Thoughts from a van | The comfort behind a simple life
That's why, no matter who reads my blog entries and no matter how much my posts make, I'm not going to stop writing here. The liquid crypto I get from it is nice, I'm actually striving to stack 100k steem in the short term, but it goes deeper than just money at least for me: the usefulness of this Blockchain goes beyond rewarding users for posting on the chain, that's just the tip of the iceberg.
But I'm not here to bore you with technicalities and reasons, I'm here to bore you with a personal topic, so buckle up.
Some people say that the fewer posesions you own, the easier it is to be satisfied; other people claim that the less you want, the more you enjoy what you have; there's others that believe that minimalism is the key for having a good, happy life.
Of course I agree with those statements, I'm actually on board with having a simple life.
What I don't agree with, is them spreading those words lightly.
The Spartan way, the minimalist style, the humble approach. They are not for everyone. Actually, most people can't deal with having such a life. That's fine you know? In reality it's more than fine, it's normal.
Call it capitalism, consumism, societal rules and expectations, comfort, vanity or whatever. The name doesn't matter. The truth is, most of us don't want a simple life, 99% of us enjoy having luxuries from time to time, to run a comfortable life.
On the other hand, I don't really have a choice now.
When I left Mexico City, I sold all of my possessions and right now, all my life fits on a back pack.
Oh yeah, that's me tanned as hell. I've been playing volleyball and sunbathing almost daily for the past two months
Moving frequently from place to place, makes you want to travel lightly, to attack the road in the most comfortable way. That means having as few posesions as you can. Owning more means a sore back at night after a day of walking and exploring; having more things than what fits the backpack it's a synonym of having to get rid of something.
You become unattached to the material. But not because you're on "higher spiritual level" or any other bullshit some "enlightened" people wants you to think, but because you have no other option. Either you get rid of things or you can't take that flight; it's more about having to be unattached rather than wanting but, after a while, it becomes a routine or a way of living and you get used to it.
You stop needing things; you no longer crave possessions; you're past the material wants.
Welcome to the simple life, where some clothes and the basic electrical appliances (and obviously the not so basic like a laptop or a cellphone) are your only possessions.
I haven't used cologne in more than 2 years. Deodorant? Of course not. New clothes? I got a jacket for a cold November in Krakow and I got three new shirts for a hot February in the Caribbean - one I'm wearing, by the way. Do you like it? - and that's pretty much every clothing I've bought in the past 3 years.
I sold my car, my motorcycle, my fancy clothes. Do I go to fancy restaurants? No, I can't afford them. Am I a regular customer in beach clubs or rooftops in the Caribbean? Hell no. I just go to the beach shirtless and shoeless, with only my swimsuit, my volley ball and a bottle of water, no sunscreen (I know, I know).
The truth is, the simple life is not for everyone. Sometimes I even wonder if it is for me or if I just lead a simple life because I have no option but, If 'm being honest, I love it.
The simple life is freedom and for me, freedom is worth more than any material possession one could ever have.
Seems like you're happy as well.
Most people aren't.
I love it too. Best of luck!
Hey! `i read with a great interest.
You provoke me for a few uncomfortable thoughts - was It a right choice to acquire a few possessions like a little kid and mortgage. Joking...
Also you are so lucky with a climate. Wandering around with a backpack while it's -20 5 months in a year is not a great option, obviously. Either you have thick walls and a roof above your head or you dead in such case.
Take care!
I think the Minimalism is beautiful as long as it’s preserved to a certain degree.
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The minimalistic approach definitely isn't for everyone, but for a character like you, who prioritizes freedom over anything else, it is a necessity. And it's probably good you've done so, as you would've probably been miserable in the old life of yours.
Haha, this is definitely a nono for me if/when I visit the sunny parts of the world – I've already burned my skin too often just from the Finnish summer! No way for me to get away with being in the sun for hours and not burning my white ass, gotta protect what I still have.
These freewrites are always so fresh to read!
It’s inspiring but with kids and pets, not possible for me. At least right now. The more time that goes on though, the less I get attached to “things”. I think I could do it if I were single and maybe a bit younger. Thx for sharing as always brother.
Well I'm slowly but surely getting ready to bring the kids and pets on our new adventure to travel across Europe and lead a (more) simple life. Sure, it will be in a house on wheels, or similar, and I'll still need my computer, camera and phone, but simpler than what we're doing now. Where there is a will, there is a way. But I guess things would be harder if you have a shop or other business that can't really be run on wheels, like yours. However, I think you have a pretty cool life either way @blewitt.
yes definitely like the shirt! thanks for the story. here is to possessing experiences!
I can do without many things but I think I could live with a sore back if it mesnt carrying around cologne tooth paste and a tooth brush. How else is a naked nomad supposed to attract the ladies with that golden brown skin while playing topless volleyball? Good hygene my man
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Doesn't sound all that bad really ;) But you know what's wrong with this picture, don't ya?
People need to want those material possessions because if they don't, then they might start questioning why they're working long hard hours at the 9-5 job, why their eyes are tired and their back hurts. But they don't, because they gotta keep the cash rollin' in, so they can buy shit from expensive over-priced shops and eat in fancy over-priced restaurants.
I missed your freewrites, man :) hope you're well.
Great perspective and inspiring thoughts as many of us often forget and take the things we have for granted. However, we never had these things when we can into this life nor will we have them when we leave.
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