats/freebies etc!

grunnie

My first 1 was to get rid of the mobile phone. If any of the family wanted me they could write me a letter:rotfl: or send me an email or find me on MSN in the evening. Having 4 short holidays in january and getting 2 bedrooms decorated so having a serious tidy out of my clothes. Tops today and filled 3 bin bags for the charity shop. OH says bottoms tomorrow then :rotfl: I have so many clothes that I just do not wear and lots I can't get into. This retirement lark is so much fun thanks to Martin but I have been to tooo many sales and acquired too many bits. There is nothing like having to totally empty a room to realise how much stuff you have and don't need. I might put some bits on freecycle but up here we have a recycling place called GREENHOME which even collects furniture - including old foam ones and recycles them. Tidying out some old and I mean old handbags I found 25p and my favourite concealer - treasur indeed:j

lilac_lady

I'm trying hard to lead a simpler life and am thinking of trying to use cash only (apart from direct debits for main bills). Most money problems come via plastic so cash is simpler.

grunnie

lilac_lady wrote: »

I'm trying hard to lead a simpler life and am thinking of trying to use cash only (apart from direct debits for main bills). Most money problems come via plastic so cash is simpler.

I always use cash - have done since I retired. Once or twice I have had to put something back when in the queue at Tesco but they are so used to someone doing that they don't bother. You realise the value of money using cash and don't waste it IMO

thriftlady_2

I've been less than thrifty lately -I'm spending too much on food and books (although most of my latest bookspending was with birthday money and vouchers).

So come the new year I'm back to my pared down pantry list. I also try to eat locally and seasonally which simplifies meal choices.

The other thing OH and I have been thinking about is getting rid of the TV -well not the actual set as we love watching DVDs but the TV reception. We've already given Sky the push. I believe you can do this, I remember reading about it on this board some time ago. I'm not sure how you go about it, but I think the TV licensing people have to come and check you can't recieve a signal.

We've just become sick of the rubbish that's on and the effect adverts have on the kids- especially dd aged 7. I don't know if we'll go ahead, I'm quite apprehensive I just keep thinking 'what do we do when the new series of Dr Who starts?' none of us want to miss that -maybe we could get someone to tape it...

Penelope_Penguin

I've simplified life by not spending on trivial *stuff*. I've hardly bought any clothes all year. Only one new item; the rest from e-Bay or charity shops. I try to only buy books second hand. Music I mainly download. Less stuff means less time dealing with it, tidying it away, and dusting it!

I am, however, happy to spend on *experiences* - holidays, meals out with friends, good food and wine.

My main motivations for this are reducing my impact on the planet, and saving for mine and DH's longer term plan of reducing our working hours, retiring early, and buying a smallholding.

Penny. x

Charis

thriftlady wrote: »

I've been less than thrifty lately -I'm spending too much on food and books (although most of my latest bookspending was with birthday money and vouchers)

I have the same problem with food and books:rolleyes:

The other thing OH and I have been thinking about is getting rid of the TV -well not the actual set as we love watching DVDs but the TV reception. I believe you can do this, I remember reading about it on this board some time ago. I'm not sure how you go about it, but I think the TV licensing people have to come and check you can't recieve a signal.

If you have a VCR which is capable of receiving signals, even if you only use it for watching tapes, you are still liable for a licence. Also true if your computer can receive TV programmes.:o

JenniO

I've put a lot of thought into this before replying to this post. I don't think I have simplified my life lately as such but I am now living a simpler life.

Almost all of my food my family eats is homemade. We are growing vegetables, I've cut down on the chemicals we are putting on/in our bodies, I make my own soap, etc. I've also just sold a load of stuff on ebay the last 6 months of things I didn't want or need.

So actually I feel really busy but I have filled my days with things that make me happy now. I live for me and for my family, not a 'boss' and 'work'. I guess I realised we only have 1 life and so better try filling it with good memories or else what have you really done all these years? Been miserable but got the bills paid? There's more to life and thank god I'm finding it now.

jen
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