The simplest thing I could think of.
Did anyone watch Oprah yesterday? She focused her show on the theme of Doing Without. Two families were chosen to participate in the program, and the deal was, they had to give up all their electronic gadgets for a week. No cell phones, no iPods, no computers, no TV, no video games. Each member of the family had to say bye bye to whatever their electronic drug of choice was. What a novel concept. Instead of focusing all their attention on something electronic, families shopped for groceries together, families shared meals together, families played games together, families walked the dog together. One teenaged girl had some issues the first day and was shown petulantly asking her mother. "What do you expect me to do, READ A BOOK????" The dad missed watching sports on tv. The son missed his video games big time. The daughter didn't know what to do with herself if she couldn't be texting her friends. The mother was in withdrawal not being able to check her favorite blogs and talk on the phone with her friends. Recognize yourself or anyone you know?
So, could you make the sacrifice? Give up electronics entirely for a week? Or less excessively, maybe spend a couple less hours watching tv or surfing the internet? Spend more time interacting with your family, cooking real food instead of ordering out, reading a book, just thinking ? Could you?
How many of us are overly encumbered by things that suck our time, our energy, our enjoyment of the here and now? What could you give up? Forget the electronics issue, are you drowning in possessions? Clothes, shoes, fabric, collectibles? Could you pick ten things a day for the next seven days and throw them out or give them away? Free yourself of un-needed and un-used possessions? Could you simplify your life in any way?
I know this concept isn't a new one, but what do you think? Is this maybe the way we are headed in our country? After years of MORE, years of acquiring, years of excess, are we ready for something simpler?
I'm just thinking here, but look at the results of American Idol last night. In spite of the extraordinary odds, didn't America make the simpler, less excessive choice? Didn't we? How unexpected and totally amazing.
OK, no tv for me for 7 days. while I think this through.
34 responses to “Simplify”
I have actually simplified my life for quite awhile. It started when I sacrificed my life (short weekends, essential tv like 3 hours per week except for soccer) when I was doing my master’s degree part-time. The first semester was ok since I wanted to do this. The most important thing I missed wasreading a book – any book that I wanted. After clearing the hurdles late last year, I did become a couch potato. I still maintain the hours I watched those that I cannot do without. But instead of writing my assignments, I am quilting or knitting or whatever I wanted. In between the empty spaces, I have read about ten books (from chick flicks to thrillers). Life is too short to spend hours on tv and surfing (exceptions for quilting/craft blogs which I cannot live without now).
So all in all, I have actually simplified my life that I am happy to maintain it. And there are no regrets since I usually give myself treats like catching movies with friends, just sleeping in.
Btw – sorry for the long post.
I have actually simplified my life for quite awhile. It started when I sacrificed my life (short weekends, essential tv like 3 hours per week except for soccer) when I was doing my master’s degree part-time. The first semester was ok since I wanted to do this. The most important thing I missed wasreading a book – any book that I wanted. After clearing the hurdles late last year, I did become a couch potato. I still maintain the hours I watched those that I cannot do without. But instead of writing my assignments, I am quilting or knitting or whatever I wanted. In between the empty spaces, I have read about ten books (from chick flicks to thrillers). Life is too short to spend hours on tv and surfing (exceptions for quilting/craft blogs which I cannot live without now).
So all in all, I have actually simplified my life that I am happy to maintain it. And there are no regrets since I usually give myself treats like catching movies with friends, just sleeping in.
Btw – sorry for the long post.
I didn’t watch Oprah yesterday, but I was thinking this morning while getting ready for work how my life is living me instead of me living my life. Since we moved and have been unable to sell our previous house it’s been really hard to organize and stay on top of things. It’s just easier to sit and watch tv or surf the internet to avoid thinking of everything else. But as I was thinking this morning I would probably feel a whole lot better with some accomplishments rather than hours of wasted time. So simplify it is.
