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 // Fall
In This Issue:
December 2024
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*
1128. Jan. 6: Epiphany: The 3 Magi’s search for Jesus reminds us that Jesus came for all humankind, not just the Jewish people. So too, married love is not a gift to be hoarded. Reach out to someone who is sad, in trouble, or from a different culture. Can you do it together?
1129. Jan. 13: "Romance is a process...It's not a one-time thing. It's not something that's 'accomplished' and then forgotten. In order to work, it's got to be an ongoing thing." (Gregory J. P. Godek, 1001 Ways to Be Romantic) Think of one romantic way you can express your love for your spouse today. Do it.
1130. Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Day: Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about equality between the races. In marriage we call this mutuality. Although spouses may take on different tasks and roles, your value is equal. Is there any area of your marriage you want to be more equal (chores, parenting, income, affection)? Ask.
1131. Jan. 27: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13) On your wedding day you laid your very life into the hands of another person without knowing what the future held. (Leif Kehrwald, Marriage & the Spirituality of Intimacy) Sometimes it is hard to love unconditionally, Isn’t it?
1123. Dec. 2: Advent is a season of waiting, but... it may be hard to ponder waiting when there is so much preparation to do for Christmas. Perhaps wait patiently today for your beloved to return from work or complete a job.
1124. Dec. 9: What puts passion into your marriage? For newlyweds this may come easily. For others perhaps it's been awhile. Often rekindling romance is a matter of doing something new together. Be creative before the year ends.
1125. Dec. 16: What makes a marriage happy is often not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. How are you and your beloved most different?
1126. Dec. 23: With Christmas around the corner, you may be busy and tired. Pause for a moment to remember what’s most important about Christmas - Christ, the manifestation of love, becoming present to us in human form and in each other.
1127. Dec. 30: As one year ends and another begins, it’s natural to review and plan. Share your favorite marital moment of 2024. What's one hope you have to enhance your love in 2025?
*Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the above date.
1119. Nov. 4: With all the strife in our world today (Wars, sexual accusations, global warming...) it's easy to get discouraged about life. Hold your beloved close today and remember you have each other. Let your love flow to the world.
1120. Nov. 11: Want to get a "quiet spouse" to open up? Try going through old photos together, asking about his/her favorites (like school memory, relative, children’s story, childhood friends...)
1121. Nov. 18: "Love is always patient and kind; love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish...it is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Always? Never? That’s a tall order. But then our human love is never perfect and we must always keep trying.
1122. Nov. 25: Thanksgiving week in USA: Whether or not you travel over Thanksgiving, remember those who can’t afford a plane ticket, gas, or even a pair of shoes, or worse -- don't have a loved one with whom to share the day. Our bounty is not deserved, but a gift. Give some of it away.
1115. Oct. 7: With presidential elections looming in the USA, politics can sometimes be a divisive issue for married couples. Talk about what political issues you hold in common and which you may differ on. Discussing your differences respectfully is a lesson patriots of any country need to learn.
1116. Oct. 14: Columbus Day need not only be about Christopher Columbus. Perhaps use this day to rediscover your love. Take a trip down memory lane and ponder the first time you saw the person who is now your life partner. Share your first impressions and what initially attracted you to each other. Reminisce together.
1117. Oct. 21: In the northern hemisphere, Autumn is a season of leaves falling and nature taking a rest. Sometimes loving relationships need a rest from busyness too. What helps you refresh your love? – A walk in the woods together? A long nap? …?
1118. Oct. 28: As Halloween approaches is there anything that scares you about your beloved? Getting sick? Getting old? Getting bored with each other? Talk about any fears and face them together.
1110. Sept. 2: (Labor Day) Although Sept. 2 is a USA national holiday when many people are off work, consider what "labor of love" you can do for your beloved today. Perhaps pick a job your honey typically does and do it for him/her today.
1111. Sept. 9: All those 'and they lived happily ever after' fairy tale endings need to be changed to 'and they began the very hard work of making their marriage happy.' (Linda Miles, The New Marriage) Are there any fairy tale dreams I'm still holding that block my ability to love my spouse for better or for worse?
