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:
21: Embracing the Freedom of No (0)
19: Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads. (5)
17: Money and Impressions: A Fool's Game (10)
14: The Power Of One: How 1 Dollar Can Change A Life (5)
12: 10 Signs You Own Too Much Stuff (44)
10: Re-Centering Yourself: 5 Steps to a Balanced Life (8)
08: The Power of Embracing a Simpler Life: A New Perspective (10)
06: Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads. (6)
03: Clear Your Mind, Own Less, and Live More with Uncluttered: The Ultimate Decluttering Course (9)
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
MARRIAGE MOMENTS*
1036. Apr. 3: From the ecstasy of Palm Sunday to the crucifixion on Good Friday; it all seems so foolish and surreal. Is your life ever like this roller coaster? How do you calm each other in the midst of joy and tragedy?
1037. Apr. 10: Easter has come. Hurray! We can eat sweets again and let go of "giving up." But what has Lent taught you this year? Reflect together honestly about how this Lent (or harder times in general) have taught you a life lesson – perhaps how to love each other better, warts and all.
1038. Apr. 17: Apr. 17-23, 2023 is Natl. Week of Conversation. Of course this means talking together. But…remember to LISTEN FIRST. Consider taking the Listen First Pledge. (https://www.listenfirstproject.org/nwoc) Now the dilemma - Who starts the conversation so the other can "listen first"?
1039. Apr. 24: Last week was Natl. Conversation Week. What was your favorite conversation with your beloved? Forgot? It’s not too late. Talk today. Didn’t forget? Even better. Look for a new person to have a respectful conversation with - perhaps a stranger or someone you often disagree with.
1040. May 1: May 1 (May Day) can be a time of celebration as the weather is often pleasant. BUT… saying "May Day" fast, 3 times in a row can also be a call for help. Enjoy some time playing together today, but also check out if your beloved needs help with anything.
1041. May 8: Some couples learn about how to have a successful marriage from their own parents. Some take classes, get counseling, or are just lucky. Some life lessons also come from people who have divorced. Do you know anyone who has learned marriage the hard way? Listen to them.
1042. May 15: "Conrad Hilton was very generous to me in the divorce settlement. He gave me 5,000 Gideon Bibles." (Zsa Zsa Gabor) Do you own a Bible (or another holy book) you follow? What’s your favorite scripture?
1043. May 22: What's the best argument you’ve ever had with your beloved? You may have felt mad at each other at the time, but what helped you get past the anger or hurt to deepen your love?
1044. May 29: (Memorial Day) To serve country, spouse, or God is to give your life because of your love. Dying for a good cause is a great sacrifice, but sacrificing time and spending energy in the service of your beloved counts too. Serve your spouse in an unexpected way today.
1045. June 5: Praying is good. Praying with your beloved can be especially supportive, but HOW? Check out Who Me, Pray? With Her or Him? (http://susanvogt.net/PDF/PDF%20M-Who%20Me%20Pray%20With%20Her1.pdf) for ideas.
2 current resources are: Give Us This Day (https://giveusthisday.org/) and the Center for Action and Contemplation Daily Meditations (https://cac.org/daily-meditations/)
1046. June 12: "Married life teaches one invaluable lesson: to think of things far enough ahead not to say them." (Jefferson Machamer) What have you said to your spouse that you've regretted? You can't take the words back but it might help you slow down your speech.
1047. June 19: June 19 celebrates the end of slavery in the USA and is called Juneteenth. (https://www.juneteenth.com/) Of course there are many ways to be enslaved - think race, poverty, disabilities… No matter what your skin color, seek someone who is different from you this week and talk about your similarities and differences. Maybe this is your spouse.
1048. June 26: Is it any wonder that couples find it more difficult to keep marriage vows when promiscuity is portrayed as normative on sitcoms, snuck into e‑mails, and annoyingly pops up on websites. What is the media feeding your psyche? Your marriage?
*Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the above date.
PARENTING POINTERS*
1036. Apr. 7: As we remember Jesus' sorrow and pain on Good Friday, parents also have days of regret and pain while raising a child. Forgive yourself. Forgive your child. A better day will come. Sorrow is a necessary part of growing up for both your child and yourself. Don't give up.
