Simple Living/Voluntary Simplicity

[hippie-chick]

I have seen posts in the past, especially recently, on this. However, I cant find them now and would like to her how some of you are doing with this.,

I have wanted to get this direction for several years, but just now DH has seen the value, so we are just now moving this direction. HOw is your journey coming? How did you start?

[hlao23]

I'm glad you started this thread. We just took a new step. We're starting to take the bus back and forth to work. It takes longer, but I'm looking at it as time that I have to devote to reading - no temptations to clean, do dishes, etc :)

Don't quite remember how we got started with all this - I love it though. Especially the gardening (including mowing with a reel mower) and walking/biking as transportation. I don't know why, but it makes me feel like I get more "life" out of my day.

[lisas3575]

I don't know why, but it makes me feel like I get more "life" out of my day.

Absolutely. When I'm fully present in whatever activity/chore, rather than daydreaming or rushing to finish with a poor attitude, it slows down my mind and makes me live more fully.

If you haven't read it already, I highly recommend The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0553067966/qid=1124901384/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3939921-8690334?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) It's a very inspiring, real-world approach to bringing however much simplicity you'd like to your life.

[hippie-chick]

Thanks for the voices :) We are off work tomorrow and are heading to the library with tons of book suggestions. Ive been working like a crazy person to pay off the appliances we bought in March so DH can find a job he likes better. I will be done in 2 more weeks!!!!! We would both like to eventually find jobs that aret so stressful, even if it means lower pay. DH is going to go first.

We also went through our house and found TONS of things we dont use (even kitchen things, cookbooks etc) that we are going to get rid of. We are going to do a yard sale first, then give the rest to Goodwill. We got rid of our credit cards so we dont have that temptation. We also got rid of all but the most basic cable (local stations that are now visible). It is so liberating not to have 200 channels to choose from! Id like to get rid of cell phones, but the safety factor keeps me from doing that.

Funny thing is we both have a visual "picture" of how our life will eventually look. We want to enjoy the journey getting there, but really look forward to the end result.

Are you and your DH in agreement with this venture?

[wallycat]

I wish my DH were more in favor of simplicity/eco living.
Overall, he is good...but there are things we can improve on and I don't see it really happening.
I try to focus on all the things I can do (or am willing to do) and guide him gently.
I agree, life is a journey and this has become mine....so I try not to get upset with myself when I falter once in a while.

I have cut out all magazine subscriptions and almost all book buying. I use the library every chance I can for things. (DH still has a few motorcycle mags coming.)

We don't go out for movies anymore. We either check the DVDs at the library or wait till it comes out on TV.

We do all our bill paying on line to save stamps/paper/envelopes/etc.

We rarely, if ever, go out to eat. I used to enjoy it a lot, but between the quality and the cost, I find it more enjoyable at home now. The simplicity factor only helps me appreciate it more :) .
I also try to make simpler meals.

I own a few classic pieces of clothing and the rest are athletic/casual that don't really work on fashion trends. I replace as I need to and there have been 2 or 3 years where I purchased no clothing :eek: (MAJOR adjustment for me! Especially SHOES!)

I'll keep thinking :)

[hlao23]

This is one area that DH and I actually don't have trouble agreeing on. He doesn't actually initiate any of the downsizing, but he gets excited about going along with it.

Hippie-chick - do you compost? That's one thing I find very satisfying, and if you're faithful about turning it you get results rather quickly. Plus...you can put shreded newspapers in it. :)

[jem927]

I haven't gone overboard on simple living, but I am also making steps in that direction. One place I go for recommendations and ideas is the forum on the simple living website. I will admit, some folks on there are pretty hard core, but it is a great place for getting ideas and how-to's.

Simple Living Forum (http://simpleliving.net/)

As for what I have done, it is quite similar to Wallycat's progress. I hardly ever go out for a movie or for dinner. I'd much rather fix a simple meal at home, watch a dvd, or just read a book. I'm still working on getting the clutter out of my house, but is slowly coming along. And I have started taking public transportation more. Higher gas prices have definitely affected that! :-)

Keep us posted on your progress.

Jamie