I didn’t watch Oprah yesterday, but I was thinking this morning while getting ready for work how my life is living me instead of me living my life. Since we moved and have been unable to sell our previous house it’s been really hard to organize and stay on top of things. It’s just easier to sit and watch tv or surf the internet to avoid thinking of everything else. But as I was thinking this morning I would probably feel a whole lot better with some accomplishments rather than hours of wasted time. So simplify it is.
whew … i’m glad you’re giving up tv for a week and not blogging – you had me worried!
after turning off the tv during the writers’ strike, i haven’t really turned it back on – except for Legend of the Seeker and Castle … and Hell’s Kitchen and Lie to Me … and Bones and … uh, i guess i DO watch a bit of television
whew … i’m glad you’re giving up tv for a week and not blogging – you had me worried!
after turning off the tv during the writers’ strike, i haven’t really turned it back on – except for Legend of the Seeker and Castle … and Hell’s Kitchen and Lie to Me … and Bones and … uh, i guess i DO watch a bit of television
I’m not a TV watcher, so that’s not a problem for me. I do spend more time than I think I should following blogs, and perhaps I could limit that. I’m not willing to give it up because I value the connections.
I tried Facebook and found that that could be a huge time-sucker. So I stopped visiting FB. And have no interest in Twitter.
I suppose I’m one of the last surviving people without a real cell phone. I have a bare bones device that I purchase minutes for at the store and carry it around in case of emergency. No one has the number. So I don’t spend any time at all on the phone! And I’ve never sent a text message.
But simplify has been on my mind of late, too. I’ve been cleaning out closets and drawers and even jewelry box. Plenty more to do . . . .
Thanks, N, for this post.
I’m not a TV watcher, so that’s not a problem for me. I do spend more time than I think I should following blogs, and perhaps I could limit that. I’m not willing to give it up because I value the connections.
I tried Facebook and found that that could be a huge time-sucker. So I stopped visiting FB. And have no interest in Twitter.
I suppose I’m one of the last surviving people without a real cell phone. I have a bare bones device that I purchase minutes for at the store and carry it around in case of emergency. No one has the number. So I don’t spend any time at all on the phone! And I’ve never sent a text message.
But simplify has been on my mind of late, too. I’ve been cleaning out closets and drawers and even jewelry box. Plenty more to do . . . .
Thanks, N, for this post.
I think what people are really looking for is a sense of genuine connection and being valued. At work, too many of us are treated as tools or pieces of furniture ~ not like the days when you were recognized for going above and beyond or given merit raises instead of cost of living increases (whether or not you are a team player and/or good employee) . . . and on the home front, there is just too much of everything (stuff, scheduled items, etc., etc.) For me, simplify means establishing and monitoring my priorities and boundaries. Easy? No. Worthwhile? Absolutely.
Best wishes as you contemplate!
I think what people are really looking for is a sense of genuine connection and being valued. At work, too many of us are treated as tools or pieces of furniture ~ not like the days when you were recognized for going above and beyond or given merit raises instead of cost of living increases (whether or not you are a team player and/or good employee) . . . and on the home front, there is just too much of everything (stuff, scheduled items, etc., etc.) For me, simplify means establishing and monitoring my priorities and boundaries. Easy? No. Worthwhile? Absolutely.
Best wishes as you contemplate!
