As the days progress quickly to fall and winter teases us with the chance of snow. We labor to finish the harvest and stock feed for our animals, my memories often turn to thoughts of my precious mother.
Though only in my life for a short few years, she instilled a sense of comfort throughout my life. By example she would lead the way. Regardless of what fate and life chose to set in her path, she walked it graciously, with head held high, and more often than not, a giggle would escape her lips at some little dirty joke she remembered or funny little story she just heard.
She often said, "Living simply doesn't mean simply living, it means simply living closer to life." ......................
Though only in my life for a short few years, she instilled a sense of comfort throughout my life. By example she would lead the way. Regardless of what fate and life chose to set in her path, she walked it graciously, with head held high, and more often than not, a giggle would escape her lips at some little dirty joke she remembered or funny little story she just heard.
She often said, "Living simply doesn't mean simply living, it means simply living closer to life." ......................
As I remember her quiet passing, those words always come forth like a gentle breeze on a hot summers day. As I have traveled through the years the sense of what she tried to impart have confused, delighted, and finally brought me peace.
Oh how the eyes roll........the truth is not so drastic as you think! Living simply does not mean grinding your own flour and living without electricity, though joy and peace can be found in those changes to your life. The lesson is life is not a burden to be lived, life should be a place of comfort. Intermingled with challenges that give satisfaction. Choosing those things that enrich such as the simple day to day activities that give so much peace to one's life. Living simply can involve the foods you eat. Choosing food that is locally grown, without the chemicals and pesticides that litter our world. So much peace can be found in working in a garden, the satisfaction of growing your own food, the comfort of knowing winter will come but your pantry is full. Why live in stress paying for that new car you can't afford, when an older one would provide for your needs? So many people strive to live a better life than their parents, but what if that meant living with less? Why is more considered better, if it causes less happiness and more stress?
Watch the little ones, as they chase about with toys made of wood or the steed your broom became as they rescued some damsel in distress. Watch the eyes of a child light with their first tentative step. Or how a daughter first dances atop her father's feet. Remember when the lightening bug was magic and you wished upon the shooting star?
It is not what life and fate throw in your path, but how you walk the path you have. You cannot change circumstances beyond your control, but you can choose to add all those things that cause you to simply live with your burdens, or by your choices appreciate those things that cause you to live simply with joy and delight.
So, what does living simply mean to you?
Brenda Lee
Oh how the eyes roll........the truth is not so drastic as you think! Living simply does not mean grinding your own flour and living without electricity, though joy and peace can be found in those changes to your life. The lesson is life is not a burden to be lived, life should be a place of comfort. Intermingled with challenges that give satisfaction. Choosing those things that enrich such as the simple day to day activities that give so much peace to one's life. Living simply can involve the foods you eat. Choosing food that is locally grown, without the chemicals and pesticides that litter our world. So much peace can be found in working in a garden, the satisfaction of growing your own food, the comfort of knowing winter will come but your pantry is full. Why live in stress paying for that new car you can't afford, when an older one would provide for your needs? So many people strive to live a better life than their parents, but what if that meant living with less? Why is more considered better, if it causes less happiness and more stress?
Watch the little ones, as they chase about with toys made of wood or the steed your broom became as they rescued some damsel in distress. Watch the eyes of a child light with their first tentative step. Or how a daughter first dances atop her father's feet. Remember when the lightening bug was magic and you wished upon the shooting star?
It is not what life and fate throw in your path, but how you walk the path you have. You cannot change circumstances beyond your control, but you can choose to add all those things that cause you to simply live with your burdens, or by your choices appreciate those things that cause you to live simply with joy and delight.
So, what does living simply mean to you?
Brenda Lee
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