Every year I start to write a post about letting go of Christmas and then I don’t publish it. For the last fifteen years my story has evolved, from basically holding my breath for the last two weeks of December to eventually feeling so comfortable with my views that I forget they were an issue. …
Being busy hurtling toward what we think we need, we forget to tap into our internal resources to determine what we really want. When it seems like there is no time, that is when we must pause to hear ourselves.
I am trying to remember what my adult life was like before cell phones and the internet, when staying connected simply meant phoning or visiting people and I gathered information by visiting a library or purchasing a newspaper. In my first career as an actor, I recall phoning my apartment to collect messages left by …
Interesting how getting rid of so much seems to make life a lot busier! As my previous posts explain, my husband and I are downsizing by moving to a smaller suite next week. I know that once the mayhem is over, we will enjoy our efficient home in a spacious manner. With a minimalist mindset, we …
 Sea turtle rescues on video, lengthy political rants and daily selfies. Multiple captures of tasty food and romantic moments. 25 versions of outrage about an appalling news item. It is time to turn down the volume. For a couple of months I have rehearsed the idea of stepping away from Facebook. After seven years …
In a recent CBC article, Erin Collins asked, “What would you grab with a fire breathing down your neck?” Highlighted were a few brief stories reflecting the tough choices made by many of the 80,000 evacuees of Fort McMurray, Alberta, regarding what to pack with short notice as they escaped unprecedented fires last week.
I take one week holidays in the country during Winter, Summer and Fall. Each sojourn is an opportunity for my busy brain to slow down. Although it can take up to three days for my spirit to recognize the reduction in auditory and visual noise, I eventually start to relax.
I don’t have enough clothes. Folks who know me could take this statement two ways. It may not be a surprise that my wardrobe is small. My Facebook friends are used to my photo posts, featuring many formerly-loved items I want to give away, such as evening wear, hats, jewelry and handbags. I drop off …
Life coach and organizer Jo Bennett collects stories about what stuff means to different people.
Are you a minimalist? For over 15 years I have been shedding whatever I perceive to be in my way of living a satisfying life. I don’t remember exactly how this transformation started but I suspect I have been conditioned for it: years ago, living an artist’s life required moving from place to place, transferring …