Unexpected benefits of simplifying

[story3girl]

I have been simplifying my life lately, and I've cut back to part time work, and with more time and less stuff, I have felt so much open up in my life.

Well, today I discovered an unexpected benefit: I'm nicer! I went to the grocery store today to pick up a few things, and because I wasn't in a hurry I had time to walk slowly up and down the aisles (gathering blinkie coupons for my train ), and when I got in line and the 17 year old cashier had to call over a manager to fix a problem for the customer in front of me, I found that I wasn't impatient! I normally would have been tapping my foot, rolling my eyes and all kinds of things, and instead I looked the cashier right in the eyes and smiled. When she started ringing me up, she apologized and told me it was her second day. "Oh! Well, you're doing great!" I told her, and I left the grocery store feeling good and uplifted, instead of frustrated and depleted like I used to be.

Has anyone else noticed unexpected benefits from cutting back?

[Ima saver]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

I quit work a few years ago and now I am never in a hurry. It is wonderful!!

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

I wish I had that! I have kids and am always in a hurry cause of them, but I usually am pretty nice.

Actually I have noticed that when I stop and think I really don't have to be in such a hurry all the time....does it really matter if we get to the playground that fast? we are there to play anyway!

[shengmei]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

I quit work a few years ago and now I am never in a hurry. It is wonderful!!

Same here!!! I am a much kinder person than I used to be.

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

Kindness cast out into the world is like the ripples on a pond. What you do affects the course of others. Patience, a kind word, or a smile go a long way to making you and others happier.

[lrjohnson]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

Bill paying is less complicated: five a month total including rent, easy to keep track of.

House cleaning is easier.

Smaller treats feel like bigger treats-one 99 cent soda every six months feels so luxurious.

In lots of ways being thriftier means being more ecological, so my footprint to the earth is less (using less, buying less, buying used, reducing energy use).

Eating out less and cooking cheap stuff has aided me in losing unwanted pounds.

[JoyJoy]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

I have learned many traits (patience, no worrying, relaxing, spending on myself) from my husband and have incorporated them into my every day schedule now. He's retired as of June 1, 2006 and I am medically retired with M.S.

I worry less about things, people, places, etc. I don't allow people to rent space in my head as I don't have time for that. I am much kinder now cause I have only a handfull of bills that I can count on one hand. I listen to music and have ordered DVDs of music concerts that I wasn't able to attend and I do watch them now instead of trying to do housework all the time. I am a neat freak but had to learn that I couldn't do it all when I became ill. That almost killed me because I was used to doing everything the way I wanted it done.

An added pleasure is having hubby home now as we are really good friends and we both have our own computers!!! More time to e-mail each other with our thoughts too. Life is good!

[tgavin71]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

This has absolutey nothing to do with the posting but every time I read your username JoyJoy I automatically think of Ren and Stimpy. Is that where you got it from?

[tgavin71]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

Now to answer the post. I too have noticed a lower stress level for all in the house.
The kids hardly fight anymore. There rooms are tidy and they take better care of their belongings. I no longer buy toys except for Christmas and Birthday. We always have kids over to play even though it is in dire need of renovations (holes in the floor, peeling paint, leaky shower and toilet etc etc). One 6 year old told me that she likes coming to our house because it feels happy. What more could any one ask for?

[boomeyers]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

I am under stress to simplify. I am always in a hurry too! HELP! I have been trying to declutter room by room and then I move it to the basement to the garage sale pile, but I haven't finished yet and I'm running out of room and I do'nt have time for the garage sale! ACK!

[jodi]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

Boo, I don't know if you are planning the garage sale for cash or just to simplify, but I have found that just giving the stuff away that I don't want is quick, easy, and feels great! You can take the tax deduction too if you itemize. I love Freecycle.org, but if I have a lot of small things that someone wouldn't want to make arrangements to pick up, I make a trip to The Salvation Army or Rescue Mission. Things are gone within a week and the house is getting so clean...I probably donated close to 100 items last month - nothing worth more than $.25 at a garage sale, though. The last sale I had I determined that it was just NOT worth my time and effort anymore. Good luck!

[34saving]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

Boo - Jodi's right. Garage sales can be a lot of fun and if having one would be fun for you it can help with the decluttering. However, if you don't have time to do it or you won't have fun doing it, don't do it! Give away the little stuff and sell the big stuff on eBay or Craig's list. (Those are work too, but a lot less than having a garage sale that you don't want to have.)

[Bluezy]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

You have to learn patience whether or not you are in a simple life mode. Not only does patience make you a courteous person, it allows for clear thinking regarding your time management.

[cschin4]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

I have been simplifying over the past several years. I cut down my work schedule to have more time with my children. I am home much more and can do all the "mom" things such as taking them to school, spending the day with my 4 yr old daughter, and getting the kids off the bus when they come home.
I have simplified my "material" world. I ask myself "do I really need this, will I really use it, and where will I put it" before buying anything. I do not recreational shop anymore. I only shop when I need something and frankly, I just don't like to shop anymore! I would rather spend the day at the local park, working in the yard, etc than be stuffed inside the mall or a store, esp. on a nice day.
I simplified the my "electronic" world. I don't buy alot of electronic stuff and frustrate myself with all the beeps, instruction manuals, uploads, downloads, etc. I never did get a digital camera and love my film camera. I don't need a cell phone to send emails, text, photos, etc. I just want to get a call and be able to make a call. That's it.
We had 4 TV's in our house. I disconnected 2 of them. Now, just one for the family and a small one in our BR for us.
I simplified the kid's stuff. My new cleaning method is to get out several laundry baskets, and whatever is not picked up and laying on the floor is stuffed into the baskets. I then haul the baskets to the cellar and announce that "you know where to find your stuff if you need it". I will no longer take responsibility for their stuff.
As a result of all the changes, I am enjoying my home. I am cooking alot more and enjoy that. My sons like to help me cook. My house looks pretty clean most of the time. Still somewhat messy but manageable. Before it looked like Yucca Flats after the nuclear blast.
I enjoy the peace and quiet of life and the simple things. I watch the birds in the backyard and take time to sit and pet my dog. Life is good.

[JoyJoy]

Re: Unexpected benefits of simplifying

This has absolutey nothing to do with the posting but every time I read your username JoyJoy I automatically think of Ren and Stimpy. Is that where you got it from?

LOL tgavin! My best friend named me this many many years ago. My first name is Joya. He always referred to me as being the happy happy Joy Joy!! I just listened to the children's song online, "The Happy Happy song Joy Joy" by Ren & Stimpy via Real Player. What a joy!

That must have been the song he was referring to when he named me JoyJoy!