Back in 2002, or maybe 2000, Anna Quindlen allegedly gave a commencement address at Villanova University, and what she purportedly said that day (and if she didn't, I wish she had) encouraged me, and I thought it might do the same for others who are out there, simplifying their lives today -- here's an excerpt:
"...So here is what I wanted to tell you today: Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house.
"Do you think you’d care so very much about those things if you blew an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your breast? Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on a breeze over Seaside Heights, a life in which you stop and watch how a red-tailed hawk circles over the water gap or the way a baby scowls with concentration when she tries to pick up a cheerio with her thumb and first finger.
"Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work. Each time you look at your diploma, remember that you are still a student, still learning how to best treasure your connection to others.
"Pick up the phone. Send an e-mail. Write a letter. Kiss your Mom. Hug your Dad. Get a life in which you are generous. Look around at the azaleas in the suburban neighborhood where you grew up; look at a full moon hanging silver in a black, black sky on a cold night. And realize that life is the best thing ever, and that you have no business taking it for granted.
"Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take money you would have spent on beers and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Be a big brother or sister. All of you want ...."
The entire speech is too long for this little blog post, but I really encourage you to take the time and read it, word for word (click here).
I hope her words give you what they gave me: a reminder of how far I've come on this road to a simple, happy, peaceful and joy-filled life. Hurray!!!
February 27, 2008
January 24, 2008
Freecycle
Have you heard of Freecycle? Here's how Freecycle describes itself:
""The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,231 groups with 4,403,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free. To sign up, find your community by entering it into the search box above or by clicking on “Browse Groups” above the search box. Have fun!"
Freecycle involves signing up to a Yahoo Group, and receiving emails with lists of items people are searching for -- you add your wish list to the emails, too, of course.
When you see something on the list that you have and don't want, then you give it away. See something on the list that you want? Connect with the owner and get it for free ....
PCMag gives it a glowing review, although over at Yahoo's Frugal Living group, there have been some comments about posts seeking HDTVs and diamond rings. (I'm assuming that those posters are under the 'don't ask, don't get' banner.)
Personally, I haven't joined yet -- but it's on my to-do list. Sounds like a good way to recycle things, as well as meeting other folk who are interested in simplifying ....
""The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,231 groups with 4,403,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free. To sign up, find your community by entering it into the search box above or by clicking on “Browse Groups” above the search box. Have fun!"
Freecycle involves signing up to a Yahoo Group, and receiving emails with lists of items people are searching for -- you add your wish list to the emails, too, of course.
When you see something on the list that you have and don't want, then you give it away. See something on the list that you want? Connect with the owner and get it for free ....
PCMag gives it a glowing review, although over at Yahoo's Frugal Living group, there have been some comments about posts seeking HDTVs and diamond rings. (I'm assuming that those posters are under the 'don't ask, don't get' banner.)
Personally, I haven't joined yet -- but it's on my to-do list. Sounds like a good way to recycle things, as well as meeting other folk who are interested in simplifying ....
January 22, 2008
Starting to Simplify: Step 1 - Start Cooking at Home
Lots of folk are in the process of simplifying their lives, and from the looks of today's economy, a lot more are going to be revamping their lifestyles - maybe as a necessity, as much as a proactive choice. What if you're interested in changing your life, taking control and simplifying things, but you're not sure where to begin?
Perhaps the easiest place to start is to begin preparing your food at home. This means bringing your lunch to work, and cooking meals at home - not eating out, not grabbing fast food.
It's easier than you think, it's fun, it's a stress-reducer, it's healthier, and it's a great family ritual to get everyone communicating with each other at the table. Plus, you will be amazed at the amount of money you save.
Start slowly, Rome wasn't built in a day. Take your lunch to work on odd-numbered days, or cook a big meal on Sunday that can serve as yummy leftovers during the week.
For more guidance, check out these posts:
How to Cook - 1
How to Cook - 2
How to Cook - 3: Slow Cookers
Menu Planning 101
Menu Planning 102
How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken
How to Fillet a Whole Fish
Cleaning Burnt Pans
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