Ahhh, what a nice day yesterday turned out to be. The most stressful thing about it was trying to conjure up the few Brazilian words I know, without confusing them with the few Italian words I know, while attempting to communicate with my relatives. Other than that, which wasn't too bad because my uncle translated everything, it was a beautiful day. I ended up spending the whole day at my aunt and uncle's, listening to stories and laughing like crazy. I went home, got Tom & the kids and went back for a fantastic dinner of turkey and mashed potatoes. The kids played all night and we sat around talking. It was relaxing, peaceful and rejuvenating. A day without complications, stress or pressures. It got me thinking, of course, of my next tip.
LIFE WELL LIVED TIP #14 - Live a Simple Life. While it may sound, well, simple, it's far from it. It requires alot of change and commitment. I hesitated putting it here because it does require alot and isn't a 'simple' tip to follow, but I believe it's a very important one. The older I get, the faster life goes by, and the more I want to hang on to it. The days fly by in a haze and before I know it, a year's gone by, and another and another. I want to slow it down so I can enjoy it a little. My solution to this has been to try to eliminate stresses where I can and live a simpler life. This isn't easy, especially today. We work hard to get material things, measure our success by how big our television is or how small our phone is. I don't want to go on a rant about material things - because I LIKE material things!! I want them all too, but I'm trying to bring things back to a time when it wasn't soooo important to have these things (in my own life, naturally!!).
A few months ago, I decided I wouldn't by any food that is pre-cooked. Canned soups, frozen dinners, stick in the microwave and heat up meals. I would make them from scratch. I did this for health reasons, not life reasons. What I've learned is that it doesn't take that much longer to do this, it tastes way better AND my shopping bill has been cut in half!! My cupboards are half full and my fridge is stocked! I feel better grocery shopping because I know what's going into my kids mouths. I have also stopped obsessing about the foods I eat. I enjoy everything in moderation. I no longer buy half fat anything except mayo. If I'm going to eat Provolone, I eat full fat Provolone, if it's sour cream, it's full fat sour cream. I also have found by doing this, I'm actually eating less fat and calories because I eat less food. It tastes much better, is more satisfying and filling and holds the hunger at bay longer. I am no longer famished an hour after eating, so I can have a small healthy snack in between meals, without feeling like I need another plateful to keep me going. I'm mindful of what I'm eating, just not obsessed!! I've digressed a little - I'm talking about giving up the stress of counting every calorie, making the ones I do eat count and choosing simply - the best I can find and afford at that moment. I've let go of the pressure I put myself under and am eating simply and well.
I have also limited my kids activities to two each, and one has to be swimming. So, the kids can pick one activity they enjoy doing - because swimming is an absolute must-know for me. Keeps them busy, out of trouble, and learning valuable life skills, without making me a crazy, psycho chauffeur mom! We actually have some time together in the evenings. We play cards, we go outside, we enjoy each other and the day. I started Tiber River because I wanted to stay home with my kids. I didn't want to work all day and see them only at night. I'm not saying that everyone should do this. It was incredibly difficult financially (still is!) and required sacrifices on all our parts. My point is that it's all about the choices we make. We have the ability to change our lives, for the better, if we so choose. It's entirely up to us. Every person will have their own ideas of a simple life and my choices may not be the same as your choices. My hope with this tip is to get you thinking about some ways to reduce the craziness in life, and enjoy the beauty a little more than you are right now! Enjoy this day!!
Comments