This complete digest, formerly posted monthly, is now updated at least weekly. It contains posts from both SLW! and other simple living sources.The SLW! Monthly Nudge/Blog/eNews (focus on SLW!) comes as a free subscription to SLW! Blog (When you arrive, click +Follow in lower right, add your email address, then confirm when email arrives.) The free Daily Nudges is available by email -- send SUBSCRIBE to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com -- or by Twitter @GeraldIversen.
2022-- Winter // Spring // Summer // Fall
2023-- Winter // Spring // Summer
In This Issue:
Nov. 2023
What's been happening on my Living Lightly blog lately.
How Much Is Enough? Part 2 - What household stuff do you and I hang on to 'just in case'?
Uber Recycling #5 - Reviewing some recycling basics and adding a few you may not have tried yet
Lightening Your Heart #2 - Check out the 6 ways I avoid being a 'Debbie Downer.' Do any of these work for you? What's our PLANET got to do with it?
Wondering What Is True - One person's fake news is another person's truth. How to tell the difference.
What Is Mine To Do? - As Lent began, I had a 4 point plan. Do any of my resolutions match yours?
Going Into Hiding - Looking behind, underneath, and inside to find what's hiding
Vogt LIVING LIGHTLY Quarterly Blog Alert (Sept., Oct., Nov., 2023)
1. Am I Doing Enough
2. Love the Hub
3. Good Waits, Fasts, Problems
MARRIAGE MOMENTS*
1069. Nov. 17: It's a few weeks before many families face the frenzy of preparing for Christmas. Why not pick 1 or 2 rooms in your home to clear of clutter. What’s clutter and what’s essential? Discuss it with your children. Then agree to give away or throw away at least 1 item from each person.
1070. Nov. 24: The day after Thanksgiving is often called "Black Friday" since merchants often start making a profit as Christmas shopping starts. It's also called "Buy Nothing Day" by those trying to reduce consumerism. Sure, you’re going to buy presents some time but buy less, avoid fighting crowds, spend the time playing with your kids today. That’s the most meaningful present you can give.
1071. Dec. 4: On Dec. 3, Christians start the Advent season of "Waiting" for the birth of Jesus. Help each other exercise the self-discipline of waiting to celebrate. Sure, you have to prepare, probably buy a Christmas tree and presents. Perhaps try waiting to decorate the tree till Christmas Eve.
1072. Dec. 11: December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. One thing that is important about Mary's appearance is that she took on the look of a Mexican peasant. What is your beloved's national heritage? How do you think Mary would look in that culture? How might she look if she appeared to you today?
1073. Dec. 18: As we get closer to Christmas it may be hard to continue to wait. OR, you may be feeling that there’s just not enough time to do all the shopping, cooking, decorating, etc. Let go of the non-essentials and focus on unconditionally loving each other. If necessary, forgive.
1074. Dec. 25: (Christmas) "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree." What’s the silliest, most creative, or most romantic gift your true love has given you? Be a humble human today. That's what Jesus did by becoming human
1075. Jan. 1: (New Year's Day) Ask your spouse if there's one little annoying habit that he/she would like you to work on changing. You don’t HAVE to do it, but the best part of a New Year's resolution might be making an effort to please the one you love most.
1076. Jan. 8: For some couples children come readily or even by surprise. Others painfully wait month after month hoping to become a parent. Or maybe you're past the childbearing age. Whatever your situation, pray for those who seek to become parents.
1077. Jan. 15: MLK Day - What does it mean to be equal? Are both of you equally good at cooking, mechanical things, sewing, small talk? Probably not. Even though your spouse may have a natural talent for a particular task, try trading chores for a day. Trading places can bring new appreciation for each other. Even if the job doesn’t get done as well, it can provide a laugh.
1078. Jan. 22: During the long, usually cold, nights of winter, plan a warm surprise for your beloved. Perhaps you both might independently choose the same surprise. What a surprise that would be!
1079. Jan. 29: "Give great care to the preparation of engaged couples and be close to the young married couples, so that they will be...an eloquent testimony of God's love." (Pope John Paul II, 2001) Pray today for volunteers who guide couples through marriage programs. PARENTING POINTERS
1071. Dec. 1: The Christian season of Advent begins on Dec. 3. Advent is a time of waiting. Of course we're waiting (again) for the rebirth of Christ into our world. But waiting is hard, especially for children. Help your children enter into the positive spirit of waiting. Perhaps make an Advent calendar and open a new door each day.
1072. Dec. 8: December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Patroness of the Americas. Tell your children the story of Juan Diego. Don’t know it? Click here. (http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-12-12)
1073, Dec. 15: Are your children getting tired of waiting…for Christmas? Our human personalities aren’t geared to wait happily. Instant gratification seems more attractive. But learning to wait for treats is a good habit to cultivate in your child. If every day was your birthday, your birthday would not feel very special.
1074. Dec. 22: Christmas is almost here. If your child is old enough to remember past Christmases, talk about favorite customs and perhaps even a snafu that might have happened. Remember and laugh together.
1075. Dec. 29: The days between Christmas and New Years can be a happy but also hectic family time. Perhaps you're hosting relatives or traveling to visit them. Ask your child which Christmas routines they like and which they don’t? What would they substitute?
1076. Jan. 5: Jan. 6 is the feast of the Epiphany when the 3 wise men visited the Holy Family. Think of a wise thing that your child has done or something that he/she has taught you? Affirm this wisdom in your child. Learn from each other.
