Why Adopt A Simpler Lifestyle?
A glaring question you might have is WHY? Why should I adopt a simpler lifestyle? In case you need a few more incentives, here are some reasons why a simpler lifestyle is the choice. Rich or poor, transforming your life in this way can not only make you more grateful for your life but also happier. It is not possessions that make us truly blessed, but how we live our lives.
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Why Simple Living is Something to Consider
Economic distress – Families have had to tighten budgets to make it in the recession. Times are improving somewhat but jobs are slow to increase. These situations, while frightening, can help you determine that you can live with less and still have a satisfying life.
Environmental changes – Unless we do something, we will run out of resources on this planet. What is needed is more concern for the environment and how to consume less and contribute more. Small changes that you make in your life can add up to a better world for all to live in when everyone gets on board.
Debt – We’ve mentioned this one many times already but it still bears repeating. Most of us are living beyond our means and it is killing us. Eliminating personal debt can happen when we take on a simpler living mindset. Can you live without that top-of-the-line mixer? You can, especially if you only bake during the holidays and don’t have $200 to spare for it. Paying back over time involves high rates of interest that result in paying back double or triple what you would have paid outright for your purchase.
Global needs – People are starving or living in poverty all around the world. Extra dollars that have been saved from reducing your lifestyle can be contributed to worthy causes that need funding to continue. Even in your own community, programs are losing government funding and need infusions of local capital to provide the much-needed services.
Technology – Technology will always outpace human need. That is what it is designed to do – stay ahead of the curve. For us though, that means that one laptop or tablet PC can perform the tasks of several separate devices. Instead of having a desktop, a calculator, calendars and photo albums, all of these things can be accomplished with one handy device. Make sure you back up all your information in case of a crash. The internet makes it easier for people to tap into what is going on around the world and connect with others for opportunities they may not have had otherwise.
Benefits outweigh the fears – It might be your health that leads to a simpler, more natural existence. Maybe stress has you questioning the purpose of some of the activities in your life. There are many personal reasons that might oblige you to try something different. The benefits of simplistic living sound pretty good.
Feeling the weight of your existence – As one gets older, certain things come into question that didn’t before, like life purpose and accomplishments. There will always be a next best thing or a new technological advance. What’s trendy today will be old news tomorrow. What doesn’t change is you and what purpose you can serve for yourself, your family and future generations.
But, you don’t have to be old, facing a major life change, or extremely stressed to consider your purpose in life. Each person wants to leave life better off for them having been in it. Possessions won’t necessarily do that. Cherishing moments, people, relationships and commitment to bigger causes can however satisfy those longings of the soul.
This is Part 4 of our 5 Part Series on Simple Living – Is It Right For Me? Today we’re discussing WHY we should adopt a simpler lifestyle. Catch up with the series and our other topics:
Part 1: Decluttering Our Lives: The First Steps
Part 2: Simple Living: Just What Is It?
Part 3: 8 Simple Living Practices You Can Start Now
Part 4: Why Adopt A Simpler Lifestyle?
Part 5: Getting Rid of Excess
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