Frugality is one of the most
beautiful and joyful words
in the English language,
and yet one that we are culturally
cut off from understanding and enjoying.
The consumption society has made us
feel that happiness lies in having things,
and has failed to teach us
the happiness of not having things.
~Elise Boulding
This summer has been hard.
The economy in our smaller town
is getting tighter and tighter.
And when you are self-employed...
it can be a very scary thing.
And while I've tried keeping my chin up
most of the times I have failed miserably.
While it seems like all my friends
and family are going on vacations to Disney World
and island cruises and shopping at the
local mall...we are watching
every single penny that leaves
this house.
No vacation for us this year.
No back to school shopping sprees.
I just haven't been my cheerful self.
I hate that.
But then...when I was just feeling my lowest...
I read a comment from my friend Kay
on Facebook. It said...
"I woke up early today and am now canning
pickles. I love my life."
Girls, I thought about these 2
sentences all day.
During my hour long walk, during my
house cleaning and while I cooked dinner.
It's the small and simple things in our life that bring us
true joy. That gives our life meaning.
I already knew that. But maybe, somewhere I had forgot it.
I didn't think I had forgot it....
but I had. I have been so consumed
with all the CAN NOTS that I forgot
about the truly good things in my life.
So this weekend our Friday Prompt is to make a list...a very long list...of all
the small and simple things that
make us happy.
That make our hearts sing.
And while you're at...why not put this list in your Art Journals
or scrapbook pages? Create a pretty reminder of
all that is so very good in your life.
What are the the Simple things that make your life oh so good?
Your post really appealed to me and I had to create my own list:
ReplyDeletehttp://bunnysgirl.blogspot.com/2011/07/simple-things.html
I hope that you and your family stay happy and healthy. It is so hard to go through what you are. Have a wonderful weekend!
Leslie ~ Oh, this is such a great post because of your honesty. Girl, I have felt that way. In fact, this morning, as I looked at my tiny little house, wishing it was bigger, I thought of my grandparents. They lived in the same tiny house thru their entire marriage raising 6 kids until they had to move to a town apt b/c of their health. And I was thinking how they were 2 of the happiest people I have ever known. Happy with each other and loved God, life, family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of creating something to remember those little things.
THANKS for your kindness on my blog today. You give me courage too!
Finding beauty and smiles right where I am!
For the record we have never been on a holiday...one wage,6 kids, sick child....and I don't care...seriously...our holiday is a trip on the train into the city...we love these little day trips to very close places...lol...I guess you have made me refresh my ghougjts in how lucky we are that we can do that...oh..and my mini holiday is s trip to thd coffee shop With a frie.nd....lol.. .enjoy the little thing s my friend...they are just as good...if not better!
ReplyDeleteI love your post as always. We don't vacation either. I continue working through the summer and my hubby teaches summer school. We've watched friends take a week off and go to Hawaii, but we stay here and work. Work, work, work.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I would also focus on what I didn't have (the can nots) but I have been on such a wonderful journey this year discovering the power of happiness and appreciating the moment. It's not always easy. I'm still learning to slow down and live in the moment. It's just so easy to get going on autopilot and not think (and I find thinking is very necessary when appreciating the moments we call life).
We haven't done too much out of the ordinary this summer. In fact, I've been spending tons of time decluttering which I wouldn't normally consider fun. Yet I've actually had a really nice summer. Perhaps this is due to my changed perspective.
Focusing on what I CAN do instead of all the things I think I want but can't afford to do is a daily challenge for me. On the days I get it right, I am full of gratitude and thanksgiving, and it literally changes the person I am. On the days I give in to the wanting and the needing and obsessing over limitations...well, those are the miserable days. Chin up, God loves you, and He will *always* reimburse you for your service to His children.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post Leslie, as always I can relate to your feelings. I am going to blog today a list of all the small and simple things I am soooooo thankful for, and that matter far more than our other worries and challenges. (Becca H, signed in as my hubby today...ha ha!!)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great and thoughtful (and thought-provoking) post. I am wading through all my STUFF to try to bring it to order, and it is so clear to me that, while it's fun to have supplies and "toys" to play with, happiness does not lie in those THINGS. We had such a delightful family dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread this evening, and my younger daughter just went to bed in her toddler bed (rather than a crib) for the first time tonight. It is in THESE special moments and milestones where happiness lies! (And I LOVE the photo of your family on the floor playing a box game together...priceless!)
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie, I am in the same position as you are, along with tons of other self employed people. Thank you very much for this reminder.
ReplyDeleteThe small stuff is really big important stuff that we so often take for granted. These troubles have made hubby and I more humble than ever. We appreciate a pizza night as if it were a week vacation!
All of this has brought us closer, made us better people, and most importantly showed us how awesome real happiness can be.... it isn't about things but people!
Have a great weekend!
Hi Leslie! You should find some challenges, they really help get the creativity start flowing, and are fun too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. I hope you are feeling better from your headaches, those can really put obstacles in life.
I can somewhat relate to your post today, and while I try not to feel bad that my daughter is in Lake Tahoe right now with her dad and his family, and we don't have the money now to even think of going anywhere or doing anything, it is hard sometimes not to get down, so I will take your advise and make my very long list of things that make me happy!! HOpe you have a great day! :D
Hi...thought I better let you know my last one...the red painting...took me 10 minutes....this new hippie girl took me about 1. And a half hours....thanks for the lovely comment tho...hope you're having a good one...xxx
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