How do you enbrace simplicity?

[travelling]

I was reading through the declutter thread and it got me thinking about simplicity and how to go about embracing it. It seems that a lot of people on this forum in addition to fighting debt have also learned to live simpler lives than a lot of other people I know. Do you think that simplicity is part of the result of better finances? And how did you come to embrace simplicity if that has been a result?

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I was reading through the declutter thread and it got me thinking about simplicity and how to go about embracing it. It seems that a lot of people on this forum in addition to fighting debt have also learned to live simpler lives than a lot of other people I know. Do you think that simplicity is part of the result of better finances? And how did you come to embrace simplicity if that has been a result?

What do you really need in life to be happy?

Food, water, shelter, sex (hee hee). For me a car. Love. Heat, air conditioning.

And music. When you get right down it, I've been perfectly happy with those ingredients. Music is where I get the biggest bang for the buck, and a terrific life changing song is only 99 cents on Itunes.

So for me, I don't need much to truly be happy. Which is how I define simplicity.

Lately I'll add tools to the mix of what I need to be happy...

[snafu]

When it comes to stuff, I believe it's shocking how little we truly need We need the stuff we use nearly every day and multiples of a few items make life easier like dishes and undies but there's no need to go overboard. It's tiring and stressful to have to look after everything of everyone's everyday. I've never understood the motivation that has people buy new to replace an existing item but then retain the original item. Eventually it goes to linger in the basement or the garage. I wish it could be sold or donated to someone who would use and enjoy it.

I save money because I am reluctant to buy an item knowing I must discard something similar unless it is dysfunctional. I think it's important to buy want is needed, what is loved, what is useful and items that will be enjoyed. Sometimes it's helpful to have a criteria. How many hours will you need to work to buy XYZ, do you see it's value worth XYZ hours

[lorraineb]

I finally realized that buying all the stuff that was supposed to make me happy wasn't.

[ua_guy]

There's a certain amount of pride to be had in doing things myself, using what I have, surviving without things I don't need, and "profiting" (saving money) as a result.

Be careful, it's addicting, at least it is for me. Having polished finances has become an increasing source of pride. It speaks to good personal decision making, the ability to weather the fluctuations of an economy driven by greed and a lack of ethics; it speaks to the ability to preserve resources and spend them where they will provide the most personal return. When you start skeptically viewing most products and services as a way for someone else to take your money, you start to realize how little you actually need. Having opportunity before me (cash in the bank, few obligations) is much more exciting than owning junk and having to repay someone.

That's not to say I don't have illogical wants. Managing those becomes part of the process.

[WISEWOMAN]

I stopped all retail shopping Jan 1st. I don't miss it a bit. Funny...I need to buy a birthday gift soon and dread going shopping. My only wish is a William Sonoma stock kitchen. I'm a cook and love their merchandise. The pieces I received as gifts have paid for themselves a hundred times over. Their products last a lifetime or more

[Permanent Temp]

I'm struggling with that concept in the area of food. I always struggle with food. In money its simpler you have it or you don't I struggle there too but I'm better at talking myself down. Food and health are harder to balance for me.