Hello all. Hope you are going to enjoy this last day of April. We have had one of the warmest Aprils in history, and now the temps are to drop! We will start May in the cool. The next 7 days or so look to have highs in the 50's and 60's. This morning it is in the low 40's and chilly outside, but it is bright and sunny. Very damp from dew out there.
I know many talk about having a simpler life. I think for each of us, it means something different. No, I don't THINK - I know it does. It sure means something different to me than many others.
I am not knocking the people that do or have the following - it is all a choice, but to me it just means more dependence, not independence.
You don't have to touch a vacuum to have clean floors. You can have someone shop for you. Have your shopping excursions delivered. You can shop in your PJ's sitting on your couch for anything. Cameras take pictures of just about your every move. Want fast food or restaurant food - it comes to your door now. People communicate through text instead of in person.
LOTS of people do these things - but they do come at a cost. Nothing seems to be free.
I know this "simplifies" many people's lives. At least they think so.
I personally see it as instant gratification. Easy access. No delays.
I don't find that something I want at this point in life - not for me. (maybe someday)
I was raised to look at things as - anticipation is far greater than the realization. For me that is still true. Things I have to wait on and think about, and plan all seem to mean more to me.
DOING things myself gives me so much satisfaction. I will enjoy a good home cooked meal much more than anything I can buy out or have delivered. Picking out those special items at the grocery store and getting those special deals (I can only get by spying them) means a ton. A little hard work and planning, means I accomplished it on my own. Talking to someone in person gives me a feeling of companionship. If I can grow some of my groceries or get them locally from people like me, I know they are fresh and healthy.
I guess I look at things in a different way - maybe an old-fashioned way.
I think every new skill we learn is an investment in our lives. It is also an investment in the lives to people that watch us! They learn new things and see you accomplish things on your own, and it shows them what can be done.
If everything goes to 'hell in a hand basket' - you HAVE skills! You can do things. You can succeed. You can still live a decent life.
I don't see 'simplifying life' as doing less and having more convenience. I see it as doing the basics myself and having a freedom from what people think 'normal' society does.
I don't want to be a victim of the digital world. It is everywhere and involved in everything - and I don't like it.
I want to blaze my own trail in life - I want to have self-satisfaction! I want to be a 'teacher' of old ways to others.
Again, I am not knocking anyone that does the stuff mentioned above - we all make our own choices.
I am just saying it ISN'T for me. I go to the beat of a different drummer.
Here is hoping that your May starts out lovely and fresh. A new month, and a new beginning.
Don't sweat the small stuff - just be happy to have another day.
Blessings to all.
Yes, simple living does mean so many different things to each of us.
ReplyDeleteI use my cell phone as little as possible and have deleted all social media apps from it. I liked FB when it first came out but now it's just full of ads and so annoying.
I have never used grocery pickup or delivery because I like to shop for my own items.
We eat most meals at home, so I know what we're eating but we do eat out occasionally for the 'social' aspect of it.
You are so right about skills. A lot of the younger generations do not know how to do the basics, and these skills are more important than a lot of people realize. If the SHTF, knowing how to do many things yourself will be the most important prep you can have. Plus it saves a ton of money in good times.
The surveillance now is unbelievable, and I do not like it so try to use cash and in person shopping only.
Enjoy the last day of the month Cheryl.
We sound so much alike!!!! I keep FB to stay in touch with out of town people - but that is it. I wouldn't worry about it at all if it wouldn't for that. Too much drama!
DeleteYou are right all the things we do is just smart - BUT it saves money too.
I have some younger family members who ask questions and are learning the older ways - they realize how important it is. I wish they were all like that.
It sure is a pretty day here!
In this house, every $$ spent is weighted on it's value versus using said $$ for travel and experiences. In the words of a friend 20y my senior (85), now that I can afford broccoli, I'd rather grow it 😉
ReplyDeleteWe are in the process of installing new and higher raised beds. 2 feet high will make a big difference in 20y should our bodies not bend so well. $$ well spent! My recent car purchase, 10.5 years ago, has 47,000 miles on it. Likely my final purchase.
Cheers to skills AND options!
Your friend is very right! I can afford just about anything I want now - but I don't want much. Kind of funny how that works.
DeleteWith age hopefully comes knowledge and understanding.
Yes mam, that will be money well spent. I love it. May be something to think about here.
You got it - Cheers to skills and options!
