Ever since my hsband and I began making Amish friends I've found myself looking for ways to simplify and find joy in simple pleasures. One of the things I enjoy doing is watching the birds that come into our yard, as they gather at the feeders and birdbaths we have available. What simple joys do you find enjoyable? You can find a list of simple living tips under the Amish Life section here on my website.
I am starting to just enjoy walking and looking at plants and flowers. It's SO simple. It's funny…I'm 39 years old and just discovered how refreshing it is to just go walking during the evening after work. It clears your mind SO much. O.K., so my simple thing is nothing profound, but it did bring me joy.
I have always loved the Simple Life that my grandmother taught me when I was little. In my 30's I did get caught up in the craziness of more, more and more. But for the last 10 years or so, I've been downsizing and uncluttering my life. It is a personal choice though. I even cut off the Internet and TV for 2 years! I read over 400 books during that time. I now have it back because I missed the connection and enjoy several great cable channels. Some of my friends say I'm a big country nerd haha! I take it as a compliment. I no longer try to keep up with everything and everybody. I stay involved in things that I enjoy. And let the rest go by…… My job is less stressful, I have a smaller house and life is much nicer. The important things in my life are : God, family, my pets and my hobbies. I have the Amish and the study of the Amish to thank for this great turn around!!! And to God be the glory!
I am 58 years old and in the last 5 years I have quit working at my regular job which was a gift shop at the local hospital and the stress was always crazy. Now my children are all grown and moved on to their own families in their own states, and I have a part time job at my church as the secretary which seems to keep me busy all of the time. Even though they told me when I started that it would be 2 days a week :) That is just on the scene. I now have a whole new set of friends from church. I'm going to lunch with them today to celebrate our Choir leader's birthday. At home I'm always doing something for church. :) I spend my free time now enjoying God's creations and what he's given me in my life. I didn't appreciate it before I started reading the Amish books. I knew the Amish were always close to God in their lives but didn't really know how to get that until I began reading these books. Now I feel I have it all the time. When a "crisis" comes up in our lives my husband gets upset that I am not upset. I now know that God will handle it if I just let Him! I love going to Amish country in Ohio. My husband doesn't enjoy it as much as I do, but I'm working on him. :) I would love to go to Lancaster, PA. Haven't been there yet. It's a long way from us.
I'll be in Lancaster, PA and also Holmes County, OH in Sept. so maybe you'll be able to go one of those places during the time I'm there. Part of my PA signing is listed on my website now and all of my OH schedule is listed.
It's great that you have a meaningful job that you enjoy, and I'm pleased to know that you have learned from and enjoyed reading my Amish novels. Blessings, Wanda
My husband and I are striving to live a less stressful and a more simple life. I want to be able to enjoy the simple pleasures that God has so graciously given to us. Instead of being selfish and greedy, I want to appreciate life, family and friends.
I curl up with a good book or put together 1000 piece puzzles while I have the TV going, but somethimes for a few weeks, unless it's to check my mail or an online devotional I don't do the internet that much or I just watch Christian or family-oriented TV. I have Christian movies and TV shows out the wahzoo.
I don't watch tv, but my husband does. When he turns on the tv, I grab a book or my sewing kit. I walk out the door and sit on the porch. I don't like tv and radio. I use the computer to keep up my family. I have 1 sister and 9 brothers. Other than that I dont use a electric washer and dryer. I cut back on everything I do. My mother-in-law thinks I'm crazy. During my summers I grew up less than a mile away from a amish community. I miss them days.
I am trying to simplify my life. I sometimes feel like the day is gone & what do I have to show for it ? I never seem to get every thing done. I'm forever playing catch up.
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