1112. Sept. 16: Sept. 16 is Independence Day in Mexico. Although US citizens celebrate July 4 as Independence Day, independence and dependence are concepts bigger than one’s country of origin. Healthy marriages involve both freedom and helping with your beloved’s needs. Which is easier for you?
1113. Sept. 23: Listening is not the same as being quiet. After the quiet, an effort to show your beloved you understand should follow. It may not require words, but it takes paying attention.
1114. Sept. 30: How do you tell your spouse something that may be difficult for them to hear? Honest but gentle face-to-face communication is an art that some of us are not that good at. Sometimes a sincere letter can work well.
*Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the above date.
PARENTING POINTERS*
1128. Jan. 3: The Epiphany is January 6. According to tradition, 3 kings came to honor the baby Jesus on this day. In this way the larger/secular world also recognized Jesus as God. Consider giving something gold, sweet smelling, or soothing (myrrh) to your child today as a sign of God’s presence within him or her.
1129. Jan. 10: Increase the quiet space in your home. Move the TV to a location other than the rooms where your family congregates for meals or conversation. Consider also where phones should be used.
1130. Jan. 17: Remember, your children are not a reflection of you. They are souls placed on this earth by God with their own unique purpose. Our job, as parent and guide, is to help them identify this purpose.
1131. Jan. 24: Let your children know when you see them acting responsibly, talking initiative, or being helpful. Use phrases like, "I appreciate that." or a simple "Thank you."
1132. Jan. 31: Family discussion starter: Imagine being present at the Creation. Which day is your favorite: light, the sky, the earth and vegetation, the sun and moon, birds and sea creatures, animals, humanity, a day of rest? (adapted from Family Calendar, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown)
1124. Dec. 6: On Dec. 6, St. Nick's day, children may get a small treat like candy in their shoe. But what about adding a note of appreciation; recognizing one of their talents.
1125. Dec.13: Politics has put a lot of stress on the USA this year. Seek out someone you may have different political views with. Listen first. You don't have to agree, but at least try to understand. Perhaps your child will notice your careful listening.
1126. Dec. 20: In this season of "Peace" continue your peacemaking by making an effort to resolve a conflict you have with a family member, a neighbor, or a person with a different political view from yours. Who ____? Try it.
1127. Dec. 27: Christmas gifts may be opened and enjoyed, but there's probably a lot of cleaning up to do. To be fully part of the family, include your children in the cleaning up too.
1119. Nov. 1: Nov. 1 is All Saints Day. Ask your child who their favorite saint is? Who are they named after? Who do they admire as a living saint? Learn together. http://www.catholic.org/saints/
1120. Nov. 8: "God Bless you" is not just for sneezes. Bless your child today. Click here for some ideas. https://www.susanvogt.net/EnrichmentEx.htm#BlessYourChildToday
1121. Nov. 15: You are a modern parent. BUT... is there an age-old piece of wisdom or advice that is still important for your child to know? Search the memory of your own childhood. Gently share a wise word with your child today.
1122. Nov. 22: "Dear God, thank you for the baby brother but what I prayed for was a puppy." (Joyce, age 6) We don’t always get what we pray for, Thank God. Is there something you fervently prayed for and later discovered your prayer was answered in a better way?
1123. Nov. 29: The Friday after Thanksgiving is the biggest buying day of the year. Try buying yourself some time by spending time as a family today -- and this doesn’t mean shopping. Perhaps travel back in time to the days of the Pilgrims. See if you can live for a day without electricity or automobiles, much less computers or phones.
1115. Oct. 4: Respect Life Month. It’s easy to pray for our own children. Their needs are so apparent to us. Pray today, not only for your own children, but for all children in our world, both born and unborn.
1116. Oct. 11: (Yom Kippur begins) Most world religions have annual times of self-introspection: Jews (Yom Kippur), Christians (Lent), Muslims (Ramadan). Regardless of faith, it’s healthy to reflect on how to be a better person. Teach your child to examine their conscience.
1117. Oct. 18: It’s Fall. Leaves are falling and piling up. Sure, you might challenge the family to rake them up, but remember to have fun first – jump together in the leaves or hide in a pile of dead leaves.
