On Friday, after returning from an emotionally-charged business trip to Nashville, I found a package waiting for me on the kitchen counter. It was from Katie, one of my favorite people in the world.
I opened it up with great anticipation and found a hand-made card with the most encouraging note and a little notebook with the text “sunny happy thoughts” on the cover.
It made my day!
Yesterday, I went to our local co-op for the weekly grocery run. I had seen cherries there for several weeks, but not bought any because it felt “unnecessary.” Cherries ain’t cheap and, well, a lot of people don’t have access to fresh cherries, so why should I indulge?
But this week, I decided to go for it!
The point of these two stories is that simple living can sometimes turn into not living at all.
I often resist buying cards/gifts for people because cards waste paper and postage and are overpriced and people already have everything they need… But there’s more to it than that. Simple living is also about community and sharing.
And joy!
Katie struck a perfect balance by making her own card (I don’t know about you, but I’ll take a hand-made card over a store-bought any day!) and buying an inexpensive, eco-friendly, yet absolutely perfect gift.
And now, a bowl of cherries sits on our counter, encouraging us to be healthy, while adding a bit of beauty to our kitchen.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. How do you strike a balance between living and simple?
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I’m so glad it made your day! You’ve articulated an excellent sentiment here.
Another little note about cards – When I find the time, I like to make it a “creative” activity for myself. I get to create something “beautiful” which is rare and enjoyable for me.
Letting your creative juices flow – whatever the manifestation – is just so important. I have definitely used card-making to serve that purpose in the past. Can’t say the outcome is quite as beautiful as yours, but it is fun! :)