Memo 7: Simplify as a way to peace

As I reflect on Mahatma Gandhi’s quote and my mantra over the past several years, “live simply, so that others can simply live,” I appreciate the gift that living simply has become. I have a heart of gratitude for all that is, and I have become more aware of the great need that exists in our world. Living simply has enabled me to move more freely into life. For example, I literally walk out of the house with very few things in hand, most frequently just my house key and sweater. I keep my home and possessions organized in a manner that enables me to be free from clutter. I open my mail, purge what I don’t need; pay as I can, and keep good records so I know where I stand. I am lucky as my nature is organized and this in and of itself is a useful trait. Every women’s magazine has article after article, tip after tip on how to organize.  Simplifying includes organizing, minimizing and reducing stuff. Simple living is doing less laundry because you reuse a towel, using less shampoo because you let your hair go a few days between washing, buying less food because you create things out of what’s in the cupboard and fridge. Simple living is not wasting, it is reusing, recycling and reclaiming your life. Simple living is driving less and walking more and finding that you get your exercise in the process. Simple living is awareness and removal to the clutter of the mind, the car, the backpack, the home, the shelves, the drawers, and the excess weight both literally and figuratively that weigh us down. Less is more and simplicity creates abundance in ways beyond what I can describe in words. I will add to Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, "'Live simply so that others can simply live,' and find your life more abundant and peaceful."

Memo 6: Transparency to Transformation

I have always said that what I can distinguish, and or name, I can begin to change. In the context of this conversation on financial awareness, I truly believe that as you become more transparent to your financial situation be it good, bad or status quo, you can begin to transform in to something more, less, better, and or remain aware of your status quo.  As I put energy into transparency in all areas of my life, I am able to transform areas into something different, in this case, financial freedom. In essence, what I am trying to articulate is look at your situation, be transparent to yourself regarding your debt, your spending, your frugality, your hoarding, and or your disinterest in financial information, wherever you are in your financial being. Notice it, be transparent and write it down, name it e.g. indebtedness, poverty, over spending, hoarding, austerity, as you distinguish it in that moment you can begin to transform it.  I myself realized that I am becoming so caught up to the idea and practice of austerity; I am being transparent to an austerity addiction. Naming this addiction to austerity and being transparent to what is, gives me the power to choose to be more generous to others and myself today. What can you name and do today to transform your financial being into financial well being?