Editor’s Note: This is a post in the series, Simplicity in Action.
Christine
I’ve carried around my high school yearbooks to four different continents. I never have enough closet space for my shoes. And, my inbox is at 1655 (yes, I’m that person).
I don’t pretend to have simplicity in the bag. In fact, it is a conscious practice. When I am home in the U.S. for a visit, I have to stop my shopping cart before checkout and ask myself: do I need this? Having baggage weight limitations helps with this.
I suppose the chosen ease of life has developed from years living overseas. For the past ten years, my husband and I have worked as international teachers in Colombia, Tunisia, Korea, and now, Laos. Among many benefits of this profession like travel opportunities, there are elements that, to us, are freeing.
We don’t own a home. In these countries or even back home, we do not own property. Renting apartments and homes have allowed us to experience living in these places without the financial and physical commitment of owning. Certainly, there are moments we itch for our own place. But, until now, being “homeless” has afforded us liberties in time, money, and mobility.
We use public transportation. When necessary, we have owned vehicles (a motorcycle for the 30 minute commute in Medellin; an old Peugeot to putz around Tunis). Yet, for the most part, we’ve relied on the common forms of transportation in the cities we’ve lived in to get around. One of my fondest memories is riding my bicycle along the river path in Korea while listening to podcasts and music.
We experience mindful consumption. As mentioned, moving about puts the breaks on frivolous consumerism. Lighter luggage, less boxes to ship make for easier movement. The other part of this is that living and traveling in places where there are less choices is an eye-opener. Produce is seasonal. People buy what is needed. You learn to live without the Cheerios and try the local breakfast instead. It is always a shocking experience to shop in an American supermarket after living abroad. The number of shampoo brands or coffee beans is overwhelming. Trying to be more in touch with what comes from where and how is also something that calls for consistent consciousness.
At times, the societal programming kicks in and I think: I’m 37. No house. No car. No iphone 5. What do I have to show for myself? The following quote has the answer for me.
“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.”
― John Maeda, The Laws of Simplicity (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life)
My lifestyle has given me enormous growth, knowledge, and experience. For this, I am…simply grateful.
Read more from Christine at Happy Impermanence and follow her on Twitter.
Wow, Christine. I think you have so much to show for it, and you have shown that in your writing. What I enjoy about these Simplicity in Action stories is that we can all take something away. I am 41 and coming to terms with the fact that my small townhome was not the fantastic purchase we thought it was 10 years ago. When I hear stories like yours, I am hopeful that we will be free of all that very soon! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Tammy, I completely understand where you’re coming from. The thing is, we seem to all have moments like this where things aren’t exactly how we imagined them to be. Learning about life’s impermanence including that in my own dreams and desires is something I have taken a long time to learn. I wish you much joy in your changes to come.
“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.”
Great story.
This sums up minimalism for me. My wife and I are considering selling everything and living in an RV full time. We can live a rich life without the financial obligations of maintaining a home.
Dan @ ZenPresence.com
I love that image, Dan. I believe such a life would be super rewarding. Best of luck.
Moving around really helps. My wife and I are about to embark on a move to a much smaller home. We are so excited. These stories keep us “pumped”…They are all just things…
Agreed. It’s funny…having lived in places where people share much smaller spaces, I understand that this is an unnecessary luxury. Good for you and your wife. All the best.
You are truly inspiring, girlfriend!
gosh…right back at ya.
Great article Christine. We will be packing up our house moving to Dubai soon. You have some excellent points and you have helped me to closely consider what ‘stuff’ to take, toss, sell or store. Moving to Dubia I know it is a place we can buy anything we want! As I grow older and wiser I realize we don’t need all this stuff we accumulate. Can’t wait to live a more free and simpler life! International teaching gigs ROCK!
So great to see you here, Judy. So glad for you and Jonathan and yes, international teaching gigs are wonderful!
