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Friday, January 20, 2012

A Simple Life

I started off this blog saying I live a crazy life and I want to get back to a simple life. What in tarnation could I mean by a simple life? Shoot, I have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 4 chickens, 1 mouse, 2 boys and 1 husband; there is nothing simple about that.  What I mean by a simple life is that I want to get back to basics, back to a time things were simpler, not necessarily easier. I may never be 100% self-sufficient but I strive to bring some of that self-sufficiency back to my world. 

Getting back to basics is like forgetting the rat race and keeping up with the Jones. It’s remembering to enjoy the time you have with your family and friends. To me it is the pleasure of picking a vine ripe tomato strait from the garden that you grew and using it to feed your family. It is watching chickens scratching in a yard. There is something so peaceful, basic and right in the world when chickens just go about being chickens. Back to basics is reading from books not just watching the movie. It is about making sun tea on your front porch and saying Hi to your neighbors.

Back to basics is also about making conscience decisions to take a simpler route. It is deciding that you are going to grow and preserve some of your vegetables. It is deciding to make cuts in things that are unimportant and increases to the things that are. That could be making cuts in time at work in order to spend time at home. It could also mean buying a used car instead of a flashy new one and using the money saved on something else.  It is making your house into a home. One that is inviting and then actually invite people over. I guess what I am trying to get at is invest in relationships, make memories.

I am all for technology and the advancement of science and technology, but I am also all for slowing down.  I was reminded again today that life is far too short. It is time to get back to the basics. Love your family and friends. Enjoy the simple pleasures and be kind to people. These are the things that I strive for, because in the end what will matter to mine and your loved ones will be the time and memories you leave behind, not your ipod or fancy car.
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4 comments:

  1. So very true! I agree 200% and wish more people thought this way. Your possessions do not define you. The life you live, the memories you make, the joy you bring to others and the love you share are what define you. Keep up the great work, Shannon!

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  2. Thank you Teena! Whenever I get wrapped up in life and the trappings of it I try to tell myself "back to basics". It's a good mantra : )

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  3. Proof that Shannon wrote this: "There is something so peaceful, basic and right in the world when chickens just go about being chickens."

    You're one of those go-with-the-flow people who are a sanctuary in the middle of such a fast-paced, dog-eat-dog world. Your love of chickens is a reminder of it and it refreshes me every time.

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  4. Awe thank you Moore! Next time your rooster is crowing at 1am, just remember "back to basics". lol That or think of a good fried chicken recipe and if that's case, share.

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