Simple is relative & for me, it's better. I think there's a degree of FOMO connected to the drive to have the latest & do what everyone else is doing, fueled by social media. The old adage of keeping up with the Joneses. I believe there's a financial cost in keeping up. All these conveniences come with a cost. It always behooves us to assess our resources - time, money, skills, knowledge, energy - & weigh the cost/benefit.
ReplyDeleteYES MAM! People keeping up. It costs a lot - not just financially but in other ways as well. People aren't learning by doing anymore. Someday they may be sorry.
DeleteWe need to use or lose it!
You hit the nail on the head; instant gratification. Remember the days when you had to get home from wherever you were to make a phone call? Remember the days when we actually cooked food, not nuked it? Or someone brought it to your house? At almost 79, I am more than ready to revert to the old ways, which IMHO are far superior. Some folks find it difficult to go to the store and can order groceries to be delivered. That is an option actually necessary for some, but I prefer to eyeball my produce and meat products. Speaking of the old ways, it would be lovely to see a resurgence of common courtesy. The world may be upside down but we can keep a smile on our face while interacting with people. I challenge all of us, (me too!), to show kindness to someone each day. As the old saying goes, "scratch your mad and get glad".
ReplyDeleteGoing out to tackle more jobs in the gardens. It's finally safe to take the snowblower back to the shed. Have several large bags of small branches to shred for mulch. Better than just burning them!
Enjoy your weekend! Looks like some rain will come our way.
I do some much the old way - and I would love to do more. People keep making fun of me because I don't have a 'smart phone'. Don't plan on it. I do not want to be tied to a phone all the time.
DeleteI love to go shopping and HUNT for the deals - I can't get those with someone else shopping. It is wonderful that it is an option for those that can't get out - but it generally costs more too.
YES courtesy would be nice. Someone at a register saying 'thank you' to me instead of me thanking them for waiting on me!!! Great challenge. I sure try.
LOL - I put up the snow shovel just last week!
It sure is lovely today.
Remember, as a child, the anticipation of hoping for a special toy or outfit for your birthday or Christmas? In a world of instant gratification that no longer seems to exist. If you find you need something, it s so easy to go online, order it, and receive it the next day. I know that I have a hard time coming up with a Christmas shopping list because everyone seems to already have everything that they need/want. Jenny
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. It made everything so special, and the anticipation made the holiday/occasion special.
DeleteKids have everything and so do adults. No more WISH lists - they just buy it. Most times it is not a NEED - just a want, and will soon be discarded to the side. Such a waste of money.
I agree, it makes gift giving tough.
I know having a meal delivered seems faster and easier. I've never done it but have had it done for me a couple of times (I was ill and my daughter wanted to make sure I ate). Honestly, in the time I waited for it I could've made something and already been eating when it arrived. Yes, it was nice not to cook but not worth the extra cost.
ReplyDeleteI was in Iowa last week. Every service person I met was so nice! Even the couple times when there was an issue the response was let me see what I can do. And there was once or twice the person went beyond the expected. It was a wonderful experience.
Yep - agree totally. Nice not having to cook - but when I feel bad, a bowl of soup or something is fine and enough and it only takes a couple minutes.
DeleteSome of the delivery fees for that, cost as much as the dinner from what I hear.
What a wonderful experience for you. We sure need more of that. I am glad to hear you had a lot of experiences.
I like this statement, for us about 95% of our meals come from home. I accept pizza credit as part of payment for doing some accounting work for a friend. I usually try to buy and use gift cards for special occasion meals like birthdays anniversary and meals before or after concerts. Getting meal delivered is a no go. We live too far from everything. I have used grocery pickup and delivery but only when it would save me money overall. We use it on vacation after looking up sales and let's be honest I would get lost trying to find the store. Also a couple times a year when I know I would get distracted in the store, I have used pick up to avoid over spending. Basically the inflated prices are better then bringing home a bunch of stuff I didn't really need. This happens at Christmas time. It is embarassing that I go in a store and buy based on feelings.
ReplyDeleteI like learning new skills. Sometimes having a go doesn't work out but it is often fun to try and it does keep the brain ticking over.
ReplyDeleteDoes cutting tree limbs by hand with a curved Japanese saw count as practicing the “old ways.” (This is how I spent this morning and I enjoyed it.) I hope so! On the other hand, I do as little cooking as possible (although I still eat at home) and I love my smart phone! Barbara M.
ReplyDelete