reading the signs.
June 5, 2008
“Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don’t need.”
-Tyler Durden, Fight Club
My wife Cathryn and I were talking the other day on the way into work about our children, and how other people are raising them while we slave away for other, other people who just don’t care about us. Other, other people who only care about commitments. Deliverables. Milestones. Corporate buzzwords that need to die.
Working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don’t need.
She reflected on how nice it was a little over two years ago, when she was not working. How she looked forward to taking the children to the beach, how she looked forward to the weekends.
And now. Getting up very early, going to work for “the man” and giving the best part of your day to someone else, then returning home tired and trying to squeeze out just one more smile, one more laugh for the children. Sadly, it doesn’t always work, and the children can sense it too.
This isn’t a call for sympathy, just a reflection. Take some time to reflect on the important things. Read the signs. Look in the mirror each day. If you don’t want to do what you are about to do that day, change it.
I said to Cathryn that sometimes all I want to do is get a job somewhere else, and buy a crappy old trailer. She nodded, and then said, “why do we bother with the dream of the big house and all the stuff anyway? You work so hard for it, and then you’re too tired to enjoy it – what is it really, but a place to sleep?”
We know what we want, we know where we want to go. We just want a simple life there, a small house, pleasant weather and easy access to the ocean.
And the signs are there. Things are starting to go off the rails where we work.
So what to do? We can either sit still and let life decide for us, all the while ignoring the signs, or we can read the signs and choose a new direction.
I have been sitting on a nice business opportunity for a while, something that is one of my core passions. A good friend asked the other day, “are you ready to get lucky?“ And the answer, of course, is “yes”. I told a good friend of mine about my plan in confidence about two months ago, and he said it was a very good idea. I’ve also researched it online, and as far as I can tell absolutely no one is doing what I plan to do. So I’ve made contact with a potential partner, and if it comes to fruition it could be very profitable indeed. I can’t tell you too much about it yet, only that it is connected to the mouse.
I continue to work on my book, as well. A combination of these two will get us where we want to go, I believe.
Lots of great people out here have done the same thing, gone out on their own, in one way or another – and they inspire me to change.
The signs are there. I am reading the signs, and responding with action.
Do you see any signs in your life? What are they saying? And what are you going to do about it?
I’ve said this hundreds of times: most people chase money hoping to buy happiness. Don’t do that: chase happiness.
Tony Lawrence’s last blog post..But they aren’t geniuses, are they? by Anthony Lawrence
@Tony,
Exactly – happiness is the goal here. I had started a while back by listing out my passions – things I would do for free. So I’m going to move on those. I’ve chased money before and it is only that – money.
No small part of this is for my family, too. Going back to what my wife had said, she seemed to be telling me that she would rather be at home with the kids, or at least for the kids, as they’ll all be at school in the fall. That is one of the signs, and I’m listening.
I knew a VP making big bucks. The guy worked his ass off, missing his kids growing up, just to maintain his family’s high standard of living.
He once told me you need at least 2 million stashed away to be able to retire in comfort. One million wouldn’t cut it….you needed two.
For Chrissakes! That’s just SAD.
If you feel you can’t live with a million stashed away, there’s something wrong with you. You’re gotten so far into the yuppie-rat-race lifestyle that you’ve lost all sense of reality. I feel sorry for you.
Sadly, though, people like him seem to be the rule, not the exception.
Friar’s last blog post..Random Bear Photo
@Brett: The trick, I think, and the hardest part of all, is to *always* focus on what we want, not ever on what we don’t want. I want my family healthy and with me, a small house by the ocean. Don’t even think, I don’t want a big house. Just focus on what you want. It will come. I do believe that, because what can you do but act on what you want when it’s all you’re concentrating on? If I kept thinking, for instance, I want to be healthy and slim, rather than I don’t want to be overweight and unhealthy, I would naturally eat better and exercise. My actions would match my thoughts and beliefs. All we have to do is change our thinking because too often we sabotage ourselves and our endeavours. That said, it’s simple but not easy. Brett, I hear so much positivity in you, so many great ideas and innovations and dreams. I want nothing more for you than to do and have all those things, and I don’t even really know you! It’s great that you’re sharing this: now we’re thinking about what you want too. They say there’s strength in numbers!
