"Our life is frittered away by detail…Simplify, simplify."
From Where I Lived, and What I Lived For by Henry David Thoreau
Once again I find myself going back to Thoreau. I yearn to simplify my life, and retiring was a huge step in the right direction. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to focus on things I enjoy doing. Simplifying one's life can apply to several areas: possessions, activities, and finances among others.
In the latest AARP bulletin, there is an article called “Spring Cleaning.” It contains a list of 50 things to throw out from your home and your mind. Cleaning out your cellar and your closets can be difficult enough. But, for me, chipping away at the curse of conscientiousness, the Protestant work ethic, the “good girl” syndrome, and the first-born role model effect takes more time and effort.
Here are a few of my favorites from the AARP list as well as a few of my own. It’s time to toss out these useless objects and ideas!
1. A single sock, glove, or earring. Its mate is not coming back.
2. Trying to please everyone.
3. Thinking you’re always right.
4. Clothes that no longer fit.
5. Fear of looking foolish.
6. Souvenirs from bad vacations and/or bad souvenirs from good vacations.
7. The need for everyone to like you.
8. Filters that keep you from saying what you really think.
9. College textbooks or, if you were an English major, works of literature. If it is a “work,” it’s not fun to read.
10. The desire to do anything that isn’t fun.
I don’t know about you, but I feel better already. What other useless objects or ideas have you tossed out lately?
From Where I Lived, and What I Lived For by Henry David Thoreau
Once again I find myself going back to Thoreau. I yearn to simplify my life, and retiring was a huge step in the right direction. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to focus on things I enjoy doing. Simplifying one's life can apply to several areas: possessions, activities, and finances among others.
In the latest AARP bulletin, there is an article called “Spring Cleaning.” It contains a list of 50 things to throw out from your home and your mind. Cleaning out your cellar and your closets can be difficult enough. But, for me, chipping away at the curse of conscientiousness, the Protestant work ethic, the “good girl” syndrome, and the first-born role model effect takes more time and effort.
Here are a few of my favorites from the AARP list as well as a few of my own. It’s time to toss out these useless objects and ideas!
1. A single sock, glove, or earring. Its mate is not coming back.
2. Trying to please everyone.
3. Thinking you’re always right.
4. Clothes that no longer fit.
5. Fear of looking foolish.
6. Souvenirs from bad vacations and/or bad souvenirs from good vacations.
7. The need for everyone to like you.
8. Filters that keep you from saying what you really think.
9. College textbooks or, if you were an English major, works of literature. If it is a “work,” it’s not fun to read.
10. The desire to do anything that isn’t fun.
I don’t know about you, but I feel better already. What other useless objects or ideas have you tossed out lately?
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