Almost eight billion people on this planet and you think you matter? You don’t matter. A handful of people close to you care about you but it stops there. When you have gone on that longest sleep they will miss you for a short time but in a few years you will be nothing more than vague memories and a few photographs. What they will remember of you is really up to you.
You. It’s all up to you. The only thing you have control over is you. Is it a terrible thought that you have to put up with you for your entire life? Are you struggling through the sewer of modern living with all its distractions, its tribes, the rudeness, apathy, competition and clutter? Have we forgotten how to be friendly, honest and caring?
“Life is filtered away with detail. The answer is Simplify, Simplify.” USA writer and philosopher David Thoreau wrote those words in approximately 1890 when life was much simpler and slower than today. What would he make of the current warfare that we conduct with each other?
So how to recreate that simplicity? Just simplify. Unclutter your life. Empty your garage of all the gathered “stuff” you don’t need but think you do. If you haven’t used something in six months throw it out. Same applies to your wardrobe. Haven’t worn it in that time then send to the op-shop. Instead of “all the things” in your life look for the beauty and joy that surround you in the natural world. Take leisurely walks with a young one. Try to eliminate
as many deadlines (an interesting word!) as possible. They create tension and stress and will shorten your life. Walk and watch the sunset. Is there anything as simple and as beautiful? Instead of watching TV turn it off and build a fire in the backyard tonight with the kids and watch their faces as thousands of sparks head for the stars. It’s very simple if you are looking for an answer…unclutter your life with the laughter of friends, with the roar of waves or a long walk with a loved one.
A simple life full of laughter and love is the goal. And KISS. Keep it simple stupid.
John A Wilson, November 2018
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