That it’s been liberating…this even more has me questioning where I’m at on this whole curve? And…you don’t need to be signed up – I’m sure you’ve helped start the list! Rock on, Katie!!!!

Cheers to everything. We are in the middle of (8 month to be exact) of our “Experiment in Modern Living” We are experimenting being a one car family and with no cell phones for a year. This may not sound tricky if you live in a city, but we live in Maine(with crazy winters) and have 2 kids and my husband commuted 1 hour for work each way. And it has been wonderful!
It has taught me so much about freedom and openness and of course, levity! We feel so much lighter now. And especially watching our peers, buy harder into the “Joneses” it has been a liberating year….mentally, spiritually, and financially.

So sign, me up. I will be uncool…it suits me well. Ha Ha Ha Ha!
Katie West/The Levity Coach´s Last Fabulous Post ..Daily Levity: Who says there is only one way to do things?

@Sagan – Yes, the lest we have, the easier it does become to be mobile. Great point, Sagan!

@Jewel – Hi Jewel. Less really is more! Camping is a great example – how we have to pare down what we take with us, and we always survive, and often are drawn in by the simplicity that camping affords. Thanks much Jewel – and you too, enjoy your weekend!

@Liara – Visualization can be a really powerful tool in getting us to where we want to be. Doing this, visualizing a life with fewer possessions, can lead us in that direction…and toward a life that is more focused on what truly matters. Thanks much Liara, I love this thought!

@Carla – Balance. And finding a real balance that works for us is good. As much as we can cut back on things, sometimes it still does feel good to “splurge”. And if we’ve already limited ourselves on what we have, this “splurge” feels more meaningful because it happens less often. We too would have a hard time without having two cars. And yet, is it truly a need? Probably not. But it is one I’m not ready to sacrifice yet. Feelings. Ah, such a great thought Carla. What feelings do we attach to all of this….good to think about.

@Jen – Sami is so wonderful, and her sense of humor and just the mix of everything she share – it all makes her a very special lady! And it was completely my pleasure to share Sami here this week – she’s such a sweetheart…

Thanks for this great message. It might be kind of cliche, but less is more, eh? I always discover this when I go camp with my family, and leave behind gadgetry and just enjoy the simple things of life.

Have a great weekend!
Jewel/Pink Ink´s Last Fabulous Post ..Going Retro

@Zeenat – Thanks so much. Look forward to seeing you over at Life, Laughs & Lemmings. And yep, Lance really is the best!

@Suzen – Hi Suzen. My parents can so relate. They had to move three houses worth of stuff into one when they retired. What a mission that was and it was all hands on deck to help them too! I’m pretty sure they considered a bon fire!

Oh wow, you’re being choked out by the Jones’ and you have marketing majors cutting their teeth where you live? I feel for you big time! I think your neighbour’s comment is hilarious and so indicative of the materialistic view many have. Just know you have a whole online community admiring and supporting you in your effort to live simply. Keep at it. You’ll be the one far better off in the end.

@Srinivas Rao – I came to a similar conclusion re marketers myself. It was that and the fact I was helping promote a product that clashed with my values, I got out of the industry. If you’re promoting a product/business that you believe in then marketing can be a great thing though. I gotta say, I find it even more ironic that I have a marketing background and am now promoting less is more! My lecturers and ex-bosses would be horrified!

@Kirwin – Hey K, great to see you over here. Yeah, it was liberating, but not easy. For me the “not easy” part had more to do with the fact that I was in a world of pain at the time and my focus was more on survival than paring down. I am eternally grateful for the experience now though. Much greatness has come out of it.

We’ve had garage sales a few times now. They’re great – you get to reduce the clutter and make some cash at the same time. As an ex-marketer, I recommend you get the kids selling lemonade as an extra product line and as an additional way to get the punters in!

@Tess – Hi Tess. Thanks so much for your lovely comment – it is very much appreciated. I really hope you update your Daisy List. My whole family has gotten in on mine and it’s given us a lot of fun, laughs and great memories. My mission really is to inspire others to focus on the fun, awesome experiences that can be created instead of wasting money on the latest gadget, so I’m totally stoked to hear that I am achieving that. Thank you!

@SpinDiva – Hahaha, yes it’s unfortunate for your husband but true. The shaving cream does not come with the hot girl. Just like the shampoo and conditioner does not actually give you the same shiny locks as the model in the ad who’s had hours of someone colouring, prepping and coating her hair in vegetable oil.

