On Minimalism

Lately, I have been reading a lot of blogs and essays concerning the subject of minimalism.  I'm not talking about the literary or artistic movements, nor am I talking about the home decor trend of everything stark black and white and barely there.  I'm talking about living a minimalistic lifestyle--rejecting, even rebelling against, consumerism, getting rid of unwanted and unused items, getting out of debt, pursuing passions and life goals over material goods, etc.
This lifestyle appeals to me, even though it is the complete antithesis of my life a few years ago.  I think it attracts me because it *is* the polar opposite of my former dreams and goals, and those goals, the need to possess lots of (and the best) stuff have wreaked havoc on my life, my health, and my sanity.  Being able to focus more on living a self-reliant lifestyle, having less "things" to worry about, being able to say "NO!" loudly and firmly to the trappings of consumerism, will all lead to my ability to pursue my dreams and my passions that truly matter--and what a more fulfilled life that will be, not only for me, but for my family as well. 
I want to be able to have a firmer resolve, to spend less, to give more, to share my time and abilities with others, to reject jealousy, to conquer my goals and chase after my heart's truest desires.  I want to choose to tromp around outside in this big, wide world when I need comfort, instead of going up to the mall to snag some little thing that provides me temporary happiness--only until I get it home.  Can you imagine being able to live a life where you mainly rely on yourself and your family, instead of what society or friends tell you is important?  Can you imagine being able to live without a mall or Walmart?  Can you envision being able to grow your own food, or make your own, most of the time, or to find outlets for the freshest food you can, instead of relying on processed convenience foods?  That makes my body happy just thinking about it.
This kind of life is possible, with a true desire and conversion to a philosophy of minimalism and self-reliance.  It's better for your family, the environment, and for you.  And I want to examine it more closely and pursue the changes necessary to obtain it. 

Family Fun for Free

As a family, we have discovered a wonderful park in a neighboring state, where the only cost for a day of fun is the gasoline to drive there.  I'm so grateful that we live in such a beautiful area, and that we have another place to enjoy together as a family.  We have been there multiple times now, and each time, I have felt such a connection to nature and peace in my heart. 

Food for Thought on Thanksgiving

"Joy is the simplest form of gratitude." --Karl Barth

How wonderful is that quote. I have a planner that I use for my to-do lists, and each week, it has a different quote, and that was this week's quote. Sometimes, when I look at what other people have, or buy, or when I envy their talents or their looks or their personalities, I find myself getting depressed, feeling like I don't have enough, don't do enough, don't spend enough money.... Whereas, if I actually just appreciated what I had more, I'd probably be happier and not care as much about what others have or do. And I'd have joy. And what shows gratitude better than joy? I think I want to carry this quote with me as I enter the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons. I get so depressed sometimes around the holidays, between the demands on my time and energy, and the frazzled, contrary shoppers, and the stress of preparation, and feeling on one hand like I just want to reject the whole notion of the commercial side of the holidays, and yet, I feel guilty when I see my friends buying tons of stuff for their kids, and I'm keeping such an uptight budget for my own. When, really, if I just focus on what I have and try not to stress out, I'd find so much more joy in the season and with the holidays. I need to remember what is truly important and strive to be more grateful, and less envious and materialistic.