Back to Basics - But how basic?
Raising goats, sheep, chickens and even cows? Making your own butter, soap, and growing your own vegetables and herbs? Going off Grid? Like seriously off grid… no electricty, phones, internet, etc?
Ok.. So, most of us aren’t going to go quite that far! We like our modern conveniences, don’t we? Sure, we think we are going to die if we leave the house without our cell phone. We go into a panic when we can’t locate it. We stress out if the internet is down. How will we get anything done? Are they really conveniences? Or have we just invented multiple additional ways to “stress” ourselves out? Do we even realize the impact of stress on our bodies and minds?
So, maybe we won’t be going as far as truely living “off grid” but, I think many people are looking at ways to simplify. With the downturn of the economy and people making less money or even out of jobs completely, it forces us to look at living more frugaly, more simple. In all honesty, I often think this may turn out to be good for our country. We have gotten so used to having. Having WAY more than we ever needed. We have also come accustom to spending. Just charge it! You’ve worked hard and you deserve it. You want it now! Who want’s to wait and save up for that new TV or cell phone or car! Many American’s are in debt up to their ears and beyond and have absolutely nothing to show for it. So many “kids” get married and think they should have all the neat “stuff” that our parents have… not giving it a thought that they have spent 30 or 40 years obtaining that neat “stuff”.
I’m one of those Gen X people who probably could be considered a computer “geek.” I love computers and I often turn to the internet for everything. Well, low and behold the overwhelming supply of “Back to Basics” or “Simple Living” websites! You can read stories of people who chose Voluntary Simplicity lives on Oprah.com. Here you can get 10 great tips for living more frugal. There are tips here on how to grow your own food. Tips on creating your own energy. There are books on how to live simply. I know even Dave Ramsey speaks of getting rid of credit and living within your means.
Even businesses are getting Back to Basics! Here is a great article about Real Estate getting back to basics.
So, here is to living more simply. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to forget your cell phone at home for a day, (we did use to survive without them!) or learning how to grow a garden, cooking at home instead of eating out. There are several ways to simplify. Pick just a few and try them! You may be pleasantly surprised!
Posted by:
Jody Stahly
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