Ask:
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to transition into the Simple Life.
Most people feel overwhelmed when they realize how much there is they could do. If someone asked you what one thing they could do or change, what would you suggest?
Answer:
I would say take your time and go at the pace that works for you and your family. At first I tried to change too many things at once and it became hard to keep up, and my family was resistant to the change. So, I started again and this time made a list of things I would like to be different this time next year. In February I bought 3 bins to recycle. Paper, plastic, glass. It took a little bit but now a month later we are in the new groove of more efficient recycling. For March we are cutting back on TV time and having a family game night once a week with homemade personal pizza. I'm thinking the games will help to ease my kids off TV and everyone will benefit from more time together.
I can't wait to hear everyone else's tips
Answer:
I agree change one thing at a time.
I think if you change too much at once it will be diffficult for the family to keep up. Also it calls attention to you from other family members who may not be supportive. My mil doesnt uderstand some of the things we do and asked us if we needed money.
For me I started with cooking. I make everything from stratch and cook basic healthy meals. NO prepackaged stuff in my house. I dont even buy botteled juices, we make our own lemon aid and I buy frozen concentrate 100% apple juice.
Answer:
I agree with Indymom (sorry don't know your actual name ) .
if you don't take steps and try to change things over night your family is less likely to cooperate. However if you set weekly or monthly goals, things will get accomplished with alot less stress.
Answer:
I'd say read books, read forums and start thinking about your life. Once I'd read an organization book and started thinking about how I used things, what was cluttering my life and how I can make it more simple, things kind of fell into place.
Answer:
I would say the first thing to do is to think about how you would love to spend your time. Then think about what is preventing you from doing just that. If cleaning knick knacks is taking up time that you might rather be spending doing something else, you should remove that obstical from your life. I think if we all looked at each part of our day and streamlined it, our lives would be much fuller without all the stuff getting in our way.
Answer:
Hmm.. i'll say if you don't love it and use it often, get rid of it! I got rid of so much stuff in the last 2 months that i've been holding onto for God only knows what reasons..
So if it's not something you use a lot, love, or have a demand/need for.. donate it, sell it, or toss it!! Don't waste your time/energy on something that's just there for no reason.
Answer:
Originally Posted by chatsalot
Hmm.. i'll say if you don't love it and use it often, get rid of it! I got rid of so much stuff in the last 2 months that i've been holding onto for God only knows what reasons..
So if it's not something you use a lot, love, or have a demand/need for.. donate it, sell it, or toss it!! Don't waste your time/energy on something that's just there for no reason.
Excellent advice! Advice I need to take.
Answer:
Only go shopping once a week. This accomplishes a lot of smaller goals in the process:
1. It's a HUGE time saver. When you can accomplish all your shopping/errand running on ONE day each week, uou tend to find other, more fulfilling ways to fill you spend your time than shopping.
2. Staying out of stores reduces impulse spending; therefore you save money
3. It moves your focus away from the pursuit of material things. (the more time you spend at a mall/store, the more exposure you have to advertising, and more "wants" are created).
Answer:
I agree with Kim! One day a couple of months ago, I was out shopping chasing some bargains and thought of what my kids and husband were doing without me (granted I don't get out by myself much, so it wasn't too sad ), but it did make me think maybe I am missing out on something we could all be doing together. That was kind of a wake up call - inspired by jnbythesea's blog (thanks!!) So, I'm sticking with a one time per week grocery trip and I've found that if I am not running to the store several times a week, I save a lot of money and have gotten more creative with what I have. My kids know now if we run out of something, we will just need to wait until Monday to get more. I've finally figured out how much milk, bread and fresh fruit we need to make it through a week. Also, a bi-monthly trip to Target to get things like vitamins, dish detergent, and other basics that are cheaper than grocery store, has been good. I'm sticking to my list and trying to avoid the Target shopping forums!
So I guess I'm going with the trickle-down theory - the changes I am making in myself are slowly changing my family's mindset as well.