Minimalism The stress of modern life

The stress of modern life

How I got gastritis is no mystery. I’ve been a chronic headache suffering my whole life, and they’ve gotten worse since I turned 40. In fact, 2015 was the worst year on record for my headaches. In September of last year, I had 13 headaches days – almost half the month. These headaches don’t just…

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Minimalism Living a meaningful life

A Meaningful Life

There are many different things that motivate people in their life. Whatever motivates you is what you will spend the most time and energy pursuing. Some people want to make money. Some people want to have a family. Some people want to advance in their career. Some people want to save money for retirement while foregoing…

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Strangers on the street

Tonight, as I walked up the street in my neighborhood, I was stopped by a slight woman who said she wanted to ask me a question. She thanked me for stopping when she knew I was clearly on my way somewhere. She told me her name was Shannon and that she needed some Pampers. She…

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Minimalism Minimalist problems

Minimalist problems

I simply adore being a minimalist, but it was scary at first for an “always prepared” person like myself to realize that I don’t need to keep a ton of things “just in case.” When’s the last time you used wax paper? Or 20 extra towels? Or that tube of some anti-fungal medication your doctor…

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Urban Living Owning a car

Owning a car after not owning a car

As you may have noticed, it’s been a while since I’ve shared a post. A lot of things have changed in my life since then, not the least of which is owning a car. How did I come to own a car? Well, I’m going to tell you. For those who don’t know, I’ve been self employed for…

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Minimalism Brompton and solar phone charger

My new solar phone charger

As I mentioned in a recent post, I’m a planner. One of the things I like to plan for is an emergency. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a hardcore prepper who has a year’s worth of dehydrated food. But I do like to have in my possession the things I might need if…

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Examine Your Priorities

In a world that is busy, busy, busy, how often do we take time to examine our priorities? It’s easy to think that life is expensive these days, but what does that mean? I attend a regular networking event at which people present their innovative business ideas, and while I know many of these ideas…

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Don’t be afraid to make plans

I am a maker of plans. I like to take a clean piece of paper and lay out an entire plan for some exciting project. I cover the whens, wheres, whys and hows. I write detailed ideas and specifics. I do hours and hours of research. I refine my ideas. I read and refine the…

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Urban Mayhem PARK(ing) Day in St. Pete, FL

International PARK(ing) Day in St. Pete

Yesterday my friends and I pulled off what may have been St. Petersburg, Florida’s first foray into International PARK(ing) Day. As indicated on the website, PARK(ing) Day is “an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks.” It was started in 2005 as an experiment by Matthew Passmore and John Bela…

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Eating Bugs

My foray into eating bugs. I apologize that my video cut off. It’s apparent that I need a bigger SD card. The bugs tasted like Funions! Crunchy and delicious! Only a few wayward legs stuck in my teeth afterward. Stay tuned for more fun!

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My place in the world

I wonder often about my place in the world. I’ve shared the fact that I don’t feel like a consumer. I’m also a terribly generous and honest business owner, which, as you might imagine, doesn’t pay as well as being cutthroat. Being a generous and honest business owner means that I like to help people –…

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Citizen consumer

My world is changing. After so many years of being under a spell, I no longer identify myself as a consumer. I buy next to nothing except food and a regular coffee (for which I bring my own container). I am not feeding the demand for more manufacturing. Sometimes when I walk down the street and don’t…

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The bike electric

My world is expanding. Why? Because my electric bicycle has arrived from Vermont, and I’m going to be riding it for the summer instead of my regular bike. What does that mean for me? With my regular bike, I don’t usually ride more than 5 miles away. This makes my effective range of activities at…

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Downsizing: take your time

Many people try to approach the new trend of downsizing with frenzied exuberance, making huge piles of things to throw out or give away. They’re trying to quit materialism cold turkey. But you don’t have to get rid of everything you own, and you don’t have to downsize in one day. It’s better to take your time…

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