SIMPLIFY: verb. Make (something) easier to do or understand
After my stint in Europe, I came to the realization that my life, like most Americans, is entirely too complex. It begins with the Joneses. We are all so busy working: to make more money: to buy more stuff: so that when we drive our new cars, and park in our large custom designed homes, and sleep in our king size foam mattresses we can feel good about ourselves and our lives. The same applies to our children. We have them involved in numerous activities each semester, not usually giving them the chance to master one, but hoping they try everything so they will be the ultimate "best at everything, well-rounded" individual. As mothers we drive big SUV's just in case we might take the entire soccer team for ice cream after practice. Sure, it comes in handy in such instances, but be honest: how often does this really happen? We are using fuel unnecessarily, and unhealthily for the sake of what? Convenience? Or dare I say it.... Pride? Especially in my neck of the woods, or shall I say, flatlands. West Texas is king of BIG. We like our vehicles, our homes, our serving sizes, and even our hair-big! It's in our blood. Maybe it's because we have the space to do it. Or maybe it's leftover from the frontier mentality: settle, conquer, and tame the land- in large proportions.
I think we've lost sight of what's important, and what truly brings success. And what about our universities? Think about college football. The bigger the stadium, the better the recruits. And better recruits means more attendance at games, earning more money for the University. But where does all this money go? Is it funded back into professor's salaries, or better classrooms? Is our goal to truly nurture and educate the mind, body and spirit? Or is it to build bigger stadiums? As one professor once told me, having a liberal arts degree in today's America, just means that you have learned a little about all disciplines in order to conduct a conversation at a cocktail party. Is this really what we want of our future? Exhausted, over-worked, over-weight individuals who know nothing of true realities, but enough of something to converse at a cocktail party?
Ok, ok, I haven't gone completely leftist rogue, but I do see the world much differently. And I plan to change my life for the simple. I began this transformation in Stockholm. The first step for me, was the haircut. Any woman can attest a change in life results in a change of hairstyle. I chopped mine off, almost pixie style, and I absolutely love it! I must admit, I was a bit nervous cutting off a 12 inch ponytail, but I have no regrets. It takes all of 10 minutes to style my classic, chic hair, which leaves time to do more important things.
My second step in achieving simplicity is to buy a bike. I know it will be difficult to commute on a bike in my area, but there are places I can ride instead of drive. Starbucks, the grocery store, the drugstore, a best friend's home, and the park are all in biking distance. Therefore I save fuel, and get much needed exercise.
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| My new bike! |
Another change for the better: my youngest daughter has chosen to attend the school a block from our home. She is very excited to walk to school daily, as am I. We will save gas, and enjoy our leisurely walks together every morning. Dinnertime has always been important to our family, so instead of running all over town in the evenings, we are choosing to cook our family dinner's at home. We spend quality time together, while learning to make some amazing cuisine.
I'm looking forward to the exciting school year in front of us, and now I must tend to the chore of downsizing. I will rid my garage of stuff! Simplistic living, fairy-tale style!
Truly,
Cinderella
