Living the Simple Life Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
The trend of today for many people is to live "simple life." However, what exactly is simple life? There are as many answers to this question as there are individuals looking to find peace and contentment that seems so evasive. Yet, in their hearts there is a void, an empty spot that modern consumption just cannot fill. So,people sit there pondering what they can do to live simple life, while television's volume is on high and voice mail fills up with messages. After all this thinking, hunger comes into play. A quick trip to McDonald's or Burger King and then back home to an evening of station-broadcast news and opinions, and then comedies of late-night shows. You knwo, no-holds-barred laughter at everything and anything, and nothing is beyond beign butt of jokes. The Simple Life is right there in your heart and in your home. It just needs a little dusting off, or perhaps you can move some of your possessions to side to make room for Simple Life to breathe some fresh air and come into play in your life. Whoa! how can a person have simple life right there when real simple life is living in woods with bears and deer and hunting and fishing for your food. Yes, there are some that find this type of life very satisfying and then there are those that do not. Who is correct? Both are indeed correct. The Simple Life is not letting your possessions control you, it is living within your means and not worrying about mounting debt, and it is laughter, quiet, and learning and evaluating all that goes around you. It is not accepting what you see on television or internet as written in stone; for in fact, it is someone's opinion or view of a situation and it may or may not be yours. It is not joining every group, committee, or cause, so that there is no time for famly, friends, and individualism.
| | Fading Winter WindsWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
If you look on any calendar you will see that month of February is fading fast and soon March winds will blow. The seasons change as well they should. All of Nature will begin to wake up and start a new life. If we, as human beings, think a bit like Nature, then we are in for a big surprise. You don't have to be a "Nature" person to appreciate what change can do by letting your heart open up to natural callings in your life is well worth trip. With Spring approaching thoughts are of growing - growing as in gardens, growing as in acquiring new skills or crafts, and yes, growing as in making major life changes. If there is something you always wanted to learn - Spring is perfect time. Even if you wanted to try your hand at growing perfect tomato or biggest pumpkin this side of Mars, do yourself a favor and go for it. There are friendships to be made, trips to be taken, and new interests to pursue, either by yourself or with family and friends. Spring is a great time to begin planning family get-togethers or social events - need a fence painted or some clean-up around your house - well, make them into fun events and serve some light refreshments and have a great time.
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