Thursday, February 11, 2010

A 'nudge' back in the right direction

Just when I was really starting to question whether or not I might be taking things a little bit too far (I cut my own hair on Saturday), a friend sent me this article that really helped me to put things back into perspective.

Now, if you are lazy like me, or just don't have the time or interest to read it, I will give you the 'coles notes'.  Basically it is about a millionaire in Austria who decided that his fortune was the source of his UNhappiness (no, that is not a typo).  So?  What did decide to do about it?  He chose to set up a charity in South America and donate the bulk of his fortune to it, whilst also setting himself up with a meagre budget to live on and a very modest abode - he will now be living on about $1400/month.  Crazy you say?  I totally disagree.  This guy is living the dream in my opinion.  My greatest hope would be that Trent and I could 'retire' at an early age and live on a very modest income.  I have seen (and continue to see) so many people working until they are too old to enjoy their retirement.  Personally, I actually like spending time with my husband, and wish that I could do so each and every day.  I would literally forgo almost every imaginable material possession in order to do it too.  Not that I don't like my creature comforts, we all do... but I do like my husband more!

After reading this man's story, I have come away with a renewed sense of determination to see this challenge through and perhaps even take it a bit beyond.   

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. - Thomas Jefferson

Have a good one!
Marebare :)

2 comments:

  1. Hi Maren,

    I really like this post! Many people end up consumed by what they think they need... and they totally miss out on making the most of and enjoying what they already have. The Austrian fellow's comment about his recent vacation and all the 'pretentiousness'... awesome! So true! I applaud him for calling it as he sees it, and I also applaud him for being brave enough to make such a radical change. All I can think is how uncomplicated and stress-free his life is about to become!

    You might find this article interesting:

    http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/12/hadza/finkel-text/1

    These people live the ultimate simple life... and seem totally content and orderly. After reading about them, it kind of made me feel sad that a large part of the rest of the world seems to have digressed as far as it has.

    Anyway, I'm having fun following along and I'm learning lots from your endeavor - thanks again for sharing. I do have one suggestion: I bet you could trade some of those cool place mats or some amazing baked goods to another friend for a REAL haircut... Hee hee!!

    Cheers,
    Cheryle

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  2. Hi Cheryle!

    Thanks for the comments, and I am totally fascinated by the article on the Hadza! What an amazing experience for the author to be the first to live among such an isolated people. I loved the part where they asked him how his cat 'tasted'! That is just wild!

    I find it interesting that you believe that our society has digressed when compared to the Hazda's way of life. I sure do agree, but I think that we might be in the minority on that one!

    During the amazing display of aboriginal culture during the opening ceremonies of the games, I couldn't help thinking about how different our life as Canadians might be if we hadn't destroyed the aboriginal culture that existed here long before the European's came. Perhaps if we hadn't erased their unique culture, our Canadian lifestyle might be a lot closer to that of the Hazda, instead of the polar and extreme opposite.

    Thanks for following along. Your comments are insightful, appreciated and always welcome! And just for the record, I am trying to find a friend who is willing to cut my hair in exchange for some sort of 'trade' arrangement!

    All the best!

    Maren

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