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OT- my path to live more simply

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Posted 3/30/2014 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I know awhile back there were a couple threads about living more simply. I posted on it that I had made a decision to live more simply, to aim to be financially stable regardless of whatever situation this crappy colon throws at me. When I was really sick, bed ridden and signed off work to recover, something really clicked for me. I'm surrounded by all these things that I thought I haaaad to have, turns out I don't. I'm in the process of trading it all in for a simple more relaxed life. A life where if I for some reason need to take off work or work part time or whatever there is no financial stress. I want to de-clutter my life of the "have to's" and make more time for the "want to's". Anywho, today was our first major step. We listed our McMansion for sale and started looking for a small modest home well below our means. It's scary, but it feels good. Anyone else taken the path to simplicity?
Posted 3/30/2014 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
I quit ironing my pillow case - now I just have one of the cats sleep on it for a while :-)

smooth and hairy !
Posted 3/30/2014 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Eeeeew fecal paws on your pillow case! Lol. (Clearly I don't allow my dog on my bed), lol.
Posted 3/30/2014 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on de-clutter program for my wife - we actually live a pretty simple life and lack many of the "necessities" many families have, mostly due to financial constraints - regardless, my wife is a collector and it drives me nuts -

I applaud you on your efforts - it only makes sense but it must be quite scary at times -
Posted 3/30/2014 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
TMP, you are preaching to the choir for me!

I sold a home on an acreage I owned to build a 900 square foot home (plus a finished basement) and downsize. I paid off all our work debts and have enjoyed the decreased maintenance my smaller home takes.

I drive a 15 year old vehicle with a new motor I had put in it in order to stay frugal. Any extra money I've gained I've put towards rental property that now returns me money.

I have a whole host of books on simple living. I loved the book "Choosing Simplicity" because it was more of an inspiration than a how-to. I have quite a few others that are very inspiring as well.

I used to go to the library and dive into books on simpler living and debt free life. I loved the books on mortgage-free living, and felt an inspiring pull towards living a life resembling (in some ways at least) the way people in the books I was reading lived. It feels more rewarding to be in touch with yourself and the world than it could ever feel to be wrapped up in a hastily thrown together life where you can barely stop to breathe.

I still work a lot though, and have many ambitions... it's just that I have options now, and that's key. I'm considering selling the business my dad and I own, and going back to school. Since I've made the choices I have I am able to go to school for a few years (pursuing a career I'm passionate about) without needing to work. I'm not rich, I've just kept my needs very low and worked hard.

It makes me happy to hear of someone else learning what is important in their life. What may be "simple living" to me may not be to you... but the key is to be able to really care for yourself and have options.

:)
Posted 3/30/2014 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Soy, glad to hear that you are also de-cluttering. Hopefully living more streamlined will help us.
Thoreau, Enfyre, You've both touched on points that are right at the top of my pursuits list. More time to enjoy the things I love (campings at the top of my list too tongue ) but also putting my money in the right places, working towards financial stability that will also offer me more freedom. Our plan is to be mortgage free in 5 years and then start purchasing rental properties. I'm looking forward to less time spent in up keeping my home. Less go go go and more time to stop and smell the roses.
Posted 3/30/2014 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
We're definitely starting to get into the paring down of things, decluttering and creating new space now that my husband has retired. Lots has been put off for a gazillion reasons....because life has gotten in the way. I'm excited to move forward in our new phase.

q
Posted 3/30/2014 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
toomuchpoopin - that's fantastic! You actually listed your house. You are not just talking about it, you are DOING it!

I have mentioned the following before, so I apologize if it's repetitious: We are also living more simply. We are living on one income - I quit my job when I was in the worst of my flare and could not cope. We discussed it and decided I would remain "retired" as it is better for my health and sanity, even though worse for our bank account. We have only one car. We do not have all the gadgets everyone MUST have (for example, I have the cheapest cell phone possible and only use it about once a month.) We don't go on fancy vacations every year. We eat almost all our meals at home, I make hubby lunch to take to work, we don't drink coffee at Starbucks, etc etc. Some are big things, some are little things, but they add up.

Our house is not a McMansion and the mortgage is paid off, but it is bigger than two people need. So we are starting to think about downsizing to a condo. That will take care of all the yard work headaches. Our yard requires much more work than we are willing to put into it. I suppose that will be our next step our quest for living more simply. Serenity Soon!
Posted 3/30/2014 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Q, that's great to hear! Always nice to finally have time to get to those to do lists that have been nagging for a bit. Hope you and your husband settle nicely in to retirement, you lucky buggers!!! tongue
Serenity- that's exactly the type of situation that we are working to prepare for, just in case. We want to push to be mortgage free, if, for example, I find myself in a spot like you were- too ill to work etc. happy to hear its working for you. We are doing many of those things you mentioned (not dining out, not having fancy coffee, packing lunch etc) socking away as much money as possible for as long as possible. I'm sure that once you decide to sell and move to a condo you will do nicely - being in Vancouver ($$$) Canada's California, lol. (I'm near Edmonton, brrr!)

Best of luck to all of you!
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