What does Simple Living mean

Google. “What does Simple Living mean”

“”simple living
Web definitions
Simple living encompasses a number of different voluntary practices to simplify one’s lifestyle. These may include reducing one’s possessions or increasing self-sufficiency, for example. Simple living may be characterized by individuals being satisfied with what they need rather than want. …
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Living””

The above is the first hit that came up. The reason for this title is because I saw someone had recently searched on Google for Simple Living with children and arrived at my blog. Whether my thoughts helped their search or not it doesn’t matter, it gave me food for thought….rambling thoughts.

but first …

Monday in Sydney was grey, with low clouds and some heavy deluges which turned the roadway gutters into raging swollen racing torrents.

Once the deluge had passed the only sign of nature’s display is the occasional puddle, debris strewn across lawn or path where water followed the path of least resistance, some water still coming down the drain pipe and much cooler temperature and a still grey sky!

The type of day which makes my thoughts turn inwards as I stand and do some ironing. Ironing business shirts which soon won’t be needed as often as hubby’s retirement approaches…it can’t come quick enough for him though, too much pressure at work, but even so, thankful for employment….and a new adventure beckoning. Life on the Pension. Looking at life with new eyes and a right attitude. It’s all about our Attitude

Reflect on life; it’s happenings, past and present, for young and old and older in our families. From grand children, small to tall, grand mother and to Great grandmother. That I still feel young inside which is good but realise how fast the years do race by…scary!

Reminisce with so many memories that fly through the mind. The happy and sad, then and now. What is to come…..

So, returning to simple living. There are many examples of people living this way. The Amish for example and Gandhi, to name a few.

For everyday people living an ordinary life who just want to simplify, with or without children. How or what can they do if they can’t see the wood for the trees. Have a look again with different eyes OPEN.

So many ways…

Think-> Less is more…

Try this-> Make our lives uncomplicated…

How and when does it feel complicated for you?

For me,too much clutter round and I don’t know where to start.

So make it simple and keep it simple, but don’t stress too much if you slip up. It’s not worth the angst.

Make our children’s lives uncomplicated.

Create memories and not clutter.

Reduce all their “things” . Do it a little at a time. For example as they outgrow clothes don’t replace by the same amount…do they need 10 skirts and dresses? All their abundance overwhelms them….and you SAVE.

-> Make up stories and interact. Adventure is a FUN word and so easy. Have fun times with them. Find that snail or watch the Cockatoos after the rain. Find that unexpected piece of barbed wire that a bird must have lost on its way to building a nest. Only found when watching rain pouring down a drain pipe! Or let the little ones hold a bowl whilst you pick some fresh herbs from your own tiny patch to turn an ordinary left over salad into a gourmet one.

-> Reconnect with people and children and not “things”,
-> Reconnect with Nature
-> Give time to these and watch your stress levels go down

-> Don’t think ahead ALL the time….there are times when we need to plan things to make life run smoothly. BUT, we all need unstructured and spontaneous happenings time too!

There’s a Daily-ness in living, everyday living, but make it count.

I chose this Tuesday morning to smell the roses after rain. The neighbour’s Rose. From grey skies yesterday to freshly washed blue today. A new day with new happenings.

What do you choose?

Joining in with Essentially Jess for IBOT