As Karen would say, I believe in you. Take the luck out of it (it insinuates to me that you’re not totally in control and if you prepare, it’s not really luck anymore, is it?): OWN it instead. You’ve already succeeded: just go catch up to it!
steph’s last blog post..Disclaimer
Interesting that you posted this today Brett. John and I had an animated discussion about the same topic the other day. He works too hard and I questioned him why.
It was very emotional to say the least and I think he slowly starts to see the “other” happier picture in which we can revert back to our younger days and enjoy life more without working off the butts (as he does).
We have plans and it does involve a “trailer”.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Time Management – Freelance Writing Guide
Good for you and Cathy! Those blondies shouldn’t have to settle for second-hand smiles and recycled energy. I have faith in you that you’ll make it happen, to achieve whatever you want. Anyone who has seen Office Space as many times as you have doesnt belong there, eh? Rock on, my friend. Kiss the blondies.
Amy’s last blog post..Perception: It’s What’s For Brunch
@Amy
Office Space should be mandatory viewing for everyone age 35 and over!
I swear, they got their ideas for the movie from the Widget Factory where I work.
Friar’s last blog post..Random Bear Photo
Brett,
All the best, buddy. You’ll never go off the deep end without checking that there’s water in the pool, so go right ahead. Prepare, and dive when the diving’s good. I love a good startup, and I know you will be at the helm of a very good one. Go where your vision points.
That little life motto (which became my business tagline) helped me jump when any number of challenges were in front of me. When the vision and the methods are clearly defined, you go.
Steph,
I have to disagree a little. I think there’s an element of luck to success, also, and I think it’s better to acknowledge that. Not to be a downer, but so many businesses fail, and many are well-prepared. Not to believe in an element of luck sets you up for thinking that you’ve personally failed if your business fails.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: How to Knock It Out of the Park
[...] your visualization powers and start dreaming about what you really want out of life and then go and create your reality step by step. Related [...]
@Friar,
Yeah, I remember you telling me about that fellow. I think that’s the same guy who said to get an army tent and a woodstove if you didn’t have a lot of money.
To be honest, option #2 sounds nicer. It reminds me of my uncle in the Northwest Territories. He lives alone in a cabin, with his rabbits. I think he gets it.
@Steph,
Exactly – maintaining the focus – I use my vision board for that (hi Crystal
my email will come very soon…), and I have a mission or vision statement that I read every day. I have a list of goals – most are simple, and really they involve a quality life – not “things”.
I took my big big list of ideas, and then prioritized it based on what I love and am good at doing.
We will get there. My computer wallpaper is a picture of where we want to be (we’ve already been there on vacation, so that helps – we know how it “feels”). And I envision us there already.
@Monika,
That is quite interesting, that we are on the same page. Many of us are on the same page. It must be the wisdom that comes with maturity… funny that many of us want a trailer!
Trailer Park Boys and Girls unite
But seriously – what is really important? Picture your ideal day with your family, and then make it happen.
@Amy,
Hello my friend! (I owe you an email tonight.) Thank you, I appreciate your encouragement.
You’ve provided me with great feedback offline to help me decide where I want to go (specifically, I’m insanely interested in everything, but need to focus on a few key things to make it happen). I have a feeling Office Space will be on the viewing list this weekend…
May you also rock on, and consider the blondies kissed.
@Friar,
Amen Brother. Maybe we should watch that tonight. Or Fight Club…
@Kelly,
Thank you very much for your words of encouragement – your motto is a very good one, and I smile whenever I visit your blog as it keeps me thinking. The time is now to dive in.