1118. Oct. 25: Oct. 24 was United Nations Day. The U.N. recognizes 193 nations. It commemorates humankind’s efforts to live peaceably together. Not easy for a family or our planet. Do you know what the newest country is? Try Googling it.
1111. Sept. 6: If your kids are of school age, September can be a hectic time. Some folk are naturally organized. Others need the help of a daily/weekly calendar, a check list, a bedtime review, etc. Ask your child what might help them even if it's you getting out of the way.
1112. Sept. 13: Is your family broken? (divorce, infidelity, the painful loss of a child or spouse...) all of these things, and others, can shatter a family. Be patient with yourself. If your own family is OK for now, does a family you know need support?
1113. Sept. 20: Are you tired of repeating yourself over and over to your kids? Step 1 - Get at eye-level with your child, then start to speak. Step 2 -- Ask for an "Echo” Let your child repeat what you've said. (Family Minute)
1114. Sept. 27: If your child is old enough to read, writing them a special letter can sometimes be more powerful than speech. Include 2 things -- that you love them for who they are; then praise them for a couple of their unique abilities.
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:
153. Jan. 6: CLOTHING
EASY: Perhaps you got a new piece of clothing for Christmas. Swap out a similar piece by donating it to a secondhand store - or at least retire it as a rag.
CHALLENGING: If you genuinely need a new piece of clothing, evaluate the fabric it’s made of. Seek natural fibers. Avoid petroleum-based fabrics such as nylon, polyester, and fleece when possible.
154. Jan. 13: BATHROOM CLEANUP
EASY: Review your bathroom medicine cabinet for duplicates and out of date medicines. Pick at least one duplicate item to donate to a homeless shelter. Discard expired medications.
CHALLENGING: Count how many plastic containers are in your medicine cabinet. Can you reduce the number by half? Examples: replace bottled shampoo or lotions with bars.
155. Jan. 20: ENERGY USE
EASY: Beyond heating, cooling, cooking, and lighting, count the items in your home that run on electricity. Is there anything you haven’t used in a year?
CHALLENGING: Give away any electrical devices you haven’t used in a year. Consider setting your computer to turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
157. Jan. 27: EDUCATING YOURSELF & OTHERS
EASY: Use the library or internet to educate yourself instead of buying books (except mine 😊)
CHALLENGING: Encourage others (your office, schools, religious organizations, etc) to recycle. Multiply your personal efforts by motivating others.
148. Dec. 2: ADVANCE CHRISTMAS PREP
EASY: Consider reducing the number of gifts you purchase. Agree with family/friends on a limit to the number of gifts or cost.
CHALLENGING: Instead of separate visits to all of your friends during the holiday season, consider hosting an open house. Perhaps have a used/homemade gift exchange.
149. Dec. 9: HOLIDAY CARDS
EASY: Holiday cards? Consider sending personalized E-cards to save paper and cost.
CHALLENGING: Or for print cards research companies and organizations that offset their carbon footprint by planting trees for each card order.
150. Dec. 16: GIFT GIVING
EASY: If you are going out to buy gifts, make as few driving trips as possible, thereby reducing your carbon footprint.
CHALLENGING: When possible, buy from local vendors, crafts artists, grocers, farmer's markets…
151. Dec. 23: WRAPPING PRESENTS
EASY: Recycle cardboard cores from wrapping paper.
CHALLENGING: Avoid buying tissue paper. If you already have some, use it/re-use it. (Tissue paper can't be recycled.)
152. Dec. 30: STARTING A NEW YEAR
EASY: Review 2024 with an environmental eye. Make at least one New Year's Resolution that involves an environmentally friendly new practice.
CHALLENGING: Looking ahead to 2025 and knowing that global warming remains a serious threat, decide one political or public action you can take to influence positive systemic environmental progress.
144. Nov. 4: HEATING
EASY: Winter heating: Change the air filter on your furnace once per month during the heating season. A dirty filter restricts air flow and causes the system to run less efficiently.