I live in a 3800 sq feet house with a pool in almost 5 acres of land. WE have 2 cars in the garage, 4 kids and lots of electronic devices. And when I am overwhelmed by all the stuff, I remember living out of a backpack as a missionary for 2.5 years when I only had 2 pairs of shoes and a handful of underwear. Life was good… the choices were small but life was fulfilling. It’s still fulfilling now, but I spend a lot of time taking care of stuff instead of enjoying meaningful moments… anyway, we are on our way to minimizing… got get rid of stuff and we are hitting the trail…not sure where or when yet…but we will. 🙂
Hi Tereza…the fact that you have the past experience to draw from is really valuable. Lots of folks don’t know beyond the response of needing more. It’s great to be mindful of the “stuff” and acting on it. Not easy, I know this. For me, it’s a practice. Thanks for your thoughts.
It’s amazing the freedom you can have, when you choose to forego such conventions as owning property. We live aboard our sailboat in the summer, and are moving toward living aboard year round. Home ownership and e “American dream” just didn’t do it for us either.
I completely understand. Wow, a sailboat! That’s taking overseas living to another level. Very cool
I often find myself feeling as if I am not “where I should be” at 38. My husband and I never moved out of our “starter” home. We live in a 1300 sq foot cape cod, while all our friends have big, rambling homes. I am slowly, but surely changing my mindset and coming to believe it is I who am right where I should be: less truly is more. Thank you for the wonderful post!
Thanks, Sharon. There is great comfort in knowing we are exactly where we should be. Our journeys are individual, unique, special. If we all had big, rambling homes, our world would be, um…dull. Wishing you and your husband all the best in YOUR own lives.
Love the article! Your phrase about being 37 and not owning a house or car reminded me of a situation 10 years ago: I was in my late 20s and all my friends started to buy houses, flats and cars. I didn’t – I didn’t want to and it wasn’t necessary. But sometimes I also felt that I “need” something to show to others, something “important” to own. After I said this to my boyfriend at that time, he bought my a toy car, a very cute one! He then said: “Now you own a car, you can show it to anybody. Take care of it.” I had to laugh, he was so right! This little toy car is still the only car I’ve owned 😉
Daniela, I love this story. Funny how often we do things to “show”. Hard habit to break for sure. Thank you for sharing and stopping by here.
should be everybody not anybody 😉
Amiga…..it’s your humbleness and natural beauty that make you so unique. This piece could not have arrived at a better time.. as i begin my spring cleaning I am so frustrated at the stuff i’ve managed to collect. Simplicity allows for the real stuff to be more apparent.
Thanks, Marcy, for coming by here and sharing your thoughts. I know the feeling you’re going through…so well. Good luck with the spring cleaning.
So true, Christine. Traveling to other countries and seeing the many jarring differences is such an eye-opener. I remember getting a book from the library for my children about houses around the world, and only two homes (out of about 50) were anywhere near the size of the American one–and one was a chateau in France!
I also loved your thought about surviving without Cheerios and eating the local breakfast instead. Whenever we travel with the kids, we avoid McDonald’s and the like. What’s the point of soaking up the local culture if you’re going to eat what’s everywhere in America?
That is great, Joy! Often, as travelers, we replicate the comforts of home and miss out on the richness of a new experience. Awesome that you give your kids that opportunity.
Awesome article Christine. Sure glad that one of the “things” I did pick up while gallivanting overseas, was a friendship with YOU. It goes to show, the best things in life, really, honestly and truly, aren’t things. (adapted from Art Buchwald)
Well said, dear friend. Certainly, this lifestyle has afforded countless treasured friendships…especially yours.
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story. My fiance and I found it particularly inspirational as we dream of traveling the world together for a long time.
Glad your found some inspiration here, Mark. Wishing you and your fiancee your dream fulfilled.
I SO wish I had your courage!!!
Hi Maureen…this did not happen in one swoop. It was a process. The moving outside my comfort zone, the choice of lifestyle…it all has taken time. Fear made itself known at moments as well. I am sure small steps help gain courage. Wishing you well.