Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Courtney Carver of Be More with Less.
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi
It is no secret that we live in the land of plenty. Even in the midst of a struggling economy, the average American household spends close to $3000 dining out each year. Up to 40 percent of American households spend more money annually than they make, and in 2009, the average American owed $8,400 in credit card debt.
In the land of plenty, we are constantly tempted with more ways to spend: bigger servings, buy one get one free offers, and endless opportunities to get rich quick. Most of us have never really understood what it is like to be hungry or want for a real necessity. Even with overflowing plates, closets full of clothes, and garages stuffed floor to ceiling with boxes of stuff that won’t fit in our over sized homes, there is more evidence than ever before of people searching for more. Clearly, spending more than enough, to have more than enough, does not equal happiness… not even in the land of plenty.
What if we decided to embrace the idea of living in “the land of enough” rather than “the land of plenty?” What if we began to resist the temptation for more and instead, became content with what we already have? How would our lives begin to change?
If you have entertained the idea of living more simply but have never tried before, put it to a short test for a few days or weeks. The benefits you see in the first few days just may be enough to inspire a lifestyle makeover. Here’s a mini, simple living boot camp to help you get started. Give it a try for 10 days and see what changes in your life. You may be surprised how much you enjoy living in the land of enough.
7 Ways to Live in the Land of Enough
- Save Your Money – There is no need for credit cards or therapeutic shopping in the land of enough. There are also no overdraft fees or ATM charges. Just put your cards away for 10 days. Then, keep a list of purchases you would have made if you were using your credit card, or if you were shopping for sport, and take note of the money that you didn’t spend.
- Take Your Time – In the land of enough, you have time to breathe. Stop trying to squeeze so much in. If you are always running late, falling behind, or trying to catch up, try slowing down. Cancel a few unnecessary appointments and don’t schedule any new ones if you can help it. Then, make a little time everyday for solitude.
- Disconnect – Set a specific time to disconnect each day. In the land of enough, there is less need to be plugged in. If you can, commit to not using a computer after dinner or before lunch time. Be mindful of how much time you spend online and are virtually available. Protect your time and your mind.
- Eat Real Food – Only eat food that you prepare. Summertime is the perfect time to eat fresh food – fruits and veggies are often fresh, local, and less expensive than buying them in winter. Do not eat anything from a box, restaurant or drive-thru. While you may choose to eat less by eliminating processed foods, you may find that you naturally eat just enough.
- Make Space – Clear out some space in your house. You don’t need to take on big purging projects during this time to make space. Simplify one room (or even just the corner of one room) and keep it as clean and clutter free as possible. Even if the rest of your house is cluttered, this area can be a great reminder of how you might feel living with less.
- Entertain Yourself – Unplug your TV and plan to enjoy your friends, family, the great outdoors, or a book you have been meaning to read. Do not spend time and money on expensive shows, travel or recreational activities. While the land of plenty calls you to spend more money for entertainment, you already have enough right where you are.
- Say Thank You – As you go through these steps, you will find enough time and space to be grateful. Through prayer, thank you cards, or a kind gesture, share your gratitude every day.
There is no risk involved by visiting the land of enough. Bring your family with you and talk about what you like and don’t like about the changes you’ve made. Based on these discussions, you can decide what changes become a permanent part of your life. If you don’t enjoy living without TV, plug it back in. If saving money makes you miserable, go on a tear at the mall after your experiment.
At the very least, you will have taken some time to determine what is important to you and your family. At the very most, you will be happier and learn that enough, really is enough.
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Courtney is a writer and fine art photographer. She writes about simplifying and living life on purpose at Be More with Less. You can also follow her on Twitter.
I have been seeing a therapist for a major depressive disorder for 21 months now and she has really come to know me quite well. She suggested that I get rid of stuff to ease my anxiety. I have started practicing mindfulness and trying deaperately to live In the here and now. My kitchen is clean for the first time in a month and it really feels good. My dog and I take very long walks at night and I am learning to love myself again! I find TV boring now.
As I move into minimalism it feels good. For those who love Dave Ramsey, I too am Babystepping, but when Murphy moved in I began to feel like a failure (he se the MD taking over. This is the year that the debt starts really falling off (yay).
Thank you ALL so much for giving me HOPE!!!
I am beginning to move
well written and well shared indeed! if one needs more details – one just has to read the ‘top line’ from Mahatma Ghandi again……its in all there! what else is there say really!
Great post but need more details Please
I was in a clothing chainstore a while back & felt like I was being choked. SOoooo many racks of clothes…..sooooo close together. Could hardly get thru, let alone step back a bit to look thru the racks. Then I wandered into the “plus size” section…..I am a medium size person and could barely squeeze thru in-between the racks of clothing without knocking some of them off the rack. I don’t know how a “plus size” person manuevers thru this store. One thing I’ve noticed in the clothing stores is the more expensive the clothing is – the more space they have. Lower priced clothing stores seem to have way too many racks/shelves packed in with no room to breathe. Plus the clothing gets damaged easier from being knocked off the rack, walked on, snagged by carts, etc. I HATE SHOPPING!!!! It’s so EXHAUSTING.
Ouch! You know how you think you have some illness or disease and you look at a symptom list and 4 out of 5 fit you? I feel the same way with your list – they ALL apply to me! I have the clutteraholic disease (not as serious as hoarder, but getting there according to my family and friends). I so needed to read this! I’m going to work on the steps and see where it takes me, hopefully to a simpler and more satisfactory life. I believe that God places people in our lives just when we need them and you’re what I need right now. thanks.
I LOVE THIS WEBSITE! I was led to this website by another last week and over the weekend ‘made a conscious decision’ to implement living simply over the weekend. I cancelled my appointements & enjoyed my whole weekend, soaked in a good book, with a delicious cup of tea & watching my husband run up and down the yard with my two girls in the wheelbarrow, squeeling with delight…now THAT is what a credit card ‘cannot buy’……Thank you Courtney Carver, you are truly a blessing to others!!
P.S. I love that you promote Dave Ramsey’s get-out-of-debt plan. I’m currently following his baby steps and am just a month away from being debt free 100%!
This speaks to everything I’ve been trying to accomplish lately in my own life. Thanks for sharing!
I’m starting my 10 day- commitment now… And then packing my bags and heading to Guatemala to truly do it simply. Disconnect. Eat real food. Save money. Thanks for the tips!