What a wonderful post to ponder as I sit with my morning coffee. It makes so much sense. We gave up TV 5 years ago when we moved to a small town in the mountains to retire. As the years go on,We don’t miss it at all but are amazed at the people who ask us how we can live without it, to which we reply” Much better Thank you”. We read lots, walk lots, do Sudoku, and of course I quilt,quilt quilt. WE go to bed earlier and get up earlier—all in all a much healthier lifestyle. Thank you for your reflections
Marilyn in small town Canada
What a wonderful post to ponder as I sit with my morning coffee. It makes so much sense. We gave up TV 5 years ago when we moved to a small town in the mountains to retire. As the years go on,We don’t miss it at all but are amazed at the people who ask us how we can live without it, to which we reply” Much better Thank you”. We read lots, walk lots, do Sudoku, and of course I quilt,quilt quilt. WE go to bed earlier and get up earlier—all in all a much healthier lifestyle. Thank you for your reflections
Marilyn in small town Canada
We are not so big on TV, especially network and Oprah is a show I rarely watch. But this Winter and Spring we have got rid of Satellite, all but one cell phone, extra phone lines, set heat at 65, 75 for summer. And many other things, the economy has effected our business, construction. We miss some things on the satellite but really we have found we are saving money that was being spent on things that were not used to worthwhile capacity. We watch our DVD’s, what we did add was Netflix. We love old movies and really enjoy picking a movie and have it come. I agree that we are going to live more simply and enjoy our selections more completely.
I love jeans, but decided a year ago I would not buy a new pair until one pair wore out. They finally did, they are probable eight years old and I wear them all the time, I just wont get one the horse with them again. LOL…. hey its amazing how long things last….a friend told me we have a 10 year supply of clothing in our closet…. yeah….I’m still thinking about that one… and I tell myself that when I want a new shirt or something. But please don’t take my quilting things away….I am enjoying using up my stash, I love it….
We are not so big on TV, especially network and Oprah is a show I rarely watch. But this Winter and Spring we have got rid of Satellite, all but one cell phone, extra phone lines, set heat at 65, 75 for summer. And many other things, the economy has effected our business, construction. We miss some things on the satellite but really we have found we are saving money that was being spent on things that were not used to worthwhile capacity. We watch our DVD’s, what we did add was Netflix. We love old movies and really enjoy picking a movie and have it come. I agree that we are going to live more simply and enjoy our selections more completely.
I love jeans, but decided a year ago I would not buy a new pair until one pair wore out. They finally did, they are probable eight years old and I wear them all the time, I just wont get one the horse with them again. LOL…. hey its amazing how long things last….a friend told me we have a 10 year supply of clothing in our closet…. yeah….I’m still thinking about that one… and I tell myself that when I want a new shirt or something. But please don’t take my quilting things away….I am enjoying using up my stash, I love it….
My husband and I gave up cell phones completely 2 years ago. WE only have a house phone now and I love it! I love not being available to anyone and everyone at the drop of a hat. We also gave up TV for 1 year as a New Year resolution in 2008. Best thing we ever did. We used to watch 5-7 hours of TV everyday and went cold turkey to none. We got the TV back in 2009, but now we still don’t have cable, so we just watch movies every so often. And we only have a 15″ TV in the house. Trust me you get a lot more done in life without these things. My husband wrote a book, I started quilting again, I love it!!
Rachel
My husband and I gave up cell phones completely 2 years ago. WE only have a house phone now and I love it! I love not being available to anyone and everyone at the drop of a hat. We also gave up TV for 1 year as a New Year resolution in 2008. Best thing we ever did. We used to watch 5-7 hours of TV everyday and went cold turkey to none. We got the TV back in 2009, but now we still don’t have cable, so we just watch movies every so often. And we only have a 15″ TV in the house. Trust me you get a lot more done in life without these things. My husband wrote a book, I started quilting again, I love it!!
Rachel
All things considering, my life is pretty simplified in terms of screen time. The computer is my main weakness. I get plenty of quilty inspiration from online. 🙂 But I don’t Tweet or Facebook. Just blogs and a handful of forums.
TV, I don’t watch. Currently it’s boxed up and getting returned… we might replace it in June? I haven’t touched the iPod in a couple weeks either. We only have one cell phone, which we treat like a landline.
I probably have less clothes than my husband. 🙂 I know I have 5 pair of shoes. “Dolling up” means putting on moisturizer and lip gloss. I recently gave away over 50 yards of fabric to my quilt guild. Took out the “I don’t really love you” pieces and freed up some room for me.
