The world is moving too fast for me. Yes, I’m getting old and perhaps a bit nostalgic. Regardless, I believe we are being bamboozled — deceived by the mindless notions of convenience and instant gratification without even realizing it. I’ve decided the way forward is to go back. Here are a few examples.
- I have a dishwasher of course. I’d venture to say most or many people do these days. We feel “less than” if we don’t have a dishwasher, right? However, based on my electric bill, I have decided I don’t have to use it. I’m now washing all of my dishes by hand and it is actually fulfilling and liberating. Growing up, washing the dishes was a hated chore, but having to wash those dishes established a sense of responsibility I didn’t appreciate at the time. Kids these days seem to lack a strong work ethic. They can learn by washing, drying and putting up the dishes after each meal. Parents hear this: There is a difference between rinsing dishes and putting them in the dishwasher and actually washing, drying and putting them up.
- You guessed it. I’m no longer using my dryer, which is a big drain on electricity. Though I’m not at the point of giving up my washing machine, I can easily do without the dryer. Back in the day, I always had an outside clothesline where the powerful energy of the sun dried my clothes. They smelled so fresh and clean WITHOUT needing to purchase extra cleaning, softening and smell-good chemicals. Currently, I hang my clothes in the playroom and iron pieces as needed. It gives me a sense of power
- My grandparents always had a garden filled with green beans, okra, corn tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupe, beets and so much more. This food was delicious, and my grandmother canned just about everything so there was always plenty for the winter months. Let me be clear — this “ain’t” for me. The very thought of raising my own food as they did is downright depressing. While I have purchased some dried foods for emergencies, perhaps I can join a co-op or purchase a hydroponic indoor garden for my vegetables. We’ll see.
- Audiobooks. I got heavy into audio books during the pandemic. It’s great to be able to cook dinner, complete other chores or drive while listening to a book. I devoured these books incessantly. However, I recently cancelled my membership for three main reasons: (1) Too many choices. I spent a great deal of time trying to decide which book to read next; (2) I felt obligated to always have a book to listen to and (3) The realization that this was a distraction, not allowing me to live in the moment. I will confess, though, it’s difficult to take the time to sit down and actually read a physical book, but I’m trying.
More to come, so stay tuned.
Dee