Re: luck, I remember a quote from Chuck Yeager – he was a very good pilot, and yet he said, “I’d rather be lucky than good any day.”
You need to be good for sure, but a little luck helps…
Brett,
This is why John and I made the decision that I am home right now. Our family needs it. And our kids are in school too. ( Well home for the summer as of tomorrow. But there is no amount of money that is worth the insanity of a two working familynever at home gig. Not for us anyway. Time is too short. Besides, when we did the real math..most of the dimes went back to the MAN to pay for the stuff needed to carry on the lifestyles to maintain the two-parent working gig. IT was all circular and insane. At home, I spend less on gas, daycare, work clothes,can focus more on better meals, budget better, take better care of schedules…all those things that leave you better prepared and with more money at the end of your day because you are more proactive and less reactive. ( I’m sure there is a blog here…you get the point)
You will make those dreams happen. But there are SO MANY!!! Maybe we need to narrow down the focus. Which ones first?
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Focusing on First Things First
Brett
Wherever I live, I would at least like to have hot and cold running water. And some form of central heating.
But a simple cabin or cottage in the bush would be pretty good.
PS. I could watch Fight Club again. Bring it tonight if you want.
Friar’s last blog post..Random Bear Photo
@Wendi,
That may happen again eventually in our case – we will see. Because I agree, at the end of the month, the extra earnings from the second income are largely paying someone else’s bills…
In fact, I’d be happy to be the stay at home parent. I’d prefer it.
You’d laugh, but I’ve already narrowed the list down! I think it is fairly manageable right now – though a lot of it is happening in parallel, most of the big pieces do not coincide and it should work out.
Strangely enough, if I mind map all of it, it all converges on one end point. Which is good.
I also identified some that I could not possibly do alone, but I wanted to move on anyway – and then I found people to help
(That reminds me – we’ll have to all get in touch soon.)
@Friar,
I will bring FC with me – we could use it… remind me to tell you the story of “the straw” tonight.
I’ll share it with everyone else here soon – but it is worthy of it’s own post…
Hmm…think I’ll have to pop in Fight Club while I work today.
Signs? Reading your blog is a sign, Brett. I’m half-way to where I want to be because I am already self-employed. But that job takes up way too many hours in the day. So I plan on making shifts too.
Reading you (and others I have found) all seem to have the same theme. I take that as a sign that my plans are the right ones. It fuels me.
And a trailer sounds good, but we lean towards a surf shack in Hawaii. And it will be easier to envision because I’m going there in 10 days. I won’t be *staying* but hey, it’s a start!
Karen JL’s last blog post..The Positive Side of the ‘NOTs’
@Karen JL,
It looks like it is on the agenda for our Thursday night at Friar’s house
Project Mayhem lives…
Interesting, isn’t it – a lot of us are in the same place right now. Yes, you are on the right track… it will end up being a balance, and we’ll know when we are there. Always trust inner feelings.
I love that visual, a surf shack in Hawaii – if you look at the picture on my About page, that’s the beach near which I’d put our trailer… how I miss the black sands. I’m so happy for you! Enjoy your trip – I’ve not been there, but it is nice.
Yay Brett! Join the revolution!
Oh, you kilt-wearing wonder, you! I’m so excited for you! I CANNOT STOP USING EXCLAMATION POINTS AND I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE DO THAT! In fact, I may do the other thing I hate and use multiple ones in the same sentence! Like so!!!
The happy man wants for nothing. Sounds like you already have all the things a man could want. Everything else is unnecessary, and its insistence that it’s important will make you unhappy. You are a wise, wise man, Brett Legree. Well played indeed.
Yay!!!!!
SO many exclamation points. Don’t do revelations like this every day, ‘kay?
Tei’s last blog post..Sudden Death.
@ Brett
Nice! Where is that? We drove from LA to Vancouver last year (along the coast) and collected samples of sand along the way from every beach we stopped at. It’s all very different and I have some black sand.
