Simplicity: A Lifestyle

Isn’t it crazy how complicated we make our lives through technological advances? The things that are supposed to make our lives “easier,” can in fact make our lives less meaningful. Think of all of your acquaintances; they all have mobile phones, right? And many, if not all, have Blackberries or other email-functioning mobile devices. This is just one example of how technology dominates our lives.

Americans are seduced into thinking that we need these items in order to be satisfied. Think of how many young lives are sucked up by video games. Think of how many miles are put on our vehicles. Think of hours used in cyber world.

I challenge you all to try to simplify your lives some. Go back to basics. Spend time “in person” with your close friends as opposed to skyping with them! Encourage your kids to “go outside and play.” Play with them! Fly a kite!

This reflection was inspired by a new Canadian friend that Brent and I met in Montreal. Francois owns a Bed and Breakfast. He and his wife Isabelle opted to make this their career so they could spend more time with their two children. Francois mentioned several facets of their lives that I admire and each facet revolves around the notion of simplicity. Here are just a few.


1.) His children are given a choice to either go outside and play or play an educational game on the computer (no Wii in this family)! They choose outside almost every time!
2.) The family owns only one car and they use it sparingly.
3.) Many of their friends take holidays to far-away places like Cuba. They stay close-to-home generally.
4.) They bring LIFE to their home with COLOR as opposed to material objects. One immediately feels at peace merely by looking at the walls.
5.) The family takes strolls through parks together.

Don’t let technology interfere with your life. Yes, I am usually writing about food and encouraging you to feed yourself this nutrient or that nutrient and I’m also telling you to avoid this toxin or that toxin. Remember though, that relationships are of primary importance to your health. So too is nature. You can experience both by simplifying your life a bit. Turn your computer off now and go get a coffee with a chum!




A Clutter-Free room makes a Clutter-Free Mind!

Lost luggage can be a good thing

I went out to Colorado last week and it was AMAZING!!! Brent and I ran a half marathon and were totally awed by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. We heard horror stories about Denver Airport's skill of losing people's luggage, but we retrieved ours without a problem. Funnily enough, Denver Airport displays maps of the United States with points of interest (like Graceland and various odd museums) and wouldn't you know they admit to their claim t fame. On the map, there is an arrow pointing to Denver and it says "You are here but your luggage is in Pittsburgh."

We returned to Philadelphia on Thursday, but guess what? Our luggage somehow missed the plane. Initially I was bummed: "Oh man, all of my running clothes are in there...and my favorite essential oil (green tea)." But then, I thought about it more and I didn't really care. Hey, how nice it is not to have to lug that stuff around.

I was reminded of my move earlier this summer, when I got rid of tons of materials that I did not use regularly. I used freecycle.org to get rid of several appliances, furniture items, and bookshelves. I gave books away to Housing Works and also posted some on paperbackswap.com. Perhaps the biggest relief was FINALLY getting rid of bins of journal articles from graduate school. Years ago, I had a professional organizer tell me to get rid of them. She told me that keeping stuff like that around would prevent me from succeeding in my nutritional counseling business.... the fact that I held onto them meant that I was fearing that I would need them again. Well, this summer I got rid of all of them...and I also got rid of my statistics books. You probably never knew that I am a stats wiz. I am so thankful that Bethlehem has an absolutely phenomenal recycling center.

Getting rid of stuff I rarely use brought me immense relief. I tell my clients that external clutter can no doubt make you feel anxious and cluttered internally. I recommend THE SIMPLE LIVING GUIDE by Janet Luhrs or Karen Kingston's CLEAR YOUR CLUTTER WITH FENG SHUI.

So, as soon as I felt okay with my absent luggage, it arrived on my porch. I admit to feeling pretty excited about having my favorite bathing suit back, and my organic lavender sunscreen, and my running shorts, and sports bras. But the good thing is the reminder that life is so much more than the things you own.