Stress Relief

Voluntary Simplicity

Our journey to simplicity, a voluntary simplicity, has been a a lifestyle change. Here you will find stories and thoughts on ways we and others are living a simple life. These stories and thoughts are reflections of our own experiences, and, the experiences of others as they journey to implementing simplicity into their lives.

We wanted a simple life, at least a simpler lifestyle. Our search for simple living started over 10 years ago. We both worked in stressful jobs, and put in long hours resulting in a stressful and unhealthy lifestyle. We rarely had time to do the things we wanted to do. We knew there must be something better!

We voluntarily wanted to change and we wanted the freedom to do what we wanted to do. After much research, discussion, reflection, and, soul searching we realized we wanted what some called "voluntary simplicity". To us voluntary simplicity is about freedom, it is about owning your own life, it is a simple life, simple living. It is about giving up some things to gain more.

We hope the writings and the thoughts and messages of these stories help you simplify your life. And, may you find stress relief in simplicity.






Desire Doesn't Equal Simplicity
How often do we purchase items that we desire

A Cabin of Transition
It wasn't that I had yearned for days where you could wander through untouched forests.

Can You Accept A Life of Simplicity?
Big house, beach cottage, evenings out, dining out, and those high paying jobs; do these sound familiar?

Mid-Life Ramblings
Throughout one's life there are many times that reflections of things to come.

Country Living - The Best There Is
The decision was made. We would sell our cottage, leave our hectic jobs, and move.

Simplify Eating
I used to be able to eat what I wanted without any worry.

Simplify Your Life - Cancel Magazines
Time to sit and read those countless newspapers and magazines?

8 Cooking Tips from Mum
I am always looking for ways to save time when it comes to cooking.

Simplicity by Alison Hall
Simplicity... Busy, rushed, hurried, just some .....

Remembering Downsizing
I loved my work with the exception of the times when my boss would start talking about the need to downsize.

I Just Want a Simple Life!
It was one of those days when you felt like winter was almost over.

Upgrade To Simplicity
Do you think it is illogical to "upgrade" to simplicity?

Simple Gifts Are Best
How many times have you received gifts over a lifetime?

Simplify Your Christmas
When my children were younger, I always went overboard at Christmas.

More Decorations for the Birds!
Feeding the birds in the winter is a wonderful activity.

Simple, Inexpensive Christmas Decorations for the Birds!
An activity that will create lots of fun and provide many hours of pleasure for children and for adults.

Simple Living Means...
Simple Living means different things to different people.

Today Is The Best Day, But a Simple Day!
We sat on the swing enjoying the warm summer air, truly without a care in the world.

But How Much Money Are You Making?
We just finished a two day craft show.

Simply Be Thankful
Are you compelled to be somebody you're not?

Beware of Yard Sales & Auctions
Yard sales and auctions can be contagious. Just warning you now.

Simple Cold Weather Ideas
I was so tired of the cold weather.

7 Tips for Thrifty Living
It is no secret that life is more expensive today ....

10 Great Simplifying Ideas To Help You Manage Your Busy Life
Simplifying doesn't mean giving up what ....

Wash Day
For years, wash day meant taking the dirty laundry throwing it in the washer and then into the dryer.

Take out, Fast Food, Restaurants
Living in the city offers the convenience of fast food.


What Are My Priorities
Priorities, just trying to determine them can at times bring stress. Find stress relief in this thought and in our favorite quote about setting priorities.

Clutter?
It is amazing how we can accumulate things that we think we need, yet, we never use!

Setting our Goals for a Simpler Lifestyle
We are often asked how did we do it, leave our jobs, the security of a steady paycheck.

Simpler Life Everyday
The difference between living a simpler life than one of constant stress.


Stress Relief ........ Stress Stories ........ Stress Thoughts ........ Voluntary Simplicity ........ Frugal Living ........ Inspirational Quotes ........ Inspirational Poems ........ Our Journey ........ Recycle, Reduce, Reuse ........ Country Crafts, Craft Project ........ Our Friends ........ Positive Daily Quote….. Thought for the Day........ More Thoughts for Your Day