4 ms·
Too many things to list. Some examples: eliminated social media, never watch, read or listen to live TV or news, don't own a smartphone, own very few personal
by zapperdapper 9y ago
Too many things to list.
Some examples: eliminated social media, never watch, read or listen to live TV or news, don't own a smartphone, own very few personal possessions, have very few clothes, only own electronic books (with a couple of exceptions). Never read, watch or listen to anything with adverts. Moved from a large, expensive house into a rented cottage in the countryside (which had the side effect of freeing up enough money to live almost indefinitely without work, and absolutely until my pension kicks in), changed from permanent to contract-only work, reduced time worked dramatically, simplified diet, simplified health and fitness, and on and on...
The key turning point really is the understanding, actually the revelation, that debt-fuelled consumerism will never give you happiness and contentment. It's like a curtain was lifted and you say "Oh my God, I wasn't expecting THAT!". The trouble is most people don't believe it. Like the Matrix - you have to see it for yourself - one day it will happen.
- hugja 9y agoWhy electronic books? Is this just about owning less physical things?
- zapperdapper 9y agoWith regards the electronic books it is to do with space required for storage. I used to have well over a thousand physical books and that took up quite a bit of space. When I knew I needed to downsize I donated the books to my favourite charity. I had already started buying e-books, so the transition was fairly painless. When we moved I was grateful I didn't have to lug around boxes and boxes of books! This is just one small detail in an overall strategy to simplify though - it's not just about owning fewer things, it's about simplifying so I have more freedom to live to the priorities that make me happy: freedom, health, less stress, more time and on and on.
- naru_s 9y agoThanks for sharing! I love the last paragraph a lot.