Wait, what? This site is all about simplifying your life, right? Absolutely, it is. But you can go too far, and it’s important that you don’t.
For example: Would your life be simpler if you didn’t have children? Unquestionably. Would your life be better if you didn’t have children? I know mine wouldn’t.
That’s an extreme example, of course, but I want to make sure my point is clear. Simpler is better, to a point. Some things make our life more complicated, but are very important to us; they are things we wouldn’t give up.
When you’re simplifying, remember not to go too far. Otherwise, you’ll end up alone, living under a park bench.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I think simple living is about simplifying (and even cutting out) what isn’t important to you so you have more time and energy to focus on what is important. For you, that means simplifying some things so that you can have kids. For me, that means not having kids so that I can enjoy other things I want to do. Different choices for different priorities, but both examples of simple living.
I own a car and sometimes wish I didn’t because of the hassle of ownership and maintenance, a good pair of shoes and a fore-sale sign solves this problem. Kids don’t= thinks. Frankly comments like “For me that means not having kids so that I can enjoy other things I want to do” leaves me to say concerning your choice “Thank You” on behalf of the entire planet-Thank You
@Rick
You’re very welcome. And thank you for taking one more car off the road! I’m not in a good position to give up our car, but I really do appreciate when those who have more of a choice do. Just one more example, I guess, how people can make different choices but still appreciate others’ choices. After all, we don’t all have the same wants, needs, or resources. Despite that, why do some people insist that there is just one answer for everyone?
Now lack of resources I understand. Sorry I come on so strong but with the amount of lying, dishonesty, lack of integrity and greed I see everyday I think good people should have as many children as possible in hopes changing things. I look at it from an ancestry point of view. Human beings have been around for 30,000 years, take 20 years per generation and thats 1500 women ( not to mention 1500 men) it took to get me here. Droughts, Floods, Famine, Death,Disease,Wars and I’m here. I’m not religious at all ,but it really is a miracle. How can it not be everyones responsibility whose made it this far to make the world a better place, even after were dead? If just one of those 1500 women had made a different choice….well
Unfortunately, things are not nearly so simple. Good people have bad kids. Bad people have good kids. Genetics may play some part, but there are other more powerful factors. Genetic mutations and infinite environmental factors play a part. In fact, it’s been shown that peers have a greater influence on behavior than parents — as any parent of a teen can probably attest to.
Also, lying, dishonesty, lack of integrity, greed, wars, &c., are nothing new and I see no evidence that they have increased in society — nor that bad breeding would be their cause. The ancient Romans and ancient Greeks before them moaned and groaned about “kids today”. In fact, I’d wager that things are somewhat more peaceful today (at least in most of the world). After all, when’s the last time you worried about the next city over trying to invade?
Furthermore, I’m a big fan of quality over quantity. If you have the time to properly parent a dozen children, then who am I to stop you? However, I don’t think most people are in that sort of position. I know in my current circumstances I would hardly have the energy to parent one child to my satisfaction — not that I feel the need to do that much.
Also, I think that there are plenty of other ways to improve the world other than having kids. One can be a teacher or leader without having kids. Sure, sometimes you can do both, but not everyone is up to being a “supermom” (or dad).
When it comes to simplifying one’s life, especially, there’s no ‘one size fits all.’ I like that. What works for me might sound crazy to you – and vice versa. The thought of my life without even one kiddo running around is sad to me – but to you, it’s full of opportunity to do other things that you want.
What is it they say – variety is the spice of life?
As to the car thing, I’m not there yet. When I get to the point of working full-time from home, I’ll likely dump one car. I only use mine to commute for the most part anyway, and my family could make due with one at that point. Here’s to the future
haha, i like this one…but let me make sure i have this right. It’s okay to get rid of some of the 6,000+ items I have, but don’t go under any park benches, is that it?
Hey if living under a park bench does it for you, I say rock on!