@Nadia – Hey Nadia. Thanks very much. We have a similar philosophy in our house. If it aint useful or loved, it goes to charity. And too true, possessions really can own you if you let them.

@Tom – Hi Tom. You’re welcome. I grew up in the country and we had chickens (or in Aussie speak, chooks). It was an entirely simple and free existence and I can highly recommend it (despite the smell) and you are so right, real eggs taste far better!

@Tim – Thank you. The interesting thing about having less is that not only does it free up physical space but it also frees up mental space, allowing you to more readily focus on what is important. Just keep chipping away at the clutter (try one room at a time). You’ll get there. Good luck!

By the way, it’s great to see a marketer who didn’t have to compromise their values for what they marketed – refreshing to see.

@Mama Zen – Thanks Mama Zen! Glad you enjoyed it.

@Valeska – Hey Vee. Thanks for coming over to The Jungle. Oh, I can so relate to having to ditch stuff when you move on to the next country. Despite our “less is more” attitude, it still took quite a bit of effort to deal with our stuff when we left Banff (and we didn’t really have that much either). We also learnt how little you need and luckily have kept that way of life after coming back home. Yay to uncool!!!

@Kathy – 2 bit millionaires! I love it. So true. I really admire people like your father in law who have money but don’t feel the need to flash it all about or live to excess. They often tend to be very generous with their money too as your father in law has demonstrated. What a fantastic example and so cool you’re following in his footsteps!

@Stephen – Hey Stephen. Thanks heaps. Very much appreciate it. Glad it resonated and awesome to have you part of the “less is more” movement! The more the merrier!

@Bri – Hi Bri. You’re welcome and thank you. Good luck with continuing to declutter. Keep at it – it’s definitely worth the effort.

@David – Thanks very much. Oh, I totally agree with possessions most times really being liabilities. When you think about all the cleaning, maintaining, fixing, organising, etc, etc that goes into possessions, you can hardly call them an asset! You raise a great point too, that Western society is based on consumption so we’re not likely to be encouraged to consume less any time soon. It’s up to us to reduce our own consumption and material possessions and sometimes under protest by others. Our rewards for doing so are far greater than we can imagine though. Thanks for your comment.

@FatFighterTV – Not me, that’s for sure! I’d rather be at the beach.

@Bella – Hey Bella. Thank you. The time you spent with your 3 friends taking photos is a powerful example of the message of my post in play. That’s what’s important – time spent with family and friends, not the latest fashion jeans. Thanks so much for sharing this example. It illustrates my point perfectly. Oh, and I can definitely recommend creating a Daisy List. It’ll give you so many amazing memories and you’ll find your friends and family want to get involved too!

@Stacey – Girl, I’m very much with you on the clean surfaces (perhaps even bordering on OCD)! And in my opinion, experiences are what it’s all about. Instead of spending money on stuff, spend it creating amazing experiences. Isn’t that what life is all about anyway?

@Liara – Yep, they sure are cute little critters!

@Sara – Had to laugh at the trolls! It’s not easy to let go of some stuff (I had a similar experience with a bunch of trophies and ribbons I had). A couple of ways to handle possessions like these; 1. Take a photo of them and keep that instead of the item/s itself (that’s what I did with the trophies and ribbons), 2. Hang on to them for 6 months (make a note of the 6 month mark in your diary/calendar) and if you haven’t looked at them in that time, give them away, 3. Think about the value and joy they could offer someone else. 4. Keep them! If they mean a lot to you, just keep them and don’t feel guilty about it.

@Dr. J – “Genius simplifies complexity, and stupid complicates simplicity.” Love it! Very true. Explains government.

@Tim – Hi Tim. Yes, I’ve heard that too. It makes sense and I have found that to be the case myself. Kinda unrelated to this post but once I finally let go of the pain of my divorce and came to the realisation that I was actually fine just the way I am and completely happy to be single even if it meant for the rest of my days, I met my current partner Chris. Great point. Thank you.
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..50 Ways to Have Fun For Under $15

I always pause before I buy the latest and greatest, let it settle in. Usually I realize I don’t need it. If that itch is still there then I assess my savings and decide if it’s really worth it. The Wii is a good example of this. After about 9 months of waiting I finally broke down and bought it. It was worth the purchase.
Karl – Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..Use Your Time Off