Friday, January 11, 2008

Living Simple

It’s never really been any kind of challenging effort on my part, to live a simple life.

(this is how I know “living simple” is right for me)

Ever since I can remember, my inner voice has always told me to “keep things simple” and have a minimal amount of “possessions” in your life.....

“Always see yourself as a turtle…and only take with you what you can carry on your back.”

I have almost all of my adult life, resided in a studio apartment. This allows me to only possess a minimal amount of furniture and “things.” I enjoy a clean, sparse space.

My choice of clothing has always been very simplistic - I live with the basics. I own a few nice things for my "dress-up job" and on my days off, I usually wear a casual shirt of some kind and a pair of jeans (of which I own three pairs). Most of what I wear is basic black. I have minimal pairs of footwear.

I have no cell phone, or cable. And because I currently in a city, I really have no need or desire to own a car. I do however, have Internet service and a computer, because this is important for me right now - as it is teaching me things.

I have one credit card (for real emergencies).

I will only make purchases with cash. And if I don't have the cash...I wait.

Before I purchase anything...I will usually ask myself, "Do you really NEED this?"

For me, I've learned that "less" means more freedom.

I make my living doing a variety of part-time work. I have a good job in retail; I also offer services as a bodywork practitioner; and I sometimes teach. I’ve always enjoyed having a few little jobs, that make up the “whole” - it seems to keep me fresh.

I’ve had several occupations in my lifetime, and have immersed myself into each one of them… heart and soul. Each occupation has given me the knowledge, that I needed to learn for the next.

I can honestly say, that I truly enjoy living a simple life.

I have the soul of a gypsy… and I’m here to walk down many paths.

So if I keep my human existence simple…it allows me to focus on the thing that really matters to me…the "experience."

To this day, my mother joking asks me, “I wonder what you’re going to be when you grow up?”

And I respond, “A turtle.”




Photo: Tanglewing