CHALLENGING: Inspect the ductwork in exposed areas (basement or attic). Repair any leaks from electrical lines, plumbing, and gas pipes from outdoors. Seal with foam insulation OR, If your heating system is in need of repair, replace it with an ENERGY STAR®-certified furnace, boiler or heat pump.
145. Nov. 11: FOOD
EASY: Ease up on the meat and cheese; consider chicken and wild fish instead.
CHALLENGING: Buy locally sourced and organic food. It is estimated that food production and transportation account for 13 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the USA, primarily in the form of fuel and fertilizer.
146. Nov. 18: PLASTIC REDUCTION
EASY: Pack a lunch when possible, instead of buying it.
CHALLENGING: If you smoke cigarettes (or know someone who does), consider that quitting can help the environment. By sheer numbers, cigarette butts top the list of plastics littering the world’s beaches.
147. Nov.25: TRANSPORTATION
EASY: Reduce car transportation by using public transit, biking, or walking when possible.
CHALLENGING: Can you get by with 1 less vehicle for your household? What if you only have 1 vehicle? Is it a hybrid or electric?
140. October 7 - CLEANING
EASY: Avoid cleaning products packaged in plastic. Since doing this 100% is practically impossible, to start, review your current cleaning products and list which ones come in plastic containers.
CHALLENGING: Avoid spray or disposable products for cleaning. Find substitute cleaning products (not packaged in plastic) for 1 or 2 cleaning products. Check Cleancult and Blueland for ideas.
141. October 14 - CLOTHING
EASY: Got stuff you're not wearing anymore? Donate them to a local charity, church, or resale store. BUT...
CHALLENGING: BUT... Don't donate torn, soiled clothing that cannot be worn and will therefore burden others. Click here (https://imperfectidealist.com/where-to-donate-clothes-besides-goodwill/) for alternative donation possibilities.
142. October 21 - CLUTTER
EASY: Pick one day this week (perhaps laundry day) to check one room of your home for stuff that's laying around unused or not put away. Collect the loose stuff. Put it near the front door to remind you to find a permanent home for it (even if it's just the trash).
CHALLENGING: Do this 'Clutter Check' weekly or monthly. Research local organizations/people who can pass your extras on to someone who needs them more than you.
143. October 28 - HALLOWEEN
EASY: With Halloween approaching, folks buy candy/trinkets to give away. Fine. But...also consider treats that are healthy for the body and spirit. Perhaps something with minimal sugar but still fun.
CHALLENGING: My own family of origin gave away pretzels because my dentist father didn't want to promote tooth decay. It did decrease the number of trick-or-treaters we got, but maybe you could come up with a more appealing treat -- maybe a cute book mark, a sweet apple, ...Be creative.
135. September 2 - REDUCE/REUSE/RECYCLE
EASY: With the recent Paris Olympics in mind, read about how athletes received their gold medals while standing on trash. Click here for article. (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/06/business/olympics-recycled-plastic.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare)
CHALLENGING: Think of a creative way to repurpose something you would normally just put in the garbage.
136. September 9 - SPIRITUAL
EASY: Meditate this week on how I can reduce my consumption of goods and choose one action to take.
CHALLENGING: Meditate regularly on simplifying my life. Find a way to multiply your insights with the broader community through writing or speaking.
137. September 16 - PLASTIC STRAWS
EASY: Don't buy plastic straws for home use. Decline them when offered at restaurants.
CHALLENGING: If a straw is necessary at home (or you just really like using one) try a bamboo or reusable metal one.
138. September 23 - ENERGY USE
EASY: Try an electricity free day. Candlelight at night can be romantic. It's OK to keep the refrigerator or other essential appliance running.
CHALLENGING: Consider whether you can eliminate one electric appliance (shaver, fan, dryer, AC) from your home – or at least reduce its use.
139. September 30 - PAPER
EASY: Stop junk mail. Opt out at 1-888-567-8688 or click here to find out how. (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-stop-junk-mail_n_5b27beb7e4b056b2263c5b54)
CHALLENGING: Use recycled, post-consumer paper products for kitchen, bathroom, and cleaning.
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.
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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.