Going back to look ahead

Sometimes it's necessary to go backward to go forward again.

So what have I done over the last few years?

The first thing I did was cut off the satellite dish. I don't need the propaganda and I don't need the "400 channels but nothing to watch" syndrome. Second thing I did was get rid of the landline phone. A cell phone and a landline is not necessary. Not for us, anyway. Likewise, a contract with $20 in fees every month is also not needed. We got a good deal on pre-paid service and can spend as little or as much every month adding minutes, text messaging, internet, etc. We save about $45 a month off the big cell phone company prices and if you include the cost of a landline, we save $90 total. Add the satellite and we save $180 off communications each month.

Next thing was budget. What do we really spend? And do we really need to spend it? I've sorted out fixed and flexible expenses as well as non-necessity spending. I found out I work very well with cash as opposed to numbers on an ATM screen. I implemented an envelope system to keep track.

I keep 80% of my money in the local economy. Local farms and independent businesses get most of my money. I belong to a food co-op, community supported agriculte (or CSA) and shop at farmers markets or direct-to-farm as much as possible.

The 20% that is not local, I try to buy used. I have bought mostly used books for instance.

I get things free when I can. I learn to compromise too. Sometimes I have to settle for what I can get, not what I want. Barter and trade is similar to that.

I've learned to protect my privacy as much as possible. I tried for a time to do the "right thing" and play the Good Citizen card and it got me in trouble. I'm very careful about people knowing where I live or how to contact me. The information that can be found on a person with the simplest of internet searches is astounding. And should frighten everyone.

I cook from home, from scratch using as many non-electric methods and appliances as possible. I used to love eating out. Now I find the food to be awful and the expense leaves my stomach sour if the food itself does not. * I am a patron of a few local privately-owned restaurants that serve good food, but I'm careful how often I go.

I cut out chemicals as much as possible. I learned to read labels a long time ago when I was going through my decade-long crash diet. That's the only good that came from doing that to myself.

I make some of my own staple foods like butter, buttermilk and bread. Unfortunately I have to buy flour but hopefully not for long.

We make our own soap, lotions, shampoo, etc. it's not difficult at all once you get the hang of it.

I try to take care of my health. It's a big one for me and for most people if they're honest with themselves.

I've learned skills at things that I never would have dreamed of. I've learned ways of living that I never thought possible. I've learned things about our society, politics and economy that I never considered before. I found out things about myself I didn't know before. I never realized I had such courage in me to go forth with such plans. I can climb a mountain, but I'm never certain if I really have what it takes to be successful in life. I see I have more determination and fortitude than I ever gave myself credit for. I've challenged myself to be my best. I've challenged myself to care where my money and time goes and why. I've challenged myself to let go of any greedy notions and materialism. I've challenged myself to make a life for me that will make it all worth it in the end where I can have the peace on my deathbed that comes with not needing to doubt my honesty, integrity, depth, character, ability, ambition, courage and most of all compassion and connection with other people and living things.

Most of my work has been done over the last year, but I began extremely slowly about 3 years ago. Not bad progress for the time frame.