With these inflationary times we live in, I've re-employed many skills I learned in childhood for simple living, cooking, repairing etc. I've actually reduced our grocery bill to pre-2020 levels while eating better. It's already normal here in New Zealand to line-dry clothing, and also normal to have a wood burner fire as winter heating. I am grateful I learned to cook, bake, sew, care for animals, clean, do laundry and be innovative as a child. These things are harder to adjust to if learning them as an adult I think. Great article, I really enjoyed the perspectives!
Thank you, Sam! And thank you for sharing your wonderful example. I like the new-new "normal" you're talking about... and yes, there is a huge learning curve for a lot of people since our parents could not teach us these things that were abandoned a couple of generations or more ago.
I've never used a dishwasher for just this reason. When you rinse a dish in order to place it in the dishwasher...um...why not just wash the dish? Besides, I agree with you that it's incredibly Zen and satisfying to wash up after a meal. Especially after a dinner party or Thanksgiving, washing up afterwards (with help, ideally) is part of the whole ritual. I enjoy the focus. I enjoy the teamwork. And I enjoy the final result: a tidy kitchen with everything from the meal washed and put away. Time for tea!
Superb interview and so relevant to now! My partner and I were forced out of our 40+ year nursing careers 3-4 years ago when we refused the covid jab and swab tests. Unplanned full retirement at 1/3 previous income stared at us so we quickly scaled down much as described here. We gave up one of the vehicles. We maintain and repair what we can. When the washer-dryer combo broke down, we got rid of it now handwash and line dry laundry. We don't go to shows every month and unsubscribed from almost everything. No more elaborate vacations. We're living well within our means and what our garden and farmer's market provides, and stay close to our rural home which is surrounded by nature. Looking forward to part 2!
Thank you for this inspiring interview! I will definitely have to check out Claire's blog. I have been on my own path to voluntary simplicity (the dishwasher in our apartment hasn't been opened in almost 5 years) and am also a YMOYL follower. I agree that some of the advice isn't relevant but the general approach (living according to your values on as little money as possible) still makes sense to me. I opted for more of a 'coastfire' approach where I work enough to cover bills and let my investments in renewable energy grow as my retirement fund. Here in Canada we also get a pension from the government - it's not huge but certainly better than nothing, especially for a cheap ass like myself :).
With these inflationary times we live in, I've re-employed many skills I learned in childhood for simple living, cooking, repairing etc. I've actually reduced our grocery bill to pre-2020 levels while eating better. It's already normal here in New Zealand to line-dry clothing, and also normal to have a wood burner fire as winter heating. I am grateful I learned to cook, bake, sew, care for animals, clean, do laundry and be innovative as a child. These things are harder to adjust to if learning them as an adult I think. Great article, I really enjoyed the perspectives!
Thank you, Sam! And thank you for sharing your wonderful example. I like the new-new "normal" you're talking about... and yes, there is a huge learning curve for a lot of people since our parents could not teach us these things that were abandoned a couple of generations or more ago.
I've never used a dishwasher for just this reason. When you rinse a dish in order to place it in the dishwasher...um...why not just wash the dish? Besides, I agree with you that it's incredibly Zen and satisfying to wash up after a meal. Especially after a dinner party or Thanksgiving, washing up afterwards (with help, ideally) is part of the whole ritual. I enjoy the focus. I enjoy the teamwork. And I enjoy the final result: a tidy kitchen with everything from the meal washed and put away. Time for tea!
I love it! It seems our lives have become needlessly overcomplicated instead of truly easier.
The meditative quality to house chores, like dish washing and yard maintenance, is incredibly rewarding when viewed with gratitude and as self care.
Thanks for your comment. I couldn't agree more.
Superb interview and so relevant to now! My partner and I were forced out of our 40+ year nursing careers 3-4 years ago when we refused the covid jab and swab tests. Unplanned full retirement at 1/3 previous income stared at us so we quickly scaled down much as described here. We gave up one of the vehicles. We maintain and repair what we can. When the washer-dryer combo broke down, we got rid of it now handwash and line dry laundry. We don't go to shows every month and unsubscribed from almost everything. No more elaborate vacations. We're living well within our means and what our garden and farmer's market provides, and stay close to our rural home which is surrounded by nature. Looking forward to part 2!
That's an amazing story. Thanks so much for sharing it here. You'll inspire others!
Thank you for this inspiring interview! I will definitely have to check out Claire's blog. I have been on my own path to voluntary simplicity (the dishwasher in our apartment hasn't been opened in almost 5 years) and am also a YMOYL follower. I agree that some of the advice isn't relevant but the general approach (living according to your values on as little money as possible) still makes sense to me. I opted for more of a 'coastfire' approach where I work enough to cover bills and let my investments in renewable energy grow as my retirement fund. Here in Canada we also get a pension from the government - it's not huge but certainly better than nothing, especially for a cheap ass like myself :).
Thank you, and I'm so glad you find this inspiring. Sounds like you've got the perfect lifestyle for these troubled times.