A Good Life

So, these are sections for what is important in my life. And some unsolicited advice. Take it or leave it.

Housekeeping- If you are lucky or blessed enough to have a house, or a room, keep it proper. It makes such a difference to have order directly surrounding you. Make the bed, fold the pathetic laundry. Clean the toilet once month, or more, you decide. Or not.

Cooking -If you are able, buy the food that is grown or made close to you. Buy local, or at least from our country, or our hemisphere. Seriously, the closer the better. And then cook. Use plenty of herbs. Carrots are almost free. Sometimes kale grows in ditches. In the summer mint, basil, parsley are everywhere. Be spontaneous, be creative! Share what you make. Love it up!!

Fashion- I had a book once, in the 70s, called Cheap Chic. I still live by its main theme, buy clothes made with quality materials and timeless style. So, denim, leather, cotton. If you have the time, thrift stores are so great. And they sell cd’s and books! I wear a lot of hand me downs from my sister. Clothes swaps are fun too. My style is simple and has hasn’t really progressed over the decades, but being comfortable and being cool are important. To me.

Gardening- I really really wish I loved gardening. I kind of like it, but only for a half hour or so. I am amazed when I scatter seeds, or actually dig a hole, and stuff happens! But I do manage to grow a couple of tomato plants, my favourite herbs and some pretty flowers every summer. I think any kind of puttering outside is healthy, the smell of dirt and moss is wonderfully therapeutic. Just limit your expectations, and be grateful for friends who actually take it seriously and share their bounty.

Relationships- Give what you can, expect nothing. Love openly, hug spontaneously, talk instead of texting. Let’s all take care of each other. It’s important.

Pets- This is a hard one. Never, ever take another life into your care without fully believing that you will be able to care for it until the end. And always provide plenty of affection, encouragement, and treats. Let them in your bed and next to you. You will be rewarded exponentially. Love is love.

Exercise- Ummmm…not really qualified to give advice on this topic. I walk. I am lucky to live close to forests and rivers, but walking in villages and cities is also very rewarding. There is time to let the mind wander, listen, stop and look at the tiny miracles all round us. Breathe in, breathe out. I have on my list more rounded routines: yoga, tai chi, weight training….but meanwhile, I just walk. Do it.

Work- If you are one of the lucky ones, you have discovered a way to make money doing what you love. If you are not, do whatever paying gig it takes to survive and give you time to do what you love. Changing direction at different stages of life can be fun. I do think ambition is overrated, and I am not a perfectionist, my favourite saying is “good enough”. I like an easy life.

So, my belief is that why are we here, if not to enjoy and wrap ourselves around the beauty and small joys that we find everyday, everywhere. Be kind. Love your beautiful life. The end.