Voluntary Simplicity and What it Means To Me

I've had this book it seems like forever, "Voluntary Simplicity" by Duane Elgin. It is a book that leads you "toward a way of life that is outwardly simple, inwardly rich." While we may be quick to jump on those who are only starting to get the idea of Simplicity because it's supposedly "cool" to be living a sustainable life, I have to give everyone kudos for trying in their own small ways.

No matter what your life circumstances are (and we all have a story or know someone who does), it's never too late to start saving yourself and saving the Earth. For me it's been about decluttering. I joined http://www.freecycle.org/ to get rid of a large accumulation of art and craft supplies. I literally gave away hundreds of dollars of art supplies and am not done yet. Next is my paints and canvases and easels and such.

In January, I used Cash4Books to sell what books of mine they would take. The shipping is free and I got a check. Worth every penny and cleared out some space! I also used Second Spin to sell some music CDs and got a check in the mail. For what was clutter...to me. You can also buy/sell video games and DVD movies at Second Spin. These services are hassle-free and I can't thank them enough for being in existence.

Last night was Earth Hour. It was very sweet and simple to turn off my lights and unplug the computer for one hour. I like doing little things like that. Turning off the water as I brush my teeth is something I learned when I lived in San Diego. I think that I was my truest self when I lived in San Diego because the region seemed to support me and others like me. In this large Chicago region, I am only now finding people who hold the same ideals as I do about living simple. Perhaps the teacher arrives when the student is ready applies here.

The simple truth is that I was not always tuned in to this simple vibration. I had lost myself along the way as I lived life. I cringe at the number of plastic water bottles I consumed while on my last job. Only then did they come out with refillable stainless steel options for water. So, as I ride this wave of a vibration I call Voluntary Simplicity (shamelessly stealing the title of Duane Elgin's book), I hope to find you, my dear reader, also finding the vibe, saving yourself and our planet.

Mary