This beautiful, warm, sunny, spring day seemed like the perfect time to transplant this lovely dracaena that had outgrown its smaller pot. I think it will be very happy in its new spot.
I've also been thinking about how I've felt a bit transplanted into a new reality these past couple of weeks. It's likely you know what I mean. I'd gotten to the point of knowing how to function in my simplicity mindset. I have my zero-waste kit that I take to the grocery store. I make my weekly menu + shopping list...and I trust that I will have enough to get us through the week.
And then a few weeks ago...I decided to buy an extra container of bulk rice, an extra jar of bouillon, a few cans of soup + tuna, and a few extra rolls of toilet paper. And then...one day we were at the store + we noticed carts piled high + lines as long as we've ever seen them. And my heart started to race...and our legs started to race toward the toilet paper aisle (empty)...the bulk aisle (empty!)...etc...you know...
We know that the systems we depend on + trust in are precarious, but I'm wondering if those of us who've already embraced simplicity voluntarily might be finding it a teensy tiny, eensy weensy bit easier to adjust to some of our new limitations. I'm a little bit more accustomed to doing without salami, since becoming a vegetarian. I'm able to pass up super cheap jeans since taking the fairdare. I'm used to passing up the individually wrapped candy since choosing zero-waste. Maybe I'll be able to still feed my family with fewer choices at the grocery store.
We're used to eating vegetables + rice. We enjoy the flavors that salt, pepper + olive oil have to offer. We know how to entertain ourselves with pen + journal, deep stretching + walks outside. We enjoy simple conversations + sitting in the sun. We garden + mend already. We've learned that more stuff + higher status won't bring happiness. We understand that gratitude will.
Oh boy. I'm not talking about doing without income or health here. I'm devastated for all the people who find themselves without jobs or customers or full paychecks...or are themselves or have loved ones suffering with Covid-19. Simplicity + gratitude may have some comfort to offer even in those circumstances...but they are not even close to being enough.
I am in no way saying that I am enjoying any of this. I'm scared + I miss so many things. I'm just hoping that you are finding some solace in the simple things...some joy in the ones you love...and some rest in your soul.
Lots of love,
Jane
I've also been thinking about how I've felt a bit transplanted into a new reality these past couple of weeks. It's likely you know what I mean. I'd gotten to the point of knowing how to function in my simplicity mindset. I have my zero-waste kit that I take to the grocery store. I make my weekly menu + shopping list...and I trust that I will have enough to get us through the week.
And then a few weeks ago...I decided to buy an extra container of bulk rice, an extra jar of bouillon, a few cans of soup + tuna, and a few extra rolls of toilet paper. And then...one day we were at the store + we noticed carts piled high + lines as long as we've ever seen them. And my heart started to race...and our legs started to race toward the toilet paper aisle (empty)...the bulk aisle (empty!)...etc...you know...
We know that the systems we depend on + trust in are precarious, but I'm wondering if those of us who've already embraced simplicity voluntarily might be finding it a teensy tiny, eensy weensy bit easier to adjust to some of our new limitations. I'm a little bit more accustomed to doing without salami, since becoming a vegetarian. I'm able to pass up super cheap jeans since taking the fairdare. I'm used to passing up the individually wrapped candy since choosing zero-waste. Maybe I'll be able to still feed my family with fewer choices at the grocery store.
We're used to eating vegetables + rice. We enjoy the flavors that salt, pepper + olive oil have to offer. We know how to entertain ourselves with pen + journal, deep stretching + walks outside. We enjoy simple conversations + sitting in the sun. We garden + mend already. We've learned that more stuff + higher status won't bring happiness. We understand that gratitude will.
Oh boy. I'm not talking about doing without income or health here. I'm devastated for all the people who find themselves without jobs or customers or full paychecks...or are themselves or have loved ones suffering with Covid-19. Simplicity + gratitude may have some comfort to offer even in those circumstances...but they are not even close to being enough.
I am in no way saying that I am enjoying any of this. I'm scared + I miss so many things. I'm just hoping that you are finding some solace in the simple things...some joy in the ones you love...and some rest in your soul.
Lots of love,
Jane
