where to start ?

[freebird914]

Life is going to become simple, I just don't know where to start been working on getting things in order and cleaning up clutter ... 53 year old looking for a better life, work is a job it's what I do, not who I am... Money? well worked all my life and gave most of it away ... Reside here in Alabama and looking to the future ... Thanks we will see where the road takes us ...

[KayLR]

Freebird, welcome...jump in anywhere. What are your greatest challenges right now? Budgeting? Decluttering? Just need encouragement? If you have specific concerns, there's probably a conversation going on about it, or start one yourself. We're here to help!

[SteveinMN]

Welcome, Freebird! I, too, woke up in my mid-50s and realized life had to be simpler. This is a great place to be when you arrive at that decision.

[Tussiemussies]

Welcome freebird, I'm sure you will find like-minded people that will have some great ideas for you along the way...:)

[Jilly]

We all start somewhere, and this forum is a great resource for just about everything.

[freebird914]

Thanks all, Been looking at getting back to basic's and working toward that goal been cleaning out stuff and using or passing on just a lot of clutter, I am starting to read your money or your life and hopefully will get back on track. Life is to short to be living as a slave to commercialism ... You all have a nice day .

[Selah]

Welcome, freebird914! Yes, decluttering is a very important step and however long it takes you, keep at it. As you declutter your physical space, you will also unclutter your mental space and find lots of new room to simplify other things in your life, such as relationships, finances, nutrition, pastimes, and so on. You are in good company here, and I'm glad you joined.

[fidgiegirl]

Hi freebird914!

I am a fan of this question for gaining insight into where to go next with anything: What would your perfect life look like? Physically what would it look like? Mentally how would it feel? Spiritually?

You could write some of it down for us or simply think about it. See what you see in that life that isn't present now, and that may reveal one path to start down.

[freebird914]

Hi freebird914!

What would your perfect life look like?
To be honest I don't know what a perfect life would be like, I think of life as a journey with many twist and turns we never really know what is around the next bend. My goal is to finish getting debt free and I started a plan some time ago and I am working towards that goal 1 Nov 2015 I will be 100% debt free unless life throws a huge curve I don't see coming. We started a cash basis only some time ago and we are amazed at what we have done so far.

Physically what would it look like?
I have more tonnage than I should and have recently started eatting better and once again have started my garden in the beginning stages this year , First had to finish the quosent hut which is still in the works photos are in photo bucket under freebird914 they should be public if not I will post up a link if anyone is interested... Get in better shape less fast food which is killing me and just be in decent shape there's several albums in photo bucket ...

Mentally how would it feel?
To be honest I am stressed from work I have never hated my job like I do now, Another reason for the 2015 plan, Mentally I want to be able to find enjoyment in work again, I retired from the Navy in 95 and sometimes I think that was my ideal job bewteen the travel and changes every few years, I did Sonar so I currently work in electronics I like electronics just not where I am at today, I enjoy my motorcycles as you can see in photobucket they are my release in todays crazy world... When I go to the Mountains or Beach I feel relaxed goal is to get there all the time.

Spiritually?
I have a very strong faith but do not like organized religion...

If you have a desire I have a fb page Bruce Casey you must send a request it is closed to only friends just send a note and I will approve check out my photos and notes (my writings and ramblings)
You all have a nice day working on the future garden today building dirt for next year ...

You could write some of it down for us or simply think about it. See what you see in that life that isn't present now, and that may reveal one path to start down.

Thanks for asking it will be worth pondering today ...

[fidgiegirl]

Thanks for taking time to share! Sounds like you are on your way, especially with the debt. It's amazing how it can start to shed when one is aware.

I did search photobucket and turned up 4 photos of freebird914. Are you the one rockin' the beard?

[sylvia]

Welcome! You can start about anywhere. I call it like peeling layers of an onion. Simplifying is a layer at a time. You really can't dive deep anywhere when everything is connected. Try with writing down your vision of the future and take baby steps. You'll learn many new things along the way. In the end you will be grateful you did. Life becomes full of meaning and simplicity.If you need inspiration read "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau.

[freebird914]

Try this and look under Albums for different pic's of the shed and garden ... Yes I have the beard ... http://s456.photobucket.com/user/freebird914/library/?sort=6&page=1

[fidgiegirl]

Looks like a nice shed!

Dive into some of the threads, there is a lot to learn here, if you click on "new posts" in the upper left corner you will be able to see the latest that people are gabbing about, or start your own topic! Welcome aboard.

[Ahh The Simple Name]

Hello, That's the question I try to address in this post "7 Simple Living Steps." Read here: http://www.ahhthesimplelife.com/7-simple-living-steps/
I believe that mindfulness is the doorway to simplicity. As the title indicates, the post offers 7 suggested steps towards a simple life. Please let me know if you find this post helpful.