Living the Simple Life
© 2004 Arleen M. Kaptur
The trend of today for many people is to live the
"simple life." However, what exactly is the simple
life?
There are as many answers to this question as there
are individuals looking to find the peace and
contentment that seems so evasive. Yet, in their
hearts there is a void, an empty spot that modern
consumption just cannot fill.
So, people sit there pondering what they can do to
live the simple life, while the television's volume
is on high and the voice mail fills up with messages.
After all this thinking, hunger comes into play.
A quick trip to McDonald's or Burger King and then
back home to an evening of station- broadcast news
and opinions, and then the comedies of late-night
shows. You know, the no-holds-barred laughter at
everything and anything, and nothing is beyond
being the butt of jokes.
The Simple Life is right there in your heart and in
your home. It just needs a little dusting off, or
perhaps you can move some of your possessions to the
side to make room for Simple Life to breathe some
fresh air and come into play in your life.
Whoa! how can a person have the simple life right
there when real simple life is living in the woods
with the bears and the deer and hunting and fishing
for your food. Yes, there are some that find this
type of life very satisfying, and then there are
those that do not.
Who is correct? Both are indeed correct. The Simple
Life is not letting your possessions control you, it
is living within your means and not worrying about
mounting debt, and it is laughter, quiet, and
learning and evaluating all that goes around you.
It is not accepting what you see on television or
the internet as written in stone; for in fact, it is
someone's opinion or view of a situation and it may
or may not be yours.
It is not joining every group, committee, or cause,
so that there is no time for family, friends, and
individualism.
In a few words, it is getting the most from your
particular life, by doing away with what is not
necessary and concentrating on what is important
and life- sustaining. Life - whether physical,
spiritual, or social - it is having the time for
those you love and for those you would like to
know and love.
It is stepping outside to a sky filled with stars
and to find peace in the patter of rain- drops on
your window.
It is taking a deep breath and clearing your mind,
and it is the aroma of a good meal, the sound of
children laughing, and the touch of a person who
loves you.
The Simple Life - you can live in the woods or on
an island, you can fish all day or garden, you can
read and learn, or write a song.
It is enjoying every minute of every day in the way
that brings peace and tranquility into your life,
keeps you out of debt, and that old belief of
"keeping up with the neighbors" is put to rest.
It is being yourself but more importantly, being
true to yourself.
It is having the peace of mind to open your mind and
it is setting no limits or boundaries to what you can
imagine and also to what you can accomplish.
It is having the joy of a morning sunrise and the
tranquility of a sunset.
It is knowing that Nature cannot be ravaged but must
be kept for future generations to enjoy and it is
having the wisdom that money does not buy friends or
happiness but good will does.
Enjoy!
* * * * *
Arleen has written books and articles on simple rustic
living. Go to www.arleenssite.com for a free
newsletter and some tips and ideas.
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