Our Back to Basics Living Philosophy
Once upon a time, there was a couple who was overwhelmed by consumerism and drowning in debt, doomed to live a life of unsatisfying purchases and surrounded by like-minded people.
As Americans, they gladly followed the crowd to fit in, but behind closed doors, they dreamed of a life where how much they made and what brand of clothes they wore didn’t matter.
With one swoop of a for-sale sign, and a business up for auction they traded in a life of possession obsession for a life of personal fulfillment by adopting a back to the basics style of living.
Determined to live a life where what we had was more than enough to survive, they sold everything and moved to the country to live on a farm. Fast forward six years and the “Back to Basics Movement” is in full swing.
Who would have ever thought twenty years ago when consumerism was at its highest those same consumer-driven people would now be looking to simplify their lives by living off the land?
By now you probably have realized that this is our story...as pitiful as it sounds it was us drowning in debt and living in a house that was far too big for two people and working long stressful hours just to keep the bills paid.
It wasn’t an easy task to sell everything we had and move to the country, but it was what was needed to keep our sanity. We can now do more with what we have, and that is the heart of our back to the basics living philosophy.
We had to look at… what we really needed and get rid of the rest! That meant a home, a business, jobs and plenty of stuff.
How has this back to the basics living changed us?
- Instead of shopping, we work in the garden.
- Instead of looking for things to do on the weekend, we have endless DIY projects that keep us busy.
- Instead of dinner and a movie, we have drinks under the stars.
- Instead of buying new, we reuse and recycle what we already have.
- Instead of looking for money to bring us happiness, we are happy by not spending what we have.
- Instead of dreaming of all the places we can go to when we retire, we dream of what the fruit trees will produce in ten years.
- Before we were empty, now we are fulfilled!
Let me end this by leaving you with one thought that hit us hard many years ago.
If you are working a 60 hour workweek to afford what you have, but then only have an hour to spend with your family …are you living or are you just living to work?
I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s so easy to get caught up in the competition of living. Kudos to you for taking the steps you needed to be happier.
Thanks Daisy!
Eating wonderful tomatoes that I grew and experimenting with making bread gives me as much or more satisfaction as I got working and there is far less stress!
Linda I agree totally!
This is so true! So many people work just to maintain a lifestyle that they can’t enjoy because they work so much.
So many of my friends are stuck working long work weeks just to pay the bills. My heart breaks for them and wish I could convince them that there are so many other things in life that mean so much more!
Love your story!
Thanks Nancy…it is one of those “It’s our story and we are sticking to it.”
Your story is similar to ours. It was a frightening leap of faith to change the lifestyle we just assumed we were supposed to have for a more simplistic one, but we’ve never felt more fulfilled. Thanks for sharing.
~Taylor-Made Ranch~
Texas
This way of life can be a lot of work but I agree it is so rewarding we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Amen! My husband and I are following in your footsteps! Thank you for writing your blog so honestly with all the information you share.
That is great Vickie…we have enjoyed our journey!
Love your story and really like your website! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for stopping by!
I love this Tracy! Well put!
Angi thanks…we love the changes we have made in our life!
Just found you through Thrifty Thursday and am excited to follow along on your journey!
Oh, if we could just get these points across to the busy folks, always going to and fro. As empty nesters, we have really simplified our lives too. I would still enjoy dinner and a movie occasionally but it is pretty rare. We are quite content to be at home. I’m so glad you share your lifestyle with us at the Home Matters Party. You have much to share.
I agree with you…a dinner and a movie is nice every once in awhile but we still would rather be at home finding our entertainment in our life on this farm!
Oh men, tears hear! This post is touching as I can relate in so many areas. Thanks for sharing and linking with us at Home Matters Linky party this week.
Wow – that could very easily be our own story too – although we’re only one year into our back-to-basics journey. It’s so nice to meet like-minded people on the same path. Well said and thank you for posting. Blessings.
Russ thanks for stopping by! I am amazed everyday at how many people I meet that think the same way we do. I am so happy so many others are seeing the value of living a simple life!
We cut back on all kinds of things the last 10 years- smaller house, more DYI, more growing our own food and raising chickens. It never ends and we like it that way 🙂
Kudos to you! Doesn’t it feel good to know you are doing what you can to be more self-sufficient?
Hear Hear! Ehen my husband and I met (in 1995/our second marriage) he was in a LOT of debt from living above his income. I loved him and wanted to marry him but told him I would not marry him and assume his debt…as I would not ask him to assume my debt (I had none.)We made a new plan and a vow to never be in debt again. He worked hard and paid it off and we were married on Thanksgiving weekend 1996.Together we have created a new life; an outdoors life living within our simple means. Instead of eating out, we take the dog to the woods for a nice long walk. We bird watch. We use Netflix for movies at home for a lot less money than in a theater. We garden and eat even more healthier. We sit and watch the baby chicks at night and talk. Life is good!
Isn’t it a great feeling! Being debt-free has allowed us to be free to do so many more things here on the farm. I can’t even remember the last time we went out? We are so happy just spending time with each other and in nature we have no desire to go out and spend money on things anymore.
I couldn’t agree more! Especially with how easy it is to get caught up in the “quick buy” items that you can easily purchase from a phone now! What a great reminder to stay simple and less stressed!
Well stated. There is such freedom when we are not slaves to debt and consumerism. And in that freedom we find peace. Building the life we always wanted 🙂 loving the life we are building…