I probably started to create my own version of simple living about six years ago; although at the time I had no idea that I was even doing it. You see, I began paying down my consumer debt in 2005 and that became the catalyst to everything that followed. Once I’d started that journey, everything became easier.
To get debt free; I cut expenses, learned how to be frugal, stopped consumer spending and began to budget; I de-cluttered my home and sold as much stuff as I could. I was relentless. I also started to blog, and it was blogging that gave me [my much needed] accountability.
It was the years spent paying down my debt that enabled me to finally gain control of my life. It was being in control of my money that changed everything and it enabled me to start living my life on my own terms.
Over the years I changed my mind countless times on how I think ‘my simple life’ should look. I’ve mulled over living in the country or living in the city; growing my own food and keeping chickens………I’ve even considered making my own clothes! Yikes! But I’ve finally come to realise that it doesn’t matter what you do or where you live, simple living is about freedom. Freedom to choose.
How are you creating your own version of a simple life?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Couldn’t agree more. It’s all about freedom. I strongly believe that you can significantly increase your level of freedom by simplifying your life. (Looks like our experiences are very similar).
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
January 10th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
Tony: very similar!
[Reply]
What a clear and concise article.
I’m almost to the point where I will not have any immediate debts and can think about what future debts I want to plan for now (retirement, kid’s education, next car, etc). I’ve been doing retirement all along, but the other stuff has always been on the back burner.
I’m still struggle with what the simple life would be, but the more I think about it, the more I realize it’s the ability to spend time with those I care about the most.
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
January 10th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Sandy: our motivation for being mortgage free/moving abroad in the first instance came from wanting to spend more time together. Working so many hours we felt like we hardly saw each other and knew that there had to be another option!
[Reply]
It’s really incredible how debt (which is not itself particularly desirable) served as a springboard for so many discoveries for you, including simple living. I appreciate that the transition has been in “real time” for you. Six years means that the changes you’ve been making are deeply rooted in you, not just a surface change that could easily be reversed. I’ve just started to blog, but already I’m feeling the benefits of the accountability (whether anyone reads it or not!). I’ve enjoyed having your blog as inspiration; thanks!
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
January 10th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
ListfulWistful: It’s been a long learning process and one I needed to go through. It’s very similar to using a crash diet to lose weight; it doesn’t re-educate your eating habits.
[Reply]
Pretty much the same as you – planning a move to my version of the Garden of Eden:) Counting the days…literally!
[Reply]