Simplifying Life

vivw_2

I know how often I took you for granted
when I was growing up.
I always assumed you'd be there
when I needed you...
and you always were.

But I never really thought about what that meant
till I got older and began to realize
how often your time and energy were devoted to me.
so now, for all the times I didn't say it before,
Thank you, Mum
...I love you so very much!

mary43

Like that last one vivw - and the one before it...............think it might be a toss up between the two....................many thanks:j

ceridwen

The decluttering for me today just consisted of thinking "blow it - I cant be bothered with using up the last of the conventional cleaners" and gently transitioning over to the totally eco-friendly ones I've known for years (cough - many many years!) I really should be using. So - theyre sitting there in a pile now waiting to pass on to my mother (who wont stop using conventional cleaners whatever I say).

I've been spending hours over cleaning a friends kitchen (repaying favours) - so too shattered to do owt of my own.
Might get back to it tomorrow - if I've recovered.!

vivw_2

ceridwen wrote: »

The decluttering for me today just consisted of thinking "blow it - I cant be bothered with using up the last of the conventional cleaners" and gently transitioning over to the totally eco-friendly ones I've known for years (cough - many many years!) I really should be using. So - theyre sitting there in a pile now waiting to pass on to my mother (who wont stop using conventional cleaners whatever I say).

I've been spending hours over cleaning a friends kitchen (repaying favours) - so too shattered to do owt of my own.
Might get back to it tomorrow - if I've recovered.!

When I decided to change my cleaning habits, I freecycled all my old cleaners and now use just stardrops, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Its amazing how many replies I got

groatie_queen

I have a pair of glasses which only fit into the black case they were supplied in. I can never see it in my bag, and I also have a black diary this year - ditto looking for it is a challenge inside a handbag! Like looking for a black cat in the dark.

So today I made my life simpler - spent 35p on a metre of shiny silver holographic plastic ribbon, the sort that sparkles with different coloured chips in it when you move it in the light. I glued strips onto each side of both the spec case and the diary, problem solved and no more heart stopping moments, I hope!

GQ xxx

mary43

groatie queen - brilliant idea !! I always thought whoever came up with a design for an interior light for a handbag would make a mint...........know the sort ? Bit like the one in the fridge.............open handbag and light goes on - but your idea is next best thing and a lot cheaper................lol:j

ecoelle

Hi all, have not visited this thread for a while, glad to see it's still going. On my mission to simplify life i wanted to read others experiences and have just this minut put down one of the most inspiring and informative books i've read since John Humphrey's the great food gamble. The book was an account of one families 6 mnth plan to not spend any money and to live simply and environmentally aware. It is called 'Living the good life' by Linda Cockburn she has an amazing website also and there are regular updates on her blog. The book was a bargain on amazon and has reaffirmed my desire to live a simple existence not based around money and material things. Have recently had to leave work thorugh stress and am now debating what is the least money i need to ean in order to maintain the essentials in life. Also debating getting rid of the car as i only live 1 mile from town and there are buses every 5 mins. Anyway ill pop by again soon. Well done on contributing to such a great thread and keep up the good work.

sophiesmum_2

I have that book too and loved reading it. I would love to have a garden as big as hers and chickens, but don't know if I would want the goat, although she did make some lovely looking cheese from the goatsmilk:D
Definately worth a read

Charis

I followed the leads in the last two posts and eventually found this incredible website full of art which really brings home the message of how western society is locked into conspicuous consumption.

http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php

It is sobering when you see the short time spans these art works represent.

Rabbit

Hello Everyone,

What a brilliant thread this is, I haven't been on for a while and have just been catching up.

Some books that have really helped us along our way are:


The Art of Happiness and The Art of Happiness at Work - The Dalai Lama.

How to Solve our Human Problems & The Eight Steps to Happiness - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Embracing Uncertainty & End the Struggle and Dance with Life - Susan Jeffers.

Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway - Susan Jeffers.

The Power of Now and Practising the Power of Now - Erkhart Toll.

No Ordinary Moments - Dan Millman.


These are lovely books and I would recommend them for an interesting and uplifting read.

Best wishes to you all on your quest for a simpler life, hope you enjoy some of these books if you can get them from your libraries.

Take care, Rabbit x