1077. Jan. 12: Here we are in the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Are you getting tired of it? Find something fun for your family to do together. Play a new game. Draw cartoons of each other. Dress up in costumes. Be silly together. Let your kids lead.
1078. Jan. 19 is National Popcorn Day. Who would've thought😊? Besides eating popcorn are there other fun things you can do with it? Make a picture by gluing it to paper. Try to toss it into each other's mouth. Use popcorn as tokens for a board game. Be creative.
1079. Jan. 26: Have a Book Night. Everyone chooses their favorite book. If it’s a short children's book, read it together. If it's a longer or adult book, tell the family why it's your favorite. Perhaps read a paragraph you particularly like, or just read quietly together.
Parenting Pointers go out to individuals on Fridays. For Sunday bulletins, use the closest Friday.
ECO-TIPS
TO EDUCATORS, LEADERS, & MINISTERS:
I offer you these Eco-Tips as a resource for those you serve.
My own faith tradition is Catholic and thus Pope Francis' teaching in Laudato Si' inspired these ways of Living Laudato Si'. Of course caring for creation transcends religions and is indeed a universal undertaking. It cannot be done alone.
You are welcome to reprint these in bulletins, newsletters, and on your website with the credit, "By Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net"
For related articles go to my Living Lightly Blog: www.SusanVogt.net/blog
Since those we reach may be in many different places regarding environmental efforts, I offer 2 options each week:
97. December 4: THE CLIMATE CRISIS
EASY: As we approach Christmas, it’s tempting to put the rest of life on hold. But...think now about at least 1 way to reduce waste during the holidays. Maybe buy less, decorate more simply, donate to an environmental cause…
CHALLENGING: Read Pope Francis recent 15 page letter on the climate crisis, Laudate Deum, for inspiration. It’s worth the time.(https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20231004-laudate-deum.html)
OPTIONAL GENERIC ECO-TIP: Read an inspirational article or book of your choice about the climate crisis and act on it.
98. December 11: AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY
EASY: Read 30+ Eco-Friendly Tips for a Sustainable Holiday (https://greencitizen.com/blog/sustainable-holiday-tips/) Choose 1 to implement.
CHALLENGING: Choose 5 of the Eco-Friendly Tips to do and make sure at least 1 is a new practice for you.
99. December 18: HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
EASY: Re-use paper, boxes & bags from prior years. If purchasing holiday lights be sure they are LEDs.
CHALLENGING: Make a wreath out of objects found in nature.
100. December 25: WRAPPING PRESENTS
EASY: Relax. Focus on the person you are giving a gift to more than fancy wrapping. Perhaps use a cloth bag and slip in a heartfelt note to the recipient.
CHALLENGING: Buy next year’s gifts/wrappings during this year’s clearance sales.
101. January 1: PLASTICS
EASY: Say no to single-use plastic straws and take away coffee cups.
CHALLENGING: Bring your own reusable carryout cup, OR slow down, relax, and drink your beverage at the eatery.
102. January 8: CLOTHING/WARMING UP
EASY: Layer Up – During cold months wear an extra layer around your home thus allowing you to lower the setting on your thermostat.
CHALLENGING: Install a programmable thermostat which allows you to automatically reduce heating at night or when no one is home.
103. January 15: PAPER USE
EASY: Instead of disposable tissues, use handkerchiefs when possible.
CHALLENGING: Instead of paper copies of stuff, use electronic media when possible/practical.
104. January 22: REDUCE/REUSE/RECYCLE
EASY: Buy Products with less packaging.
CHALLENGING: If/when your computer, printer, phone, or other tech equipment has become obsolete, research how to safely dispose of these devices. (Optional add on: Email susanvogt1@gmail.com your best solutions so I can spread the word.)
105. January 29: SPIRITUALITY
EASY: Meditate once a week on your relationship with the ecosystem in which you live.
CHALLENGING: Commit to act on at least one environmental cause that concerns you. Write a letter to the editor, join an environmental group, donate to an eco-cause…
TO EDUCATORS, LEADERS, & MINISTERS:
I offer you these Eco-Tips as a resource for those you serve.
My own faith tradition is Catholic and thus Pope Francis' teaching in Laudato Si' inspired these ways of Living Laudato Si'. Of course caring for creation transcends religions and is indeed a universal undertaking. It cannot be done alone.
You are welcome to reprint these in bulletins, newsletters, and on your website with the credit, "By Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net"
For related articles go to my Living Lightly Blog: www.SusanVogt.net/blog
Since those we reach may be in many different places regarding environmental efforts, I offer 2 options each week: EASY: Some of us are just starting to awaken to the need to care for creation, or have been busy with jobs, raising a family, or other social justice commitments. We may not have much discretionary time. OR, it may simply be a relief to note, “Hey, I’m already doing this one!” Good.
The 0122 Episode of Simpler OneEarth Living is the last for the present. All 250+ episodes are presented--one at a time--as part of Simple Living Daily Nudges Enhanced. To subscribe, send NUDGE to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com. Free! No ads! Different Theme each month! Different Focus each week!
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Peace, Gerald 'Jerry' Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
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*Treasury of Celebrations: published by Northstone, a division of Wood Lake Publications, BC, Canada, best known for its Seasons of the Spirit curriculum.