Before I began on this downshifting, simplicity path, I hated Sundays. They were filled with dread about the impending day. I did many things over the years to try to enjoy Sundays, most involved spending money and none helped me feel better about the day.
Now? Well Sunday has become one of my favourite days. I’ve noticed a trend (this blog is good for finding out themes in your life!) I don’t spend money anymore on Sundays. Six months ago Sundays were spent going to the cinema, getting popcorn and a fizzy drink, meeting a friend for a meal, going for a walk, heading home via a nice M&S and spending silly money on food for the week, convincing myself I simply didn’t have time to cook. Now, here’s a picture of my day:
7:30 – wake up, dressed, take a long leisurely hour walk
8:30 – shower, a yummy breakfast of soya yogurt with loads of fruit, read through an old magazine, hot water with lemon and honey!
10:30 – Yoga @ home
11-12 – My beloved Countryfile, then tv off for at least the rest of the day if not longer!
12:00 – Put the radio on and enjoy a cooking session, preparing various dishes for the week
1:00- lunch, pack cooked meals and salads for lunches
2:00 – 5:00 – read, write, tidy up, tend to my indoor plants, hang out washing
5:00- Make dinner, relax with another hot drink of water with lime
6:00 – Dinner, listen to the radio as I do dishes,
Usually spend the rest of the evening reading, going for another walk with friends.
The day involves no spending, nothing stressful, no driving or bus rides. And you know what? For the first time in my life, I love Sundays!
Daily Tracking 18/18 – I met my GOAL!!
Me too – I never have enough hours now on a Sunday to do all I want to! Great blog by the way!
By: apieceofwood on July 27, 2008
at 8:00 pm
congrats on reaching 18 days.
Very interesting, always wondering what people do that don’t watch TV do all day. Generally my Saturdays are wake up get coffee, turn on computer and check email. eat breakfast walk dog and then spend rest of the day watching TV with the wife and surfing the net. boring slow and relaxing.
By: Rob in Madrid on July 27, 2008
at 8:02 pm
Congratulations on reaching your goal!!
I personally love all Saturdays and Sundays that I don’t work………………………
By: CanadianSaver on July 27, 2008
at 8:55 pm
Well done … now you’re saving silly money!
Have a great week.
By: Sandie on July 27, 2008
at 9:19 pm
Congratulations!! I can’t wait until I can comfortably reach that many no spend days in a month, right now I’m lucky if I manage 1 a week!
Spent my Sunday sunburnt and grumpy. More on that to come…
By: Holly on July 27, 2008
at 10:27 pm
I’m glad you are enjoying your Sundays now. I hope someday you will also find a church of your choice to enjoy.
By: nichole3 on July 28, 2008
at 12:58 am
Sounds like a GREAT day!
By: Sharon on July 28, 2008
at 2:52 am
I love Sunday’s too. Mine used to be all about the shopping, now it lovely to be a home all day, although yesterday I didn’t sit down for fourteen hours
By: Laura on July 28, 2008
at 7:38 am
What a lovely way to spend a Sunday. Unfortunately mine was spent running around after both daughters and my ‘almost’ daughter for various reasons and left me feeling totally pooped by 10.30 but that’s not a normal Sunday, thank god!
Btw, there’s an award waiting for you on my blog. Apparently you can either just accept it and then forget it or you can post it up here and pass it on.
Sharon J x
By: Sharon J on July 28, 2008
at 8:28 am
it sounds so peaceful! all these positive changes- and the way you have enjoyed them- are really an inspiration.
By: neimanmarxist on July 28, 2008
at 2:39 pm
Thanks Sharon, I’ll head over!
By: notesfromthefrugaltrenches on July 29, 2008
at 6:39 pm
I used to spend Sunday dreading Monday too. That was when I worked at a soul-sucking corporate job 60 hours a week. These days, Sunday usually involves a bike ride, some housework, a walk with my family, good food, and lots of relaxing. Not usually much in the way of spending either. Back when I had the job I hated, we used to spend big bucks on the weekends. I much prefer it this way!
By: Frugal Babe on July 31, 2008
at 7:39 am
I adore Sundays too. I try to get all my “chores” done on Saturday (cleaning, errands, grocery shopping, laundry, etc.). Then on Sunday I make a special breakfast or brunch, go to church (a small church where they sing old fashioned hymns — just my style), spend the afternoon at home reading, crafting, baking or whatever, sometimes go for a bicycle ride, maybe watch a DVD in the evening or play a board game, go to bed early.
By: Canadian on November 21, 2008
at 8:13 pm