Can’t wait for the trip. Third time there and *love* it. It’s nice to have a partner that shares the same dream. We both love water and mountains. The *big* plan is a house in BC for 6 months and one in Hawaii for the other 6. Hey, I can dream can’t I?
Karen JL’s last blog post..The Positive Side of the ‘NOTs’
@Tei,
The universe is in harmony, my friend
Don’t stop using the exclamation points, it is like me and the emoticons 
see?
Exactly. Sometimes, we just need to step back and see what it is that we really need, versus what we think we want. You, too, are a wise woman, Tei.
^ ^
. .
^
o
(That one was for Kelly)
@Karen JL,
That is Karekare in New Zealand http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karekare,_New_Zealand and one of my favourite places in the world.
Cathryn was talking today at lunch about going for another trip. I don’t want to return if we go, however!
Yes – you can dream – and you should! Your dream is very nice, and I’m willing to bet you will get there. That must have been a nice trip, from LA to Vancouver – wow.
@ Brett
A trip to New Zealand (and Australia) is on ‘the list’ too. Think I’d love it there. And driving along the Pacific coast is something everyone should try to do. It’s a postcard after every turn.
Funny thing about my dream…the way real estate is in the US and the way it is in BC ($$) right now, a house in Hawaii might be more *do-able*!
Karen JL’s last blog post..The Positive Side of the ‘NOTs’
Brett,
Yes, we do need to get together.. Lets harness the power and get going. Friday morning?
@Tei !!!!! Get out of here!!!!! Get back to getting that website up! I want to be reading you on your own site damn it! I’m getting pushy here…… ( foot tapping…..tap..tap…tap…) ( with love of course….
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Fountain of Beauty
@Karen,
You would enjoy it very much (either NZ or Oz, though I’ve not been to Oz yet – Monika would be a good guide, and Friar’s been there too) – Air NZ flies out of Vancouver too.
I’ve done the Pacific coast down by San Jose and it was very nice.
That’s the thing – leverage the differences in the currency while we can.
@Wendi,
It has been too long since we chatted. My best bet for a group call is some time after the weekend, most likely an evening – let’s all sync up tonight via email and see what works for next week perhaps?
I am a firm believer in signs and I always try to listen to whatever they’re telling me. It’s not always easy though. In recent years, I have come to rely more and more on my intuition when asking the hard questions about life. Thanks for the link love Brett
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Improve Your Writing: Get Feedback
@Karen
My dream is to live in the moutains, or close to them (like Calgary, for example).
But that city too, is getting to be outrageous like Vancouver.
Seems wherever I want to live…it’s unaffordable (except for the people who bought at the right time 5 years ago).
Besides hick-towns like Splat Creek, I dont’ know anywhere else in Canada where one-income Friars could own a house!
Friar’s last blog post..Random Bear Photo
@Friar,
And that’s why we’re looking outside of Canada
I always figured, go the opposite way. I used to do that on long weekends in Toronto. Let everyone else drive out of the downtown to cottage country. I’d *go* downtown because no one would be there (mostly), and it was easy to get tables at patios and so forth.
So while everyone is rushing into Canada for the (perceived) higher paycheques, I’m looking at filling the gap “down under”.
I’d trade their weather for our weather any time
I’ve seen 38 winters, and that’s 37 too many for my tastes!
Seriously though, you’re right – that’s why we need to work for ourselves and telecommute. The Neutron Factory won’t allow it though, as you know…
Wow, trailers must be in the collective unconscious. My wife and I have been talking about just getting some land and plunking a big ol’ righteous Airstream on it.
The best thing you could ever do for your children and your marriage is to lead by example and have no regrets. Funny thing is, if you do that, you’ll probably make plenty of money, anyway. Money is just a convenient side effect of doing the right thing.
Michael Martine’s last blog post..Are You a Jedi or a Sith Blogger?
