I lurk on many FB pages that are about living frugally and preparing, and I daily see so many condescending comments and wasteful ways.
I guess I just don't understand the need to be nasty to people or put them down, because they do things differently. I don't understand why people are NOT happy for those who are.
I wonder if they are just angry, or miserable, or unhappy, or what?
We live in a 1947 - 2 bedroom home. Have lived here for 32 years - and yes it's paid for. All ours.
Our Blazer is now 16 years old, and our secondary vehicle is older. Do we spend a bit to keep them going? Sure - it's called upkeep. It sure is cheaper than paying car payments for many years.
I garden and can my food. I shop almost exclusively for bargains and deals.
Most of my clothes are many years old and most have been purchased at thrift stores or yard sales.
I love to hang my laundry outside, weather permitting.
I love remaking things into pretties for yard art. (I have been known to trash pick those items!)
The last new furniture I purchased was in 2002.
Very seldom do we eat out. We like home cooking so much more.
I am outside dozens of times a day (365) breathing in fresh air and getting a little exercise. It keeps me healthy. I take no medications, except herbs and vitamins.
We don't travel - it just isn't possible. Yes, we are home bodies - and like it. I have even been called hermit 'like'. Well, I am happy here.
I love nature, and I tend to it. Animals, birds, flowers, yard, etc. - it makes e happy.
We live a very simple life. It suits us.
Would we like a different home? Maybe. If I could have an open floor plan house, that would be easier for G to maneuver that would be great.
A new vehicle? Maybe - again if it was something that G could access with power chair.
New furniture? I AM going to get a new couch this year if I find what I want.
Fancy clothes and stuff? Nope - have no interest in fancy froo froo stuff. I am a simple girl. Don't need to be all girly. I want to be comfy. Don't care to impress anyone.
Would I quit gardening or shopping for a bargain if I had a ton of money? NO WAY! I enjoy it - and it's being a good steward of what I have.
Can we buy a new house or car or new furniture? Sure we can. We just like having no debt, and living a simpler life. Less to take care of.
Do we be-grudge those who have fancy stuff? Heck no - not in the least. I am happy for them. If you are truly living the life you desire and CAN afford it - go for it. I'll be tickled pink for you.
I guess I just needed to get this off my chest. I get so dejected reading FB comments that are so snarky, wasteful, and judgmental. I wish people would just STOP IT.
I see (and know) so many people today that think they have to have the biggest and best of everything, would never think of using something used, have the newest gadgets and electronics, take vacation after vacation, have name brand everything and eat out continually - and wonder WHY they have to work so hard! REALLY??
I guess they just don't get it.
MONEY DOESN'T BUY HAPPINESS!!!! NO matter how much you have. It may make things easier - but it won't make you content and blissful - that comes from within.
So like it says in the sweet babies picture above - I am happy and content - therefore I am rich!
What about you?
When you know you have enough for your basic needs, you are rich. I like how you have written this post and agree wholeheartedly!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. It is nice to know others feel the same way.
DeleteENOUGH - a wonderful word. How much do 2 people need? Obviously ENOUGH!
Thanks. Have a great day!
Years ago, my husband had a friend that did tile work in New Mexico. He had a wife and small child. Work was slow where he lived so he and his partner found a tile job at a college close to where we lived. They drove their camper to our house and used it as a home base while they commuted to the college daily to do the tile job. Every night they would return and I would have supper ready for them as well as my family of 4. All I spent on the meals was what I normally would have spent on my family and there was always plenty for everyone. It was a little like the loaves and the fishes. This went on for a month and all this to say, I've never felt so wealthy as I did that month. Being able to feed my own family as well as these two men (which became 3 for the last week they were there) made me feel rich. I can't explain it, it makes no sense but that's how I felt. It was a blessing! At the end of the month, one of the men told me to go pick out some tile and they tiled my kitchen for free and did a beautiful job. Such a good memory!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful testament to having enough. Not only did you provide for your family but for them as well.
DeleteHappiness isn't at all about money, but that we feeling we get from the things we do.
You blessed them and they blessed you. Perfect.
Thank you again for sharing that touching story. Blessings to you.
I particularly enjoy your blog because your happiness just bubbles up through your writing. It's evident that you are delighted with life and it's contagious; I feel better just for having stopped in for a visit. You prove once again that 'The best things in life aren't things'. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteMelinda that is such a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much.
DeleteWe are all so blessed to have the connections we do with each other.
Please keep visiting!
