Simplicity is One of My New Year’s Goals
It’s time again to reflect on the last year, decisions I made, choices I had, and changes I need to make in 2010.
I’m an admirer of Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple Abundance, Something More, and Romancing the Ordinary because this is where I started my journey to Simplicity and embracing a simpler (and greener) lifestyle. A gift from my Mother, which was given to her by a close friend, I read each daily journal entry, highlighted each word that spoke to me, and reflected how I could embrace Breathnach’s words of wisdom into my own life.
Sarah describes the journey to Simple Abundance is like the journey to Ithaca, “pray the journey to Ithaca is long, hope the voyage is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery,” for the journey is more important than the arrival itself.
5 Changes to Make for a Simpler Life
1. Use cash instead of credit and bank cards. Suze Orman says cash actually saves you money. Credit card use has only brought me financial stress and agitation. I’m tired of transferring funds from one account to another to cover auto debit and online payments. I found a local gas station that offers free money orders and pay some bills this way.
2. Eliminate unnecessary utility perks. During 2009 I had one of the top TWC packages, which cost me in excess of $120/year of services I didn’t really need. Gradually, I reduced the accessories and even went so far as to cancel my home phone service altogether. The next step will be reducing the amount of cable channels I receive. Of the 200 plus channels I receive, I only watch about 6-8. Netflix is sounding better every week. Also, signing up for budget plans with my other utilities will spread my expenses throughout the year instead of unpredictable bills every month.
3. Spend more TIME with friends and family, rather than buy them THINGS. Making time, building relationships, and reveling in memories is much more valuable than anything that has a price tag. I’m sure most of my friends would agree too.
4. Invest in growing my own herbs and vegetables. Even if I don’t have enough space on my little patio to have containers of veggies and herbs, I will buy them from a local farmer or farmer’s market and learn how to store them during the winter months. Last year, I found more places to shop and buy locally, and vowed not to buy fresh produce from the grocery store, unless I couldn’t find it elsewhere.
5. Purge closets, cupboards, drawers and storage areas (including the space under my bed) of all unnecessary things as well as items I haven’t used in the past year. I moved from a modest 1200 sf home with a 2 1/2 car garage to a less than 900 sf suburban apartment and optional 1 car garage. I’m still purging and finding new uses for other furniture in order to downsize. You can too. One closet or cupboard at a time. Donate it. Sell it on Craigslist or offer to a friend or other family member, and whatever you do, don’t replace the thing you just gave away.