@ Friar
Yeah, it’s almost impossible for a one-incomer to buy a place in Vancouver (or the rest of the country). It’s INsane. We’re holding off till after the Olympics with the tiny hope things will get more normal. But who knows?
And all the apartments are being bought up, the tenants get thrown out, it’s renovated and the rents shoot up. It’s happened in my building so it’s only a matter of time before I get the boot (so far, so good *crosses fingers*).
And they wonder why homelessness is such a problem.
Karen JL’s last blog post..The Positive Side of the ‘NOTs’
@Kelly: I understand what you’re saying, but we have different beliefs backing what we say. I don’t believe, for instance, that businesses fail. I believe the people fail, just as things aren’t boring, people are boring. (I know, I’m sorry! Don’t hate me!) That’s not to say that I look down on those failures as terrible things, however, or look down on the people who fail. Of course not. We learn from those failures, hopefully. Even failure can turn out to be something positive. It’s just that I strongly believe we don’t see or strive enough to realize our true full potential as human beings, and we let fears and doubt cloud our goals and objectives, things we are actually really capable of achieving. I’m completely accountable in my life rather than a victim of circumstance (or luck). While we can’t necessarily control the outside world, we certainly can influence it!
steph’s last blog post..LW open for business
@Steph
Well, if what you say is true (regarding things aren’t really boring, it’s just the people that are…)
…then based on my day-job, I must be the most God-awful comatose boring person on the entire planet!
Friar’s last blog post..Random Bear Photo
Steph,
No, though I am all for the power of the individual and all, I will not go for “people fail” as a blanket statement. Lots of times people do fail their businesses, for sure. Maybe more often than not. Still, many times, things do not line up properly for an entrepreneur, through no fault of his or her own. This from a chick who believes in plans and Vision and working it and creating the exact circumstances needed for your success. It doesn’t *always* work in the way people engineer it to.
Considering how much of an owner’s self-worth is wrapped up in their business’ numbers, that thinking could be devastating to some. I don’t hate you, I think your opinion is interesting, but I can’t agree with you on it.
Now, “life is what you make of it” and many nuclear engineers would not be bored doing what Friar does, okay. Does that make Friar boring? Lord, no. It might make him overqualified and understimulated, but not boring. (Probably…)
^^
. .
^
o
Brett, you always get some neat conversations going here!
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: How to Knock It Out of the Park
What a lovely group of good people y’all are…all this talk of how/why/who fails, and going for it and giving it a shot and staying home and going out and calling up!
Makes a girl want to settle down with a Moleskine and rethink the plan…yup…rethink the plan…
So good to hear that other folks are still (and often, and maybe always) figuring it out, just like me.
CW
ps If y’all can squeeze in one more for the call, count me in. Or maybe I can catch ya next time…
Crystal’s last blog post..Potluck Pricing: Letting Customers Choose What They Pay
@Michael,
No kidding! I’m with you on that, what a perfect thing to do – an Airstream would be the way to go.
I agree with you. My oldest is starting to talk a little bit about what he wants to do when he grows up. I am telling him to do what makes him happy, whatever that is, and he knows that dad is currently reinventing himself and will (according to plan) be self-employed in the not too distant future.
Lead by example, and have no regrets. Do what you love. The money will follow.
@Karen JL,
Maybe the market will crash hard, and we’ll all be able to afford to buy houses in BC. Assuming we sell what we have first!
@steph & Friar & Kelly,
I’m reading your conversation back and forth and this is a good discussion. My feeling is that a combination of skill and luck is ideal. I do believe in luck. The “fortune” part of “fame and fortune”, if you will.
Why do I believe this? Well – I know a lot of dumb people who don’t work as hard as I work, who make more money than I do – why? In the right place at the right time. Why? Luck.
@Kelly,
Definitely a neat conversation. I’m thinking I should post something *really* off the wall soon and see where it goes…
^ ^
. .