I have several hundred, if not over a thousand books. I love reading and probably completely 3-6 books a week. I also have a pen and paper journal that I enjoy writing in. I have a garden that I’ll sit out and fuss with. Flick bugs and such off.
Yet all those things doesn’t mean the CLUTTER is out of my life. It doesn’t mean that I stay on top of the housework like I should. You can’t just simplify or declutter and then enjoy… you gotta stay on top of it.
All things considering, my life is pretty simplified in terms of screen time. The computer is my main weakness. I get plenty of quilty inspiration from online. 🙂 But I don’t Tweet or Facebook. Just blogs and a handful of forums.
TV, I don’t watch. Currently it’s boxed up and getting returned… we might replace it in June? I haven’t touched the iPod in a couple weeks either. We only have one cell phone, which we treat like a landline.
I probably have less clothes than my husband. 🙂 I know I have 5 pair of shoes. “Dolling up” means putting on moisturizer and lip gloss. I recently gave away over 50 yards of fabric to my quilt guild. Took out the “I don’t really love you” pieces and freed up some room for me.
I have several hundred, if not over a thousand books. I love reading and probably completely 3-6 books a week. I also have a pen and paper journal that I enjoy writing in. I have a garden that I’ll sit out and fuss with. Flick bugs and such off.
Yet all those things doesn’t mean the CLUTTER is out of my life. It doesn’t mean that I stay on top of the housework like I should. You can’t just simplify or declutter and then enjoy… you gotta stay on top of it.
I simplified my life in the fall of 2004, I moved from a large city, apartment life, stressful work, to a town of 160 people and got married. We rented a place surrounded by thousands of acres of wheat fields, it was a 90 mile round trip to Safeway. I rented a space, (studio)$100/mo and bought a longarm. I didn’t clothes shop, I actually wore out things. I decluttered when I moved there, I got rid of stuff while I lived there, and got rid of more stuff when we moved to the Pacific NW. I lost my husband 12/07 and went from p/t to f/t work 01/08. I have not spent any money on myself until last month, some summer shoes, 2 tops and a new pair of jeans. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 04/09 and had surgery last week. My dad was complaining about my lack of a few things in the house while helping me out. I reminded him I have been frugal the past year, more out of fear than anything else. Thank goodness I have been like this. I have no fear right now, I’m off work, I’m going to have medical bills, but I have money in the bank, not clothes in the closet and “stuff” in my house! I am also a survivor of things and this too, shall pass!
Sharon
I simplified my life in the fall of 2004, I moved from a large city, apartment life, stressful work, to a town of 160 people and got married. We rented a place surrounded by thousands of acres of wheat fields, it was a 90 mile round trip to Safeway. I rented a space, (studio)$100/mo and bought a longarm. I didn’t clothes shop, I actually wore out things. I decluttered when I moved there, I got rid of stuff while I lived there, and got rid of more stuff when we moved to the Pacific NW. I lost my husband 12/07 and went from p/t to f/t work 01/08. I have not spent any money on myself until last month, some summer shoes, 2 tops and a new pair of jeans. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 04/09 and had surgery last week. My dad was complaining about my lack of a few things in the house while helping me out. I reminded him I have been frugal the past year, more out of fear than anything else. Thank goodness I have been like this. I have no fear right now, I’m off work, I’m going to have medical bills, but I have money in the bank, not clothes in the closet and “stuff” in my house! I am also a survivor of things and this too, shall pass!
Sharon
every summer while i am in france (i know, i lead a rough life) i go without a lot of these things. i don’t have tv (don’t miss it), i don’t have my sewing machine (miss it terribly and took up knitting), i do have a cell phone (but it is for dealing with students and logistics more than actually using it and in reality, i hate talking on the phone), i have my laptop (but the wifi is limited to certain times of the day and my connection is sketchy in my room), so i read a lot, walk, shop, sit in cafes, meet with people. i love it. it allows me a comfortable and objective perception of how much i use these things when i am in the states and i appreciate them.
every summer while i am in france (i know, i lead a rough life) i go without a lot of these things. i don’t have tv (don’t miss it), i don’t have my sewing machine (miss it terribly and took up knitting), i do have a cell phone (but it is for dealing with students and logistics more than actually using it and in reality, i hate talking on the phone), i have my laptop (but the wifi is limited to certain times of the day and my connection is sketchy in my room), so i read a lot, walk, shop, sit in cafes, meet with people. i love it. it allows me a comfortable and objective perception of how much i use these things when i am in the states and i appreciate them.
