As resolutions go, the loftier, more aspirational the more likely we are to proclaim them. So, here goes.
Image used via CC license from @atmosphera
After reading this book and watching this documentary in the past few weeks, it sends home the message that I’ve been thinking for a few months: we are a culture of excess. According to this NY Times article, Americans throw away 96 billion pounds of food per year; our hard drives are filled with terabytes of information; (remember, Bill Gates said that “640KB should be enough for anybody.”); and we sit in our congested homes and watch a show about hoarding. After spending time serving the needy in Mexico this year, I am astounded at how much I truly have.
While my house may not have 35 years of junk packed to the ceiling, I hoard. I have more than 100 GB of digital photographs; more than 50 GB of (legal) digital music files; and myriad digital fragments that tug at my mind. More than that, I have scattered bits and pieces of hobbies and aspirations crowding the RAM of my mind. Is it any wonder that medication for ADD is so highly prescribed.
So, here it is.
1. I want to carefully evaluate the things that are truly important to my life.
2. Evaluate the areas of my life that are in conflict with #1.
3. Take more time to tidy up (archive) my digital life.
4. Say “no” more.
I don’t expect this to be quick or easy, but I want to begin the movement towards simplicity. Cheers.
How about you?
Feature image used via CC license.