^
o
@Crystal,
I think that it is never too late to rethink – to adjust. A Grade 6 student asked me a couple of years ago how old I was when I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up (I was judging a science fair).
I said, “I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up!” I know what I want to do right now. So I’m going for it. I will get there. And once there, I may want to do something else!
You never know – we might have a spot for you in the call.
@Melissa,
(rats, Akismet flagged you for some reason – not sure why, you weren’t selling anything!)
Intuition is quite something. I’ve learned to really trust it, even for simple things. For instance, when driving – I’ll often get the feeling “better slow down” and then I see a speed trap.
So when I get a feeling about something *really* important, I try to listen.
(You are welcome, and thank you in kind!)
-Brett
My friend, if you can go more off the wall than underpants…
We’ll all be there with bells on. As usual.
Kelly’s last blog post..Inspiration Points: How to Knock It Out of the Park
What a great answer for the little guy at the science fair! If he was anything like me at that age, that would have taken the fret out of knowing or not knowing what I was going to be…
And thinking again on “reading the signs”, I listen to my dreams…a lot. My subconscious may spit out some strange imagery to tell me the story, but the meaning is typically clear. Sometimes it’s clearer than my waking mind
Lately I’ve been forcing my will on my direction and listening to others, when really, I may get more/better/clearer direction from dreaming or meditating on my next steps.
Does anyone else here get their direction from dreams, meditation, or prayer?
CW
Crystal’s last blog post..Potluck Pricing: Letting Customers Choose What They Pay
I agree with Kelly. Failure isn’t always your fault. Sometime shit just happens.
Death in the family, health problems, unforeseen market conditions, car accidents, a down-turn in the economy, 9-11…etc.
For example, look how many careers were ruined by the High Tech meltdown of 2001…tens of thousands of jobs lost (including mine). Just in Canada alone.
None of us foresaw this..nobody did anything wrong (except maybe the greedy rat-bastard CEO’s)…yet shit happened, and we all lost our livelyhoods.
As for finding things boring. I see some people at work who chafe the rod and get really excited about all the tedious procedures and documents.
I look at them, and I just dont’ get it.
I’m actually PROUD that I’m bored. Because as soon as I start to enjoy that crap, that’s when it’s time to lobotomize me and put me out of my misery!
Friar’s last blog post..Random Bear Photo
@Brett, Rats indeed! It’s happening to me all over the blogosphere, Akismet has been eating my comments. And I can’t for the life of me understand why. Even on blogs I’ve been commenting on for months… Well, maybe some nice hacker will come along and fix it. We’ll see.
@Friar, your blog is eating my comments too, by the way!
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Improve Your Writing: Get Feedback
@Kelly,
I’ll have to see what I can do… without burning down the house!
@Crystal,
I know what you mean. It would have been nice to hear that too, rather than “get a good education, a good job and make lots of money”. I’ve done that. It isn’t satisfying. Now what?
I often get ideas while in the realm between sleep and consciousness. Sometimes they are really clear, and I try to write them down. Sometimes they are just gibberish…
I also get some great ideas when I’m running. Maybe that’s sort of like meditation for me.
@Friar,
Yeah… once in a while I think, “gee, I wish I could get satisfaction out of this procedure stuff”.
Then I jam icepicks in my eyes.
@Melissa,
It did it again!!! ARGH. Have to send some Vikings after the guys who code Akismet.
You hear that, Akismet coders? VIKINGS are coming for you. Fix the code.
Nice post !!
This is exactly what I keep telling and my mom denies !
Im mailing this post to her to change her mindset
Quakeboy’s last blog post..Indian Tech Blogger promotes Social Network Spamming !
@Quakeboy,
Thank you! And thank you for stopping in today to say hello.
Interesting developments keep happening this week, since I started really listening to the signs.
Stay tuned to this space, and I will let everyone know. There may be some significant changes (don’t worry, that doesn’t mean I won’t be blogging!)