Awesome post, Nicole.
Cell phones ~ I have one and while it is useful and it can be fun, mine is rarely turned on. It’s for MY emergency, not anyone else’s. One of my favorite things about being out running errands is that I have time to myself, time to think, dwell, obsess, stew, reflect, whatever. My iPod is more for traveling than anything, though I do enjoy it when I’m doing a late-night sewing stint. I could probably do without the satellite radio I have in the car… though Mom would really miss the All-Elvis-All-The-Time station. Is is okay to make an exception for my Mom… really, it would be just for her. I promise. And now that 24 and NCIS are done for the season, I suppose could give up television… until January and September, respectively.
The biggest thing I’m doing ~ or trying to do ~ is to de-clutter. My clothes, my sewing room, every room in the house, actually… and, yes, that includes my quilt fabric.
Sorry, sidetracked there… mailman arrived with a box of new fabric from Jo-whatshername… where was I? Something about de-cluttering… doing without… making do with less…
In the words of Emily Litella… never mind. 🙂
Again… awesome post!
Awesome post, Nicole.
Cell phones ~ I have one and while it is useful and it can be fun, mine is rarely turned on. It’s for MY emergency, not anyone else’s. One of my favorite things about being out running errands is that I have time to myself, time to think, dwell, obsess, stew, reflect, whatever. My iPod is more for traveling than anything, though I do enjoy it when I’m doing a late-night sewing stint. I could probably do without the satellite radio I have in the car… though Mom would really miss the All-Elvis-All-The-Time station. Is is okay to make an exception for my Mom… really, it would be just for her. I promise. And now that 24 and NCIS are done for the season, I suppose could give up television… until January and September, respectively.
The biggest thing I’m doing ~ or trying to do ~ is to de-clutter. My clothes, my sewing room, every room in the house, actually… and, yes, that includes my quilt fabric.
Sorry, sidetracked there… mailman arrived with a box of new fabric from Jo-whatshername… where was I? Something about de-cluttering… doing without… making do with less…
In the words of Emily Litella… never mind. 🙂
Again… awesome post!
Nicole, great post. I started laughing when I read it because for the last two weeks, my husband and I have been discussing how to rid our house of unused but good useable items for someone else (including but not limited to clothing). We have talked garage sale, donation (which is what we prefer) etc. We have lived here for 30 years and I could easily give up several items/possesions a day for a month and still have surplus. How did we get all this stuff? I have a 5 drawer dresser full of mostly new and very beautiful Counted Cross Stitch supplies and kits that I can no longer do because of my scleroderma and neuorpathy. I also have every Nintendo game unit ever made and yes they are mine but I no longer play them. So it is all going to go very soon. So many things that someone is going without and I’m not using!!! There are four things I simply cannot give up…my two sewing machines and my fabric stash/projects in waiting and my books. OH, and my computer. **blush** Outside of those, I’m open to most anything. We watch very little TV except in the evenings when my body gives out and I have to rest. Even then, my hubby and I often end up just sitting and talking about anything that comes to mind. We are finally empty nesters again and my nest is still cluttered. Yup…it’s time to make some room and ‘share the abundance’.
