I heard on the weekend, that we are always learning. From the minute we are born, we do not stop. I whole-heartedly agree with that idea. We should NEVER stop learning. About our world, and about ourselves. I have been doing more in-ward thinking than out-ward lately. The events, however dramatic, of the last few months, have really been an opportunity for me, and my family to look at ourselves. At how we work, how smoothly we run, and to appreciate it. *skip* has closed ranks around me as it were, and it has been a wonderful chance for me to show how much I really do depend on him. Without his support, things would have gone pear-shaped long before now. I am truly blessed to have him in my life.
I have also been meditating on some of the truths about our environment. Where we live and what we do with what we have. From simplifying our life to live on a reduced income, in a world where prices are starting to spiral upwards dramatically, to making decisions based on their environmental impact. I have been reading so many sites, blogs, articles, forum discussions on Simple Living. On living with a conscience as it were. It all started very quietly on Rhonda-Jean’s blog, previously mentioned. As I have followed her links, then finding links of my own, it has grown.
For a start, try HERE and HERE, and then allow yourself to branch out.
And so this is how we come to today. Today I made a huge step in my simple living, although it may seem absurd to many others. Today, as I was reheating my lunch, I popped an upside down side-plate over the bowl to cover it for the microwave. Although the plastic wrap was sitting on the bench, right in front of me, I didn’t even think to grab it. It’s a small step, but it’s part of the learning process. Learning what we can do without, learning that there are other alternatives that are just as good, and possibly much better. It has started with saving money, and a lawn, by trying to be greener with my washing machine. It is now a minor revolution reaching into the rest of the house.
We have changed how we feed our precious dog. Not only are we doing it cheaper, but she loves her new “home-made” food. All it takes is a little bit of forethought and planning, and we all benefit. I think she’d stage a revolt if we went back to the old ways. *skip* and the kids have gotten on board as well. We buy large packs of chips, of yoghurt etc, and then parcel out servings in re-usable containers. Cheaper to buy, and without the burden of multiple wrappings destined for the bin. My little list of tricks is slowly growing.
There are many things that I may choose not to give up. However, these things are, as I said, a choice. I know what I am doing and why. I will no longer let the media chose for me. They will no longer do my thinking for me. I will chart my own course, and that of my family.
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rhonda jean
Well done Cassie! Small steps. That the way to do it. You are making many good choices here, not just for today, but for your future. I wish you all the best.
Tania
This is such a great post Cassie! We’ve been trying really hard now for a year to make our steps on this world a little lighter. Kudo’s to you and your family!
Sharon J
Well said!
We each have to make our own choices but because the media have seduced us for so long, simplicity isn’t reached over night. Small baby steps will eventually have us running 🙂