You are definiely rich when you are happy and content!
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to limit my time on facebook. Mostly the political stuff gets me down. People seem so rude and obnoxious, so I would rather spend my time on positive blogs like yours.
thank you!
Thank you Kathy.
DeleteIt does get depressing on FB doesn't it. It is almost like a bad car wreck though - it's hard to look away!
Have a great day!
I don't like negative comment either. I don't really do a lot of facebook, and when people get nasty I just figure they are unhappy people. True happiness comes when you realize you have enough.
ReplyDeleteNegativity seems to be every where any more. There must be a lot of miserable people in this world. Life is just too short for that.
DeleteBe happy my friend!
Cheryl I am in total agreement with you. Bluey and I have all we need and quite a lot of what we want. We dont have the latest and greatest of anything. Our cars are old and both were purchased second hand. I bought a new bed four years ago. This was the last new item of furniture we purchased. We do travel a bit in our caravan, for a couple of months each year. Our caravan is a home on wheels and very comfortable. When we dont have it on the road, the van is used as guest accommodation.
ReplyDeleteI have taken to removing a number of the negative nellies that have made comments on my FB page. I dont have time for people like that so like clutter, I remove them.
I truly believe people have forgotten the idea of doing to others as you would have them do to you. This is my mantra along with the old saying of if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
Jane it sounds like you both have a great life together. You have what you need and you have each other. Love is so important.
DeleteI am glad you get to travel and enjoy life.
I am slowly starting to clean out people as well on FB - I just don't need that in my life.
Yes the golden rule is one to live by.
Have a great day!
I have always chosen to look on the positive, as well. It just makes my life so much better. It's easy to find negative things to say and think about, and more challenging to find positive things in a sometimes negative life, but it can be done. It's worth the effort to me.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a facebook account, but would not like it if I did and people put negative comments on there:)
Becky I do believe that you are one smart cookie. You have saved yourself a lot of time and upset not being on FB. Sure it has some good things, and I keep up with distant friends and family - but there is so much negativity.
DeleteGlad you come here and visit. Love having you!
Cheryl, this is perfectly said. I don't have Facebook and I have no interest in doing so. I have cut the negative people out of my life as much as possible. I like who I am and where I am in my life. If people don't like it ,Oh well. Our cars are old(newest one is a 2006) but they all run. My house isn't a mansion but I wouldn't want to clean one. I am not a fashion diva so jeans and a t-shirt are perfect for me. I read blogs like yours because they are a positive in my life. If I want negative I'll just put on the news.
ReplyDeleteMarybeth we sound like we look at things the same. I can't imagine being a total wreck if the car gets scratched or having to clean, heat and maintain a Mc Mansion. I want to be comfortable.
DeleteI am so glad we have places that like minded people can get together and share. I love that so many of you have chosen to be here.
Be happy!!
Cheryl, I have recently quit some frugal facebook groups. They are not worth my time and effort. I feel so much better now that I'm staying in positive groups. We should all try to help each other and not put people down.
ReplyDeleteVickie you are so correct. It's a way of life many of us have chosen and we should be supportive. Walk the walk - not just talk the talk.
DeleteHave a good one!
There is a whole "side business" out there for anrky people. They keep people riled up and get paid for it. Weed them out. Who cares what they think anyway. Not me. I quit reading the comments most of the time anyway. :) Just the content for me or the blog post it is linked to. :) Your life is your life, no one else's. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete*snarky, ooops
DeleteBarbara I see good replies to most blogs I read. The snarky stuff happens on FB. we have a great bunch here that are kind and thoughtful and share good ideas. Never be afraid to read the comments here!
DeleteYep, we only get one chance at this thing called life - make it the best.
Have a blessed day.
You said this very well.
ReplyDeleteAs the saying goes, "Judge not lest you be judged."
By the way, we could be twins separated at birth. And, I, too, am very contented.
Sandy - hey there sis!!!!
DeleteI have difficulty at times with the 'judge not' thing, as I am sure we all do. It is just common nature. But we also need to have filters in public. I try so hard to keep my mouth shut.
Momma always told me as a youngster "your mouth is gonna get you in trouble someday".
I was outspoken then!!! I do try to filter today!
I am so glad that you are happy and content - it means everything!
have a great day.
I think you and I were made out the the mold! I've unjoined at least a couple of groups because of the content. Yes, I may not agree with your point of view, so I refrain from commenting and just keep scrolling.
ReplyDeleteOne guy was bashing me because we disbudded our goats when they were babies. We didn't do it either until I had a goat who broke off her horn. It was one of the most horrible and painful experiences for her and me. I had to call the vet and have him take off the other horn. I know she was about ready to die then. She walked into the woods one day. I figured she wanted to die by herself or the coyotes would finish her off. Three days later she reappeared but wouldn't let anyone near her head! That man said awful things to me not even knowing what my situation was. From that time on our kid goats were disbudded early. The amount of pain they suffered (and me) was nothing compared to what might have happened later. After an hour or two they were playing and jumping around like nothing had happened.
One man wrote that he was going into a building a held the door open for her to go first. She turned on him and started ranting that she was a big girl now and not an invalid that couldn't or didn't know how to open the door herself. He said he just stood there with his mouth open and stared!! I thought of that comment went I went to the bank the other day and the bank VP came up behind me and said "Hello! Let me get the door for you." It's a small bank and they are such wonderful people there!
When the farmhouse decorating craze started our with subway tile, farmhouse sinks, wood floors, painted cabinets, shiplap and sliding barn doors, yes I thought I would love to have that style. Then EVERYONE was doing the same thing. I no longer want those things. I want my home to reflect ME not some FAD. So now, that EVERYONE has stainless appliances, what will be the next fad that everyone will "have to have" to keep up? What will be the next appliance color fad? Back in the 60's and 70's you had at least 5 or 6 color choices to pick out for a new appliance: black, white, almond, coppertone, avocado, poppy red, harvest gold.
Frustrating world we live in. My grandkids look at me in a strange way when I say "Now, I know why old people are not afraid to die!!". Time to get something done around here and the the dog for a nice, long walk!!
Kris there are many of us that came from that mold!
DeleteI think politics, animals and government assistance hits a lot of the "nasty" buttons for people.
If you don't know my situation - you have no right to judge. Rules are not just blanket remedies for all. Circumstances vary.
So sorry you were blasted for taking care of your babies. Poor thing. I have such a soft heart for every animal.
I don't think being polite and kind should ever go out of style. I hold doors for people, and I have them held for me. That is what polite people do!
I agree on all the new fads. HGTV has really changed things and made new fads. I like a bit of everything, and I have no set style in my house. It is a bit of this and a bit of that - things I like and want. Don't like it - I don't care.
So glad there are so many of us SOUL sisters here!
Blessings.
I am with you ladies--the simpler the life, the better! The "best" or "latest" of things does not make one happier or more content. In the same vein, I don't watch the news and severely limit my activities on social media. I cannot control the behavior of the rest of the world, and in the same vein I do not want it to exert negative influence on me. I do what I can to uplift my own corner of the world, and pray that that is enough.
ReplyDeleteSue you are one of those very smart ladies as well. The news is so sad and discouraging, and social media is so me, me, me. It is very disturbing. Good idea to not even start with it.
DeleteYou are correct. You and I and the other gals are the only ones that can truly make our corner better. What we do, say, and think is in our control - no one elses.
Stay happy dear lady!
Your blog is one of my happy places, Cheryl! I always find it so peaceful and encouraging and refreshing! And I love the stories shared here.
ReplyDeleteSocial media, done right, can be a real blessing. And you do it right!
Sue thank you so much. That is very kind of you. We have a good group here, and I love hearing everyone share their stories. We all need a PLACE!
DeleteHave a blessed weekend.
Thank you again.
I wouldn't have our lives any other way than what you've described here, Cheryl. I'm happy and content and I like that. I hope you have a good week. :)
ReplyDeleteIt means the world - doesn't it? I love we can all share in contentment.
DeleteThanks - have a lovely weekend.
I,like you, enjoy making something out of what others consider throwaway. Now that brings satisfaction to both my husband and myself!
ReplyDeleteYOu are so right my friend. I wish people would just keep their snarky comments to themselves. You live a happy and fulfilling life with G and the kitties, your garden and your cozy home. That is what matters. :) I love coming here to visit you and am always inspired by how you live, your wonderful ideas and the delicious and frugal recipes you share. Thank you for being just who you are and for sharing your lives with all of us! Much love to you!
ReplyDeleteCheryl you are so right and I feel the same. And we are lucky. People chase and chase contentment and happiiness. But its not something that can be bought. As for why people put others down well thats a reflection on them.
ReplyDeleteAlso a lot of people seem to have everything but it is all smoke and mirrors, they actually own none of it. Contentment is of great gain! xxx