Nicole, great post. I started laughing when I read it because for the last two weeks, my husband and I have been discussing how to rid our house of unused but good useable items for someone else (including but not limited to clothing). We have talked garage sale, donation (which is what we prefer) etc. We have lived here for 30 years and I could easily give up several items/possesions a day for a month and still have surplus. How did we get all this stuff? I have a 5 drawer dresser full of mostly new and very beautiful Counted Cross Stitch supplies and kits that I can no longer do because of my scleroderma and neuorpathy. I also have every Nintendo game unit ever made and yes they are mine but I no longer play them. So it is all going to go very soon. So many things that someone is going without and I’m not using!!! There are four things I simply cannot give up…my two sewing machines and my fabric stash/projects in waiting and my books. OH, and my computer. **blush** Outside of those, I’m open to most anything. We watch very little TV except in the evenings when my body gives out and I have to rest. Even then, my hubby and I often end up just sitting and talking about anything that comes to mind. We are finally empty nesters again and my nest is still cluttered. Yup…it’s time to make some room and ‘share the abundance’.
man there are some big answers here……….people got to impersonal and are now realising life is important……and we don’t need to have EVERYTHING……..the show was good although I only saw 1/2 of it……..
man there are some big answers here……….people got to impersonal and are now realising life is important……and we don’t need to have EVERYTHING……..the show was good although I only saw 1/2 of it……..
We gave up TV when we moved here (didn’t want to pay for cable while in a rental.) It’s been 14+ years and we DO NOT MISS IT. Our 3 girls are married and none of them has TV either. Trying to concentrate on family that lives in town – it’ll be too soon when someone moves away and takes some grandchildren. They’re only little once and we want to enjoy it to the fullest. I’m continuing to clear out fabric and give it to a friend who makes quilts for missions trips, pregnancy centers, hospitals. Facebook and quilt blogs do take up more time than I ought to let them… I actually had to go buy a couple summer tops…I did need them. Not filling up all my available time allowed me to go to lunch today with daughter #3 and husband and 3 grandsons…completely spontaneous and ever so sweet.
Thanks, Nicole, for this very thoughtful post. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone else’s responses.
We gave up TV when we moved here (didn’t want to pay for cable while in a rental.) It’s been 14+ years and we DO NOT MISS IT. Our 3 girls are married and none of them has TV either. Trying to concentrate on family that lives in town – it’ll be too soon when someone moves away and takes some grandchildren. They’re only little once and we want to enjoy it to the fullest. I’m continuing to clear out fabric and give it to a friend who makes quilts for missions trips, pregnancy centers, hospitals. Facebook and quilt blogs do take up more time than I ought to let them… I actually had to go buy a couple summer tops…I did need them. Not filling up all my available time allowed me to go to lunch today with daughter #3 and husband and 3 grandsons…completely spontaneous and ever so sweet.
Thanks, Nicole, for this very thoughtful post. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone else’s responses.
Nice post. I’m really trying to think about which electronic devices I could consider giving up. Like Nancy Near Philadelphia, my cell phone is for emergencies. It has no voice mail, no keyboard, and no fancy ringtones. My husband purchases minutes online every quarter only because if he doesn’t, we lose the minutes that we already own. And since we accumulate them much faster than we use them, I could probably call you and chat for days!
The computer is a different story altogether. Since I discovered the Blogger reading list, I don’t think I could ever give up my computer. After all, how would I be able to see all of your beautiful quilts? I really enjoy your blog!
Nice post. I’m really trying to think about which electronic devices I could consider giving up. Like Nancy Near Philadelphia, my cell phone is for emergencies. It has no voice mail, no keyboard, and no fancy ringtones. My husband purchases minutes online every quarter only because if he doesn’t, we lose the minutes that we already own. And since we accumulate them much faster than we use them, I could probably call you and chat for days!
The computer is a different story altogether. Since I discovered the Blogger reading list, I don’t think I could ever give up my computer. After all, how would I be able to see all of your beautiful quilts? I really enjoy your blog!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Just think fo how much electricity we all could save if we just “unplugged” ourselves for one week!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Just think fo how much electricity we all could save if we just “unplugged” ourselves for one week!