Living without

In my conversation with my sister Leah, she mentioned it would be cool if I passed on ideas from living the 3rd world life about the things we can do without, how I’m learning to make life simpler. For starters, I’m listening to a Van Morrison album that’s skipping through every song. I don’t really think I would put up with that at home –I’d delete the files, hop online, download another copy. But I can’t do that here, and this is the album I want to listen to, so I’m enjoying it, skips and all.

Other things I’m finding I can do without: a mirror (although I do occasionally check my reflection in store windows to make sure I’m not getting too weird), a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, more dishes than the two of us use, a bed frame, more shoes or clothes than I’ll wear in three weeks, a television, a car, a daily schedule, a big fridge (a little one will suffice for keeping veggies fresh and beers cold), grocery stores with a million options, a big paycheck, credit cards, hot water, and a watch.

Things I can’t do without: the people I love, a healthy body, supportive friends and family, a good night’s sleep, music, celebration, good food, a feeling of purpose, play, being able to express myself, and comfy shoes.

In the last three months I haven’t been stressed about a deadline, felt the pressure of a stack of bills, been late for an appointment, or worried about looking good enough. It’s freeing and it’s fun to live like this –little stuff, lots of purpose. I can’t imagine heading to a desk job, enduring a commute, and worrying about insurance premiums right now. That may be my lot later in life, but for now, I’ll enjoy what I’ve got. And what I don’t got.

Things I wish I were not living without:

fam

friends

favorite places

and delicious beer

We miss you all.