1037. Apr. 14: Apr. 16-22 is Natl. Volunteer Week. Perhaps you already do plenty of volunteer work. Good. But what about your kids? Consider doing a family volunteer action this week or month. Ideally, let them make the decision of what to do. Examples: clean up an area, make a sad person happier...
1038. Apr. 21: April 22 is Earth Day. Enjoy nature together today or this weekend. Take a hike. Check out my ECO-TIPS. (https://www.susanvogt.net/Spirituality.htm#SpiritualityLinks)
1039. Apr. 28: It's spring planting time in the northern hemisphere. What is your child’s favorite vegetable? Is it something you can plant in your yard or a pot? Are they old enough to help? Try it -- alone or together.
1040. May 5: Officially May 1 - 7 is Screen Free Week) https://screenfree.org/ but you can start it any time. Ask your family if they are willing to free themselves of digital devices (with the exception of work or school) for one full week. Experiment with human or outdoor entertainment. Secret weapon: Tell your child it would make a great Mother’s Day gift.
1041. May 12: (Mother's Day) If you are a mother, give yourself a break today. If you are a father, help make this happen. If you know a mother who is struggling to raise her child alone, brainstorm a way to be supportive.
1042. May 19: It's hard to raise kids these days. Heck, it’s always been hard but in different ways in different eras. What do you think was the hardest part of raising a child during your own parents' or grandparents' day? Is it easier or harder now? There’s no answer to this, just something to think about.
1043. May 26: Remember, your children are not a reflection of you. They may look like you; or not 😊. At times you may be proud of them, at other times they may embarrass you. Your job as parent is to help them grow up. It can take a lifetime.
1044. June 2: The 1st week in June is National Barefoot Week. Go barefoot with your child this weekend for an hour or a day. Feel the grass, dirt, stones, or pavement under your feet and delight in it together. Remember those who don't have shoes. Soles 4 Souls (https://soles4souls.org/) can help you help others.
1045. June 9: "Brothers and sisters, rejoice, mend your ways, encourage one another…live in peace" (2 Corinthians 13:11) Sooo, translated to today’s family we might say, Laugh together, Say, "I’m sorry, I’ll do better," Support each other, Forgive. Which is easiest/hardest for your family?
1046. June 16: Monday, June 19 is Juneteeth which celebrates the end of slavery in the USA. Although slavery goes beyond skin color and employment, do you and your children have friends of a different race or economic level? Count how many. Reach out in friendship.
1047. June 23: Jeremiah said, "I hear the whisperings of many: Terror on every side!" (Jeremiah 20:10) Jesus said, "Do not be afraid…" (Mt. 10:31). To feel afraid at times is human. Share one thing each of you is afraid of. What helps you get through your fear?
1048. June 30: Travel can be draining with kids, but it can also be uplifting and increase our awareness of others. Whether it’s 20 or 2,000 miles, you meet people with different life stories. Take the time to listen to strangers along the way of your summer travel. Pray for them and the needs of the areas you visit.
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:
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.
CHALLENGING: Others have been engaged in the environmental movement for awhile and are ready to take a bigger step. To multiply our efforts, we are called to go beyond our own personal lifestyle, and to make bigger, systemic changes. Consider how to impact change in our neighborhoods, cities, country, the world.
62. Apr. 3: SPIRITUAL
EASY: During this Holy Week reflect on scriptures related to humility (Phil. 2: 6-8). Examine how you may think of yourself as better than other humans, animals, and nature.
CHALLENGING: During this Holy Week reflect on scriptures related to suffering (John 18-1 – 19:42). 2: 6-8) Examine how your desire to live comfortably may contribute to the suffering of others who don’t have as much money, health, or education.
Optional Generic ECO-TIP:
EASY: Check your pride. Examine how you may think of yourself as better than other humans, animals, and nature.
CHALLENGING: Examine how your desire to live comfortably may contribute to the suffering of others who don’t have as much money, health, or education.
63. Apr. 10: FOOD
EASY: Compost kitchen waste in a container or a remote part of your yard.
