Searching for Simplicity in a Crazy, Complicated World...

I was just watching a news segment on a group out of San Fransisco who call themselves "The Compact." The essence of the group is to bring awareness to over-consumption. We are all guilty of it. I started to think about it and consider how the whole world goes crazy at Christmastime especially. Folks are still paying for long forgotten Christmas gifts in the following September. So, about this group...they make an "agreement" among themselves not to purchase anything NEW for one year. Does that sound difficult? I think I could do it. I didn't hear them say you couldn't use Ebay! The group uses thrift stores for the most part and consider everything they purchase before heading to the till. I do have one question..."nothing new." What does that cover? I am guessing tangibles and "stuff." I didn't hear any discussion about food items and how they are purchased. I know there is quite a bit of waste that goes on there as well.
Wayne, Buddy and I had a meeting with an amazing gentleman on Friday. I was taking lots of notes during the meeting. The bottom line theme conveyed by our wise mentor was "simplicity." That word covers a lot of territory in terms of how we live our lives in "today's world." In fact, a quote I wrote from the gentleman reads: "Simplicity is the key-boil down everything to be as simple as possible."
Everything...that's a lot to boil down!
I think I could do the thrift store thing easily enough. I've always been a bargain hunter in general. There's something to the "thrill of the hunt." I love books...and perhaps this sounds like a terrible thing to do, but I go to Books-A-Million, purchase myself a nice cup of coffee and walk the store jotting down titles and authors of books I find interesting. I come home and hit Ebay. Many times, I can find a used book or one with a remainder mark for literally cents on the dollar. For example, I have an old fashioned remedy book that Jakob was interested in. At Books-A-Million, it was close to $30 and tax. I had bought my copy on Ebay. So, when Jake expressed an interest, I did a search. I bought the book (NEW) for 99 cents and 4.00 Priority Mail shipping. I had 5 bucks in a great book and gave a great gift.
I love electronics. Always have...always will. But, I have to say that even in that department, I look for bargains. We use MacIntosh computers around here and they don't come cheap. However, in the past couple of years, I have been able to locate great computers at great prices. In fact, last Christmas, Wayne and Frieda went on a hunt and found a "new" couple of months old MacBook Pro from a college student who needed the cash more than the computer. The student got his cash, Wayne and Frieda got a great deal on a basically unused laptop and well, Annie was DEEEELIGHTED, thrilled and totally surprised!
If we are not all ripped out of the frame on instant gratification, we can make decisions that are less costly and the "wait" gives us time to be sure that the purchase is something we REALLY want or REALLY have to have.
I feel confident that Marah has grasped the concept of patience in purchases. She understands that if you have $50 and you stretch it far enough you can get a ton of things, rather than a half a pair of jeans from the mall! To my knowledge, she seldom, if ever "mall shops" and like her mom, she enjoys a trip to Big Lots or a great thrift store as much as any good bargain shopper. I really don't remember when I went to a mall last! And I'm really not bothered by that fact. I do know a couple of Christmases ago, Marah and I went to a mall to seek out Santa Claus. Not to give him a list, mind you. We just wanted our picture made with the jolly ol' elf! So, that wasn't "mall shopping" per se. Does Ebay count as a mall?
I know that I feel good about purchases when I consider them, look at all the options available and don't allow too many impulse buys. Most of the time, Marshall's or T.J. Maxx or shops like those are the only places I make large purchases. Those stores aren't near where we live and sometimes we stock up on seasonal clothing, shoes, or toiletries if we need them. That's not often, however.
Hearing the segment on "The Compact" just after the wonderful business meeting we had yesterday has led me to consider my own habits. Determining what items are considered "needs" versus "wants" doesn't have to be difficult. Finding a balance between the two is key in learning to "simplify."
In closing this post, I'll add...Simplifying your life sometimes isn't easy, and in itself may not seem simple! It is, however, worth a good hard look and giving a listen to the wisdom of those have much more life experience than me. I am so grateful for the time that this mentor took with Wayne, Buddy and me to offer insight on HOW to simplify business and indeed LIFE! His calming wisdom gave us all lots to consider. If "simplicity" is the key to everything, then I'm anxious to see just what that key unlocks for our future. I'll keep you posted on how simple the simplifying process works out for us! Just thinking about the word "simple" makes the process feel easier already!

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