Lesson #2: Simplicity

It's November 27. I moved into my house on September 21. As you know, I am renovating every inch of this house. That means painting everything, gutting the kitchen, refinishing the floors, etc. It takes a while -going on three months. Since everything is a mess-paint, dirt, grout, adhesive, etc. we have not moved in much furniture. 

That means sleeping bags on the old carpet, dinner indian style on the kitchen floor, etc. 

A few photos of my life for the past 8 weeks:

My parents did lend us a TV for a week or so, our greatest luxury.

Having everything packed away calls for supreme innovation. Notice my popcorn dish? Pretty genius if you ask me.

After a few weeks we upgraded to a cozy, blanket filled fortress. 

Eventually we did lug a mattress into the house and I got the luxury of added comfort for about two weeks until we started to refinish the hardwood floors. We started the refinishing process last Friday. That means nothing can touch the hardwood, which is the whole house besides the kitchen and bathroom. I am living in a 3x8 space.

Nothing like sleeping in the kitchen!

I really don't mind sleeping on the floor. The sleeping bags are warm and comfy. Living with no fridge, sink, or microwave has been an adjustment, but doable. I have no problem living on bananas, popcorn, and trail mix. Overall, I have learned to enjoy this lifestyle of simplicity. Along with no furniture or kitchen appliances, I spent a long time with no cable, internet, Netflix, etc. At first I dreaded the concept. After a week or so I began to appreciate it. 

I would walk in the door after work and realize there was "nothing to do" at home. No TV to sit in front of, no computer to surf, etc. I began spending my nights reading, writing, going to the gym, or  going out with a friend. Overall, I spent time doing more worth while things. I've always complained that I would love to read but never had the time. I haven't finished an entire book (that wasn't required reading for a class) since high school and that month of no internet I read over 2000 pages (you should probably read the Book Thief before the movie comes out,-it's a great one). I had the time, just not the discipline. 

I challenge you to spend some time focusing on simplicity. A week or so. Let it force you to develop new habits and appreciate other things. 

I have definitely slumped back into my subconscious attachments to social media and readily available entertainment. But I can confidently say that my priorities have shifted and I have learned to enjoy spending my time on things more deeply satisfying. I got internet and cable installed about two weeks ago. I have appreciated the internet for the purpose of blogging but I haven't turned on my TV once. 

I hope to further discipline myself to spend my time on more fulfilling endeavors. 

Thanksgiving- be thankful for God's gift of entertainment and enjoyment in the things he created-relationships, words, creativity. Modern technology and everyday advancements are enticing, but don't forget to invest in the simple pleasures of another era.

Have a beautiful day,
Han