My sincerest apologies for being away from this space. We had one day of my working 10 hours and coming home to no internet, one day where this weary mama worked for 13 hours straight and came home to collapse, and now we are at today, when this family (after being apart for two days while I worked), needed a whole day to connect without distraction. For there were books to read, cats to snuggle (see our rescue kitten on our stairs above!), bikes to ride {spring was here: January 12, 2013!), music to dance to, a beach to walk on and a garden to enjoy. And now we are all breathing again (and the children are asleep), I can update.
Two days back at work and I feel like I’ve solved a question that is on the world’s mind. Why do we spend? Sure, there are theories we spend to feel good {and that may be partly true}, or that it is habit {I’m sure there is truth in that too}, but my big theory {and yes, it isn’t really only held by me!} is that the busyness of modern life, the pulls in so many directions, the weary eyes and bones from mental exhaustion, and the sheer number of things on our plate, makes it sometimes too hard to be frugal. I didn’t spend, I’m committed, but each of the two mornings as I pulled out of our cozy home to commute, I felt the pull to a coffee store. Each night I pondered how I could possibly make lunch {even filling a glass container of leftovers felt all together too much!} and fretted about making a meal. I wanted nothing more than to make life easier. To not have to stand at an oven, to have something I would quickly eat or drink {hello, caffeine!} to pick me up. I look tired, I feel tired and I am tired. Home is where is better for me and my family in so many ways, but these last two days have made me especially see that there is a correlation between home and the frugal, simple, quiet life. It is where we accomplish goals, eat good food, connect, embrace the good life and see beautiful moments of joy each day. Everything else is just noise {though sometimes necessary noise!}.
And so the Month of Nothing is going well. I’m learning so much. And I’ll continue sharing my thoughts tomorrow. But for now, this tired mama is going to fix something very simple to eat (toasted english muffins with cheese and avocado), sip on a cup of tea, read a book and breathe; for peaceful moments are gently whispering my name. And I’m saying yes.
There was plenty to think about here. Why do we work, or why do we work so much? The urge to buy, buy, buy is so strong I don’t think busy people have the time, being exhausted like you are tonight, to consider where they are leaving their money behind. We know we have to work to keep a roof over our heads, eat, pay the utilities, after that we work to pay for the extras.
I love the exposed brick at the bottom of your staircase, I would love to have some brick indoors. Hope you get a good nights rest.
I think we do chase our own tails a lot.
I can relate to being so tired it hard to stay calm and focussed let alone think about what is for dinner etc. My days are so very different to yours but I have found that a main meal in the middle of the day is a wonderful thing. Then at the end of the day a simple sandwich and something like soup fits the bill nicely. You are at the busiest stage ever. Love and prayers.
I hope you all get the reconnecting you need today!
I have a box all ready to ship
Thinking of you all – enjoy your time together.
I watched a couple of really good video clips from the TED website on the topic of work & spending that another blogger posted a few days ago.
Agree with you that there are so many days when spending to make every day life a little easier/less tiring is so appealing…
Totally agree with you re: the connection between tiredness and spending. Would that we could work less and have more time … I think it’s more and more difficult for people to do that these days as basic costs go up and wages haven’t – spending less is a challenge as costs increase, even for those committed to frugal living.
I totally agree with you FT. I’ve just had six weeks of bliss at home between contracts and oh my gosh, how much simpler life has been. Today has been nine hours and I am tired, having something simple (but still healthy) for dinner and contemplating how little energy I have to do anything much in the few hours left before bed tonight, plus the fact I will have to get up and do it all again tomorrow. I have finally made the connection between spending levels and work. The more I spend, the more I have to work. So it’s been easy these past couple of weeks to pare back the spending as I really, really would like to work much less. God bless you and your babies. I am so enjoying your posts of late.
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We are so conditioned, trhough media, society and communities to think we “need” or “deserve” so much. When you really boil it down, we need to little. Happiness and contentment are free. The love of a child cant be bought. These things are far greater then anything that can be purchased. You are so on the right path!