A Simpler Life 2018

Hi
I’ve just come across this thread and I would love to join if that’s ok.
I am at the early stages of preparing my simple living which has been spurred on by a recent bout of ill health (mental and physical) and a desire to work much less.
I had a ‘no tat’ rule for over the Christmas period. This worked well until I bought a 6ft black gloss mannequin at a local auction. :rotfl: In my head I was saying “you’re breaking your own rule” repeatedly but my hand went up and the hammer went down and she was mine. I didn’t realise how statuesque she was until I got her home to my little cottage. Eventually I saw sense and managed to sell her on for a small profit.
So far I have sold on dvds, cds and some books. I have donated surplus mugs to the staff room. I have gone through my clothes and got rid of any that I was ambivalent about. I need to really like what I have.
I have cleared out my email inboxes and unsubscribed from lots. I have cancelled magazine and beauty subscriptions although I am keeping the National Trust for now ( I’ll get my money’s worth later in the year) and a couple of small charities.
For me simple living will not be living frugally though. It is more that I want to live intentionally. I will only buy what I need rather than purchasing for convenience or on impulse to fill a void. Well, that’s the plan
Next on my hit list will be the paperwork I’ve accumulated and magazines I’ve held on to but rarely read.
I too have watched much less tv and I’ll be ditching Sky once my contract ends. I have been enjoying listening to podcasts (Dear Sugars and The Good Life Project are 2 good ones) and watching Ted talks. I watched a good film on Netflix called Minimalism and also a film called ‘I’m Fine Thanks’ is good although I had to buy that online. I think it was £3.49 which I consider good value for the bit of therapy it gave me
I’m enjoying reading back through the thread. It’s lovely to find people who share the same goal and are tired of our consumption and consumerism.
Here’s to a slow, simple, intentional life 🍷🍷:beer:

Welcome! I love the expression 'living intentionally', echoes what I have been thinking 'living thoughtfully', something we have done for many years, for many reasons.
Small steps, and be kind to yourself is my advice. I'd add, SmlSave, talk to your children about what you are doing - they won't always understand, but they will gradually take on your ideas and be able to talk about them. You may like to go back to kneading bread sometimes so they can join in! If your home set up allows, definitely sort out something for feeding the birds, so they can enjoy looking at them and learning about wildlife.
Something I have always done - without realising it, as my parents and other family had always done it - is taking pleasure in small things. As you do that, you start living more positively. Of course, I take a great deal of pleasure from this board, not least because of reading about things like black gloss mannequins. Am completely astounded AJS, and think she was completely worth whatever you paid for the story value alone! Glad you made a profit as well.

Hi all

I have been reading this thread with interest. I too would like to both simplify my life and live intentionally. I work long hours and would like to be able to work less but feel stuck in the rat race so to speak.

I have attempted to de clutter but..... Some great ideas on this thread and such a supportive group. I thought if I could post with like minded people it may keep me focused.

Need to formulate a plan.

:j

Slowly simplifying my life. I'm decluttering it is going fairly slowly but definitely less in the house and mentally makes me feel more in control.
I have sorted out seeds and ordered a few packets. I have also planted some seeds out and hopefully will be almost self sufficient in veg this year. The fruit trees should produce more this year as another year older.

I wish I could reduce the amount of laundry i do. The only way to achieve this is to wait for DS2 to move out!! He keeps saying he will but can save more money by living at home. He plays rugby on Saturday's and trains twice a week. Lots of muddy kit.

Meals are planned and far less waste.
Still has loads of toiletries to use up before I need to buy more and use them for more than one use.

I never used a toddler bed both of mine went straight from for to normal bed. Used a railguard and only problem was it wasn't high enough. DS1 used to wake up and stand in his cot holding onto the sides when he tried it on the bed he fell out. I only realised what he was doing after the first couple of times.

AJ_Scotland wrote: »

I had a ‘no tat’ rule for over the Christmas period. This worked well until I bought a 6ft black gloss mannequin at a local auction. :rotfl: In my head I was saying “you’re breaking your own rule” repeatedly but my hand went up and the hammer went down and she was mine. I didn’t realise how statuesque she was until I got her home to my little cottage. Eventually I saw sense and managed to sell her on for a small profit.

:eek::rotfl: