Tiny Buddha did a great post on what it means to change your lifestyle to actually enjoy more and work less. She begins by asking the question - how much do you actually need to feel comfortable? If you are without a job right now, doing with less is not something you want to read more about - but you may find some useful information that may be helpful during this stressful time. Links are provided that give practical guidance in finding ways to reduce your spending - and learning to enjoy life in a whole new way. I especially liked the link with thoughts on meaningful and inexpensive gift-giving.
As I look around me each day, I'm startled to realize I'm not as attached to some of these things as I thought I was. If I had to name five things I couldn't live without - it would be hard to come up with five. But I guess that could all change if I were one of the people now living along the Mississippi, or in the way of multiple tornadoes. Having never been in that situation, I have no idea how I would react. But I continue to be amazed at the people who bravely face their worst fears, the one thing standing out to me is the way they are there for each other.
Last night I watched the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" for the second time. I had just finished a new book by Whitley Streiber, (The Key), and remembered that he had written the book (Superstorm) that the movie was based on - anyway - the take-away from the film is that if something catastrophic happens in the world; absolutely nothing I own would mean anything - the only thing I would care about when the chips are down are people. I wouldn't be lamenting my couch or a chair - or even jewelry or art. People, pets, and, well, that's about it - everything else is just not that important.
15 comments:
I would lament the loss of pictures, but that too has to do with people. They are merely memories. He's right, though. Ultimately it's the people and the animals that matter. The rest is just stuff.
Many years ago, when I gifted my then 70 year old mother-in-law with a crystal bowl, she smiled and told me that she couldn't take it to where she was going next:) Now, I find myself in my 50's trying to give away my stuff and becoming a minimalist:):) Yes, only people and pets matter.
so true.
So glad the Universe nudged me in your direction today. It's my first time here and I was very inspired by this post. In the past few weeks, I've been blogging about wanting to radically change up my own life.
You've give good food for thought.
Thanks!
Grace
Well, I have to admit I'm pretty attached to my computer and internet connection. Which means electricity. Although when I think about it, it's because the blogosphere connects me to people like you who really matter to me. I would recover if I lost it all, but I'd miss you...
catastrophe or the thoughts of catastrophy often remind us of what is truly important...if only we could remember it...people are truly what is important...relationships....
bottom line - NO-THING is as important as our loved ones - period -
many caring thoughts to those in the path of the most recent horrific tornado!
I have a small carbon footprint -
Great post and good food for thought. Thanks for posting the link I will be checking it out too. I've been thinking a lot about slowing down and simplifying lately.
Yes, if we're not careful our stuff can definitely end up owning us. Then again, I'd prefer not to find myself without a book and a lamp to read it by :-)
Loved the key. He pegs it, doesn't he? I think the newest version is an update of the book that came out eight or ten years ago. How neat to have this sage walk into your hotel room and impart such wisdom.
Family and friends are the most important (this includes those with four feet)--relationships are what matter most. Still, I'd have a tough time separating from some of the books ;)
I applaud the forbearance of all those in the flood and tornado zones. They are heroes...
True enough. Like Djan though, I would miss my internet friends.xx
I can't remember who said it - Jack Kornfield? - that true liberation involves letting go of everything.
You go girl!
Great post. Stuff is just that stuff and unfortunately it owns so many people! I was just having a conversation with someone in my family who brought up relocating to Florida and she said she couldn't because she was attached to all her stuff in her home. That comment instantly made me feel very sad for that person. There is so much more in the world to worry about than material things.
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