Simple Living
What helps you simplify your life? Share your ideas and questions here, and let yourself be challenged by the ideas of others.

Dear Mary Ann, I found a pebble on the beach that is possibly the most beautiful pebble I have ever found, it sparkles. I keep it in my pocket and touch it every time I have something to be grateful for and every time I need to remember something I am grateful for!
- s, Sicily   15 Mar 2010

Mary Ann.... Wonderful idea. Many thanks. Peace and Light to All
- Songcatcher, Under a Carolina Moon   14 Mar 2010

I had to get a copy of my 2008 tax transcripts (for a new venture in my life - GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!)..well..I decided to ASK FOR WHAT I NEEDED (that's something that I was told I needed to do from now on..)..so I called the IRS and asked them to FAX IT (that is a valid request)..I was 85% sure it wasn't going to work due to it not being an option through my PHONE JOURNEY..and then when I did get a "live person" - I thought for sure it wouldn't be possible..FOR ME..(I live my life with no expectations - that makes it easier to deal with pain and disappointment) After I had my conversation with the IRS worker it was faxed to me withing three minutes! I was so GRATEFUL!! It saved me a drive and anxiety of having to go get it..it has to much meaning..I was so happy I even told my mom how GRATEFUL I was - just for a FAX. Wow.
- Julia, Puyallup, WA   13 Mar 2010

Dear Melissa, He is within you and His time is Now. Wishing you well, Susan
- SL, Italy   17 Feb 2010

Aha..this is the secret that a lot of people must learn of, and practice. Why bother with so much the world dictates and drum up into our noses and further down our throats, when the world is better of if we all live simply, love fully and be at peace with ourselves and thus with others? When one appreciates what one is being endowed with, instead of thinking alway of what others have, and want same for himself, then one can be truly happy.
- mercy a., Philippines   1 Feb 2010

I have been going through an extremely difficult custody battle with an abusive ex and a corrupt court system. Recently, I let it get the best of me and have been feeling so helpless and so hateful. Today, I resolve to let go of the bitterness and accept that God has a plan for us and my children and I will return to great happiness in His time. I will no longer allow evil to succeed in taking away my happiness! I will have faith that in due time, the truth will prevail! In the meantime, I will start living again!!
- Melissa McMonagle, Pittsburgh, PA   28 Jan 2010

I second silvia from IL in thanking Mary Ann for her idea. Blessings.
- MGP, Savannah, GA   19 Jan 2010

Thank you Mary Ann for your idea. I will start practicing the gratitude beads as I pray the rosary. God Bless you!
- silvia, IL   7 Jan 2010

In these days of uncertainty is this not the perfect time to consider simplifying our lives. The population at large has to be much less selfish and spoiled. We all need to seriously consider, at least for the next few years, giving up luxurious living, using water and energy as though it grows on trees, spending more money than we can afford on unnecessary vehicles, large luxurious homes with all the expenses that these luxuries entail. Does it not make sense to get out of debt? How much longer can this planet survive if we continue to teach our children and grandchildren that more is better? We have to ask ourselves where does that leave our children? Is it their fault that their parents only think of themselves and not the larger picture? I think not. It is time we got back to nature and consider our Mother Earth more. Returning to living off the land a little, growing our own vegetables, raising chickens, using their waste to enrich the soil, eating the wonderfu
- linda slasberg, Rimrock, Arizona   3 Jan 2010

This has been a difficult and worrisome year. To combat trouble I created gratitude beads. Fifteen glass beads strung with smaller beads in between. Every night before going to sleep I take the beads and remember things I am grateful for that day. On the smaller beads I say Deo Gratias. It is amazing how many wonderful things there are to be grateful for in a day. I go to sleep in peace.
- Mary Ann, Florida   24 Dec 2009

I thank God for being who he is!! I'm thankful for health (after surgery this year), family, and friends! I'm also thankful for this website that helps you focus on gratitude. Being grateful can change your life!
- Sharon, NC   18 Nov 2009

The Lord is so good. I've been going thru a difficult time with health problems and this site is exactly what I needed today. I am so grateful to have found it. I know there are no accidents and that I was guided here by my Higher Power. I live my life in gratefulness and simplicity but there are times we all lose our way for a while and then somehow find our way back. My life is a miracle and no one should ever take that for granted. A surgeon once told me that she sees G-d and the miracle of our creation each and every time she operates on someone. Thank you again for this wonderful site.
- RS, New Jersey   31 Oct 2009