Grandma’s Rules For Simple Living

We can learn a lot from our wise old grandmothers. Practices common to them—such as growing vegetables, knitting clothes and bartering goods—are the tips and tricks we seek today: a return to the good old days. These rich but simple lifestyles strengthen families and communities while growing local economies around the world.

The most important aspect of simple living is identifying your strengths, talents and abilities—then putting them to work. By focusing on the most effective, enjoyable ways to employ your skills, you can discover interests, values and, most importantly, people you may never have connected with otherwise.

Get to know your community

Scope out local shops, family-owned restaurants and farmer’s markets to get in touch with the people who grow the local economy. Volunteer to wrap gifts at the holiday bazaar; ring up customers at a farmer’s market booth; participate in trash cleanups; organize storytelling times with community children or elders at the library or community center. Connecting with your neighborhood keeps your life fulfilling and keeps the temptations of boredom—mindless spending, wasting away in front of the TV or computer—at bay.
Cultivate hospitality

Hospitality

Invite close friends to your home for weekend meals and entertainment. Host a potluck: Prepare a delicious, home-cooked main course and ask guests to bring side dishes and wine to share.

Peddle your wares

Transform your hobby into extra cash by selling your homemade jams, artwork and clothing at the farmer’s market or community bazaar. If you have space, consider raising chickens—even city dwellers can do this! Enjoy fresh eggs and rich fertilizer for your garden. (Before you start, make sure your neighbors know what’s going on—and teach them how to raise their own chickens!)

Grandma always said…

• Balance your checkbook and take a look at where you’re spending your money. You may be surprised.

• Avoid gimmicks at the grocery store. Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale or you have a coupon.

• Save money by making “breakfast for dinner,” or something as simple as beans and rice, a few times a week.

• Never throw anything away. Graciously accept hand-me-downs and keep the cycle alive when you’re finished with them.

• Save your loose change in a jar. Cash it out at the end of the year, and you’ll see why your grandmother insisted on picking up lucky pennies.

7 tips for simple living

• Consume less.

• Put people before possessions.

• Live lightly on the land.

• Support local businesses.

• Less is more—really.

• Demand quality products.

• Remember that everything and everyone is connected.

Courtesy: Mother Earth Living