We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING
Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Simplifying Life
Options
Comments
-
Hope things go well with your visit to your mum, Mary. Will be thinking of you.
Here is a quote from The Zahir, which I thought you simplifiers might like:
(he is walking through a cathedral, looking at how it is being restored and strengthened and also thinking about its changes over the centuries)
'And suddenly, in the middle of the central nave, I realise something very important: the cathedral is me, it is all of us. We are all growing and changing shape, we notice certain weaknesses that need to be corrected, we don't always choose the best solution, but we carry on regardless, trying to remain upright and decent, in order to do honour not to the walls or the doors or the windows, but to the empty spaces inside, the space where we worship and venerate what is dearest and most important to us.'
I found meaning in this, for me. Hope you like it.
Have a good Bank Hol folks. I'm hoping to do some gardening and maybe, just maybe, actually paint the staircase, but don't hold your breath.
w0 -
Thanks for the quote wmf - very true..........would never have thought of that.
Well, had a morning our at the European market in town -small town like ours doesn't have a lot going on so when it does the atmosphere is really 'alive', especially on a day like today when the sun is shining and it's so warm.
Did my bit of purchasing then fell into the charity shop for needless items (2 cushions, a wire plant trough and a picture) but I felt like treating myself........they're things that will give me pleasure to look at so thats no bad thing.
I should be in the garden really........such a shame to waste nice weather but having been out in the sun all morning I need to be indoors for a bit. I'm not too good out in the sunshine.........ends up giving me a headache so I'll pop out later on.
Off to Mums tomorrow..........not sure how I'll find her as she seems to sleep a lot of the time. Still, we'll see. Can't hope for a lot and I'm prepared for all sorts. Luckily I see my counsellor on Thursday so any stresses that may have built up I can offload........................
Take care.............I might have a quick look here Wednesday night, failing that it'll be ThursdayMary
I'm creative -you can't expect me to be neat too !
(Good Enough Member No.48)0 -
Hi all :hello:
lovely day - I knackered myself out on sat and still recovering - dont worry about the garden today Mary43 this is the start of summer so expect a few more lush days at some point to go out and get stuck in. Couldnt face supermarket so order some stuff online instead. When resources are low keep it to the bare minimum thats what Im trying to practise - things arent perfect but it will have to do for now!:j Where there is a will there is a way - there is a way and I will find it :j0 -
doittoday - don't think anyone ever gets it 'perfect'...........and whats perfect to one isn't to another anyway...........just been out in the garden, not to do anything, just to try and work out where we're going to put the trailing tomatoes we've been promised, plus the other tomato plants and wondering what a clump of flowers are coming up in a tub............lol I must have planted them judging by the way they're coming up but blessed if I can remember............lol
I know we've been craving for some nice weather but honestly, a little while outside and that was as much as I could stand...........got a headache now and not looking forward to a bus journey with the sun glaring through the windows..............oh well, makes a change from getting wet through and windswept.Mary
I'm creative -you can't expect me to be neat too !
(Good Enough Member No.48)0 -
Mary43, I'm so pleased you are seeing the counsellor. It really makes a difference, doesn't it, to know there is someone who has heard it all before and who listens just to you?0
-
moanymoany - it's made an enormous difference. Two more appointments and she thinks I should be ok. She;s moving away from the area anyway and I'm not sure I want to see anyone else. I think I've got things into perspective now and although I might have to give myself a gentle kick up the backside now and then to remind me, I think I can deal with the issues that were dragging me down so much.
It's helped a lot knowing people on this site who have been through similar situations ........some much worse than mine. It stopped me becoming very insular about everything and made me take another look at myself as well as my family. Things I wanted to happen I accept now never will...........and that acceptance is half the battle for me anyway.
Hope that seeing Mum doesn't pull me back down.But I've gone from dreading and delaying the visit to actually looking forward to it. It'll be a short trip but as much as Mum can handle and enough for me too.Mary
I'm creative -you can't expect me to be neat too !
(Good Enough Member No.48)0 -
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.0
-
Just found your thread...
I really do want to simplify. I am far too busy!
But I don't really see how yet.
Here's the deal. I've got 4 kids living at home.
1 cat, and 1 dog..
oh and a husband
I work 20 hours a week.
I cannot cut down on my appearance. For my job I need to look tip top. I don't have that many clothes and could actually do with a few more outfits but not going there just yet as I'm loosing weight at the mo.
Can't do a lot of the home cooking/baking/making stuff as I just don't have the time!
Need the car to get to work.
(no there's no jobs available closer to home)
My house is FULL of stuff. clutter.. and lots of children's possessions of course... so I'm really quite desperate.
What can I do that will save me time and energy?
Becca0 -
Hello virtual friends:j
I've had such a lovely weekend this weekend...worked like a thing possessed during the week and got all of my course work done so I could just potter. There's a lot to be said for just pottering....I've discovered that the buddleia that we put in 2 years ago [and cost 50p!] now has a mass of buds which I'm really excited about because they're look like bright orange pom poms. We whizzed through all our jobs this morning and went out for a 4 mile walk this afternoon as the weather was so lovely. The woods around here are just glorious at the moment...a mass of bluebells, yellow archangels, early pink orchids, primroses, red campion and stitchwort. I've come back home feeling I've had a real treat.
This evening's offering was included in a local monthly magazine which came through last week. It didn't quote the author so haven't attributed it. I've copied it out and put it next to my 5 blessings on my fridge!!
The 5 Rules to be Happy
Free your heart form hatred- forgive
Free your mind from worries- most never happen
Live simply and appreciate what you have
Give more
Expect less
I hope you enjoy it.
Aril
Aiming for a life of elegant frugality wearing a new-to-me silk shirt rather than one of hair!0 -
dolly_day_dream wrote: »When I made whisky marmalade as presents for colleagues at school they were overwhelmed. quote]
Do you mind if i ask you how you make whisky marmalade? Also do you just use your old jars that you are finished with?
I think this is a great idea-sounds fun too!!!I love my boys! William born 08/01/08 and andrew born 22/2/09.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 351K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.6K Spending & Discounts
- 244K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards