What exactly does it mean to simplify one’s life? I Google-d “simple life” and came up with more references to Paris Hilton than I care to mention. Ahhh, the irony. A subsequent “simplify your life”
search at Amazon.com netted 1,219 self-help books: instruction manuals, if you will, authored by Mary, Mary’s mother-in-law, and Mary’s mother-in-law’s neighbor’s dentist. The variety of available titles would suggest that Americans are eager to embrace the concept of simplification and that publishers are happy to oblige.
I admit that I haven’t read any of these books, but they seem to focus on two primary themes. The first is prioritization: Lighten your schedule, get rid of your debt, stop trying to be perfect, change your life! The second theme is organization: De-clutter your desk, clean out your closets, plan your meals for the week, change your life!
My own quest for simplicity is… excuse the pun… a little more simple and lot less organized. To me, simplifying is about worrying less and taking the time to appreciate the people and things around me more. This life directive was ingrained in me quite possibly from the time I was a child: My parents had a plaque posted in the sunroom that said, “Don’t hurry, don’t worry, and don’t forget to smell the flowers.” As I got older, I gained the perspective to realize just how important this mantra really was and how simple it was to adopt.
Perspective. Knowing how to separate what is important from what is unimportant in your own life. Isn’t that the key? Perspective is something you can only acquire with age and life experience. And for most people, it’s not something that Mary and her mother-in-law can decide for you.
What exactly does it mean to simplify one’s life? I Google-d “simple life” and came up with more references to Paris Hilton than I care to mention. Ahhh, the irony. A subsequent “simplify your life” search at Amazon.com netted 1,219 self-help books: instruction manuals, if you will, authored by Mary, Mary’s mother-in-law, and Mary’s mother-in-law’s neighbor’s dentist. The variety of available titles would suggest that Americans are eager to embrace the concept of simplification and that publishers are happy to oblige. 
1 comment:
Amen Sister! I just don't understand the appeal of the Hummer and other over-sized vehicles. Unless the occupants are wearing camoflage and carrying heavy weapons in hostile territory, those beasts shouldn't be driven - anywhere. My guess is that those that own/operate those vehicles feel safer. But given their massive weight (the vehicle's weight, not the owner's), they aren't as maneuverable and take much more disitance/time to stop to avoid accidents and therefore may be more likely to get into an accident. The other reason is that the owner/operator may be trying to compensate for some (ahem) shortcoming.
When I seen one on the road, I have the urge to unleash an RPG at it, but my humanity kicks in and prevents it. Well, that and the fact that I don't own such a weapon. Maybe put Aunt Jemima in the gas tanks?
[off soapbox]
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