Re:Ask HN: How have you successfully simplified your life?
by naru_s on Wednesday December 13, 2017 @08:02PM
(#15919155)
Thanks for sharing! I love the last paragraph a lot.
Re:Ask HN: How have you successfully simplified your life?
by hugja on Tuesday December 12, 2017 @09:04PM
(#15911415)
Why electronic books? Is this just about owning less physical things?
Re:Ask HN: How have you successfully simplified your life?
by zapperdapper on Wednesday December 13, 2017 @01:22AM
(#15912445)
With 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.
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.