Upgrade To Simplicity

Do you think it is illogical to "upgrade" to simplicity? It is not illogical to thousands who say goodbye, once and for all, to their corporate lifestyles.

So what is this simplicity that you hear bantered about in coffee houses, at the water cooler, or at the local business club? For some, it means that they are no longer slaves to a boss that doesn't appreciate their long hours of service, who has little or no interest in them as people, or who has absolutely no regard for the time they demand away from their family.

For others, it means that they have decided to get off the merry-go-round that sees long commutes to and from work, to endless streams of instant demands, to being enslaved to a blackberry no matter the time of day or night. In fact, with pressures to beat the competition ever greater, the "instant messaging" follows you all weekend, and even on your holidays. The prevalent fear, for many, is that if you don't answer that email request, you could soon find yourself not answering any at all - that is, no job.

Some people believe that simplicity is being frugal, not spending beyond their means, or buying items only when the cash is available. This frugality can also mean that there is a conscious habit to avoid keeping up with your neighbours, not to have or purchase something just because everybody else has done so.

To others, simplicity means doing what you want, enjoying the small pleasures of life whether that is spending quality time with your children rather than running off to that evening commitment, or attending a child's weekend hockey, baseball, soccer or other sport rather than having to work on the weekend on office matters.

To others, simplicity means getting back to basics. This may include moving from the city to a country home, or a country farm where you raise your own food, and sell your products to local businesses or individuals.

Mo matter what definition fits, or some combination of variables, the move to a more simple life to me meant leaving the city, selling the weekend cottage, buying a country property, smelling the leaves, hearing the birds and crickets, starting a small craft business, and enjoying the time with my wife and family. All of these "little" things were lost before to constant demands; demands that I hadn't placed on myself but demands of others. Now, those demands are when I want them, to the extent I want them, and only if I want them.

Simplicity - what does it mean to you? Are you there? If not, what are you going to do to upgrade to a life of simplicity?