CHALLENGING: Veggies are good, but roots are better. Wondering which foods deliver the absolute most nutrients for the absolute least emissions it’s…carrots. (The Climate Diet by Paul Greenberg)
64. Apr. 17: EDUCATE YOURSELF - Earth Day is Apr. 22
EASY: Read Chapter 1 of Laudato Si’ (pgs. 6-18) (https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.pdf)
CHALLENGING: Choose one section of L.S. Chapter 1 (Pollution, Water, Biodiversity, Breakdown of Society, Inequality, Weak Responses, Opinions) to take an action on.
Optional Generic ECO-TIP:
EASY: Read about, or join a study group, fostering environmental sustainability.
CHALLENGING: Start an environmental book club to learn about climate science. Click here for a list of books to start with. https://therevelator.org/climate-books-september-2021/
65. Apr. 24: NATURE
EASY: Pick up trash along a walking-jogging route.
CHALLENGING: Plant a garden that will attract pollinators. Butterflies, bees, and birds can be your friends.
66. May 1: BANKING
EASY: "If we can get the banks to shift, that would probably have more global impact than getting Congress to shift." (Bill McKibben) To find out how banking and pollution are connected read about Third Act.
CHALLENGING: Find out if your bank has large investments in fossil fuels. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Wells Fargo are among the top contenders. Act on this information.
67. May 8: CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY
EASY: May Mother Nature nurture your mom today. If your gift is a meal, make it meatless. If your gift is an adventure hike in nature. If your gift is a memory, share stories of your mother’s kindness.
CHALLENGING: Do all three!
68. May 15: EDUCATE YOURSELF (LS, Chapter 2) The Gospel of Creation
EASY: Read Chapter 2 of Laudato Si’ (sections 62-100)
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
CHALLENGING: Choose one section (Faith, Biblical Accounts, the Universe, Harmony of Creation, Universal Communion, Goods, or Gaze of Jesus) to take an action on.
Optional Generic ECO-TIP:
EASY: Read an article about the environmental crisis / ecological justice. Google it.
CHALLENGING: Read a book about the environmental crisis and ecological justice.
69. May 22: PLASTIC
EASY: Restaurant eating - To avoid Styrofoam bring your own "doggie bag/box"
CHALLENGING: When grocery shopping avoid food/drinks held together with plastic. Some stores use cardboard instead or buy a bigger bottle.
70. May 29: ENERGY
EASY: Turn off appliances when not in use. Think TV, computer, etc.
CHALLENGING: Purchase Energy Star appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, water heater, dehumidifier) and high efficiency furnace, air conditioner, and windows.
71. June 5: FOOD STORAGE
EASY: Avoid plastic cling wrap, plastic bags or containers, especially if they can only be used one time and then discarded.
CHALLENGING: Consider alternatives to plastic food containers such as glass jars, silicone containers & lids, beeswax wraps, etc. Do some research.
72. June 12: NATURE
EASY: Spend some time walking, hiking, biking in nature this week.
CHALLENGING: Try to avoid using a car for one day (or at least one trip) this week. Learn what public transportation is available in your area and substitute it (or share a ride with a friend) to minimize car use.
73. June 19: PLASTIC
EASY: Inform yourself about the U.N. Plastics Treaty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoHCkniPt9w) by watching this 3½ minute video supported by The Story of Stuff Project. Ask yourself what you can do to support the treaty’s goals and passage.
CHALLENGING: If you can take the time and are willing to be disturbed, I challenge you to watch at least one of these 3 videos (each about 45 min.)
· The Recycling Myth (https://vimeo.com/665182954 - password: why22)
· We, the Guinea Pigs (https://vimeo.com/703665418 - password: why22)
· Coca-cola's Plastic Promises (https://vimeo.com/662987000 - password: why22)
74. June 26: EDUCATE YOURSELF more on Laudato Si'
EASY: Read Laudato Si' Chapter 3 (bit.ly/3pCSCjE) on The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis (Section 101-136) which covers Technology, Globalization, and Anthropocentrism. After reading Chapter 3, figure out what "Anthropocentrism" means. Google it if you must.
CHALLENGING: Explain "Anthropocentrism" to someone.😊
Optional Generic ECO-TIP
EASY: Seek out someone who is impacted by global warming (a farmer, shop keeper, someone who has lost a job…) and listen to their challenges.
CHALLENGING: Learn about the brands you buy by reading Behind the Brands and consider whether you should change any ways you spend your money.
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Peace, Gerald 'Jerry' Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
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