Brett—During running? I can see that….and on the cusp of sleep, too. It’s like when we give our brains a chance to breathe, slow down or turn down our thoughtstream signal, all kinds of other signs/signals come on through. Hmph. This post gets better and better
Crystal’s last blog post..Dear Santa: A New Design Wishlist for Big Bright Bulb
@Crystal,
I think that’s just it – for me, both of those times are a time when I am absolutely unplugged from everything – so it is a good time to think.
(Unlike now, when I’m stuck in a hotel room with four kids!!! I never told you guys and gals about that – we are visiting my in-laws, and I had no internet connection until now…)
Brett, I am rejoicing with you and Cathryn as the signs reveal the next part of your journey! I know that you can and will get to where you want to go. I agree wholeheartedly that sometimes we are propelled along in life chasing stuff without realizing it, we don’t intend to…we know what it’s important but somehow we wake up one day and realize that somehow we’ve gotten off track. I believe that many in our society are waking up to a new reality and reconnecting with what is truly important. I support and celebrate your success my friend. Can and will!!!
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Be Unstoppable!
Reading my mind.
I am not prone to rash decisions – changes in thought usually occur slowly, dripping water in a bucket until one day it overflows and I am spurred to action. I am working on making the drip a little faster!
In the case of living simply, I began to wonder some time ago if I really needed all the ’stuff’ I had in my house. Whether I could just toss out the TV. Then I wondered if I really needed to make as much money as I do in my cubicle job. Maybe I could get a smaller house and mortgage, and work part-time, pursue my writing business with less financial burden. Most recently I have been weighing up the pros and cons of a campervan, or a small ’shack’ in the country.
The peeling off of each layer of corporate, capital mentality has revealed a fresh skin which, in time, peels away too. Perhaps one day I’ll find the heart
@Karen,
Thank you – it is unfolding as we speak (more about it in my next post) – as you say, many of us are waking up and reconnecting with what is truly important. And it feels good.
@Rebecca,
That’s all it takes to overflow the bucket, you know – one drop at a time. And to living simply – I figure I could put everything important in one bag, if I had to do so. For housing, I’m interested in some of the lower cost prefab stuff myself. Here’s some food for thought:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/01/shipping_contai.php
I’d like to put up a basic house like one of these on a nice plot of land with an ocean view. Just to get away from it all.
You will find the heart one day, and perhaps sooner than you think.
Thanks Brett!
I think these little homes are very lovely, although probably not as suitable for a family man such as yourself! http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses/
Rebecca Leigh’s last blog post..Mix it up for fun and inspiration
@Rebecca,
I’ve seen those! I love them very much, perhaps a retirement home once our kids are off and away…
(I had to fish you out of the spam, sorry – stupid Akismet… hey, Akismet developers – Vikings are coming to get you if you don’t fix the code. You hear that? VIKINGS.)
Pursuing happiness is never easy – it takes hard work and a tight focus. It’s much easier to be merely comfortable.
Speaking of which, you might find the book The Comfort Trap by Judith Sills a great read – it’s one of the things that propelled me out of the life I didn’t want and wasn’t enjoying.
Cheers,
Alex
Alex Fayle’s last blog post..Manifesto for World Domination
Alex,
You are so right about that – employers know this, and use it to their advantage. People as lucky as we have comfortable lives, and can put up with a lot at work.
It takes a very strong person to break away, I think. Thank you for telling me about that book – I did a search, and it looks really interesting. I’ll see if I can find it at the local library.
Also – awesome blog you have. I’ll be spending some time there tonight to have a good look around.
-Brett
Brett:
I’d never thought about how employers use comfort to their advantage, but it’s totally true!
Glad you’re enjoying my blog.
Cheers,
Alex
Alex Fayle’s last blog post..Manifesto for World Domination
Alex,
I haven’t had a chance to comment yet, but I especially like your post about “Somedays”. I wrote a post a while back about making one day, today. And it is so true.
We don’t get any do-overs.
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