Simplify - and live the good life!

One day this summer I was standing in a National Bookstore in Ayala Mall, Cebu, Philippines.. Looking at a book written by local guy called Bo Sanchez: Simplify - and live the good life..

I was thinking: "Simplify"... What in the world did he mean by that?? I soon found out that he was talking about all the material things that get in the way of our happiness.. Still I was curious, because what could a guy from one of the poorest countries in the world have to say about this?... I had to buy the book! :-)

I was laying at the beach relaxing and reading, while my kids was diving for exciting things at the bottom of the sea... The book was really inspiring me!

Reading along, I was connecting my new knowledge to things happening in my own life back in Norway, and the way I was living...

Just take a minute to think about it: Do we really have to own the latest versions of everything? Mobilephones, TV's, furniture, cars... Everything is constantly renewed in "better" versions, bigger, faster, more equipped.. How much effort is spend by the industry making these things in advertising to get us to "need" the things they sell? They find new methods to "trick" our minds to want what they have to sell..

For each new thing we own, there comes responsibility. First of all, it costs money to buy it. This is money that could have been used to pay down a loan, or it can be saved for something more useful or an unexpected cost. Second, everything you own, you have to look after, - so it doesn't get broke or lost. And if it should brake, you get an extra cost or worry from this. Maybe even someones steels it from you, and this can make you upset?!.. :-)

If you took a piece of paper, and wrote down the things in you life you REALLY NEED. How many things would this be? And what about the things you own that is not on this list? Try to experiment with the thought of giving some of your things to somebody you care about, - maybe they will enjoy it more than you do?.. At least challenge the thought of having to renew when an updated version is released, - and the TV commercial is telling that this is a "must have" for all people who wants to stay cool and happy!

There is an expression that say "travel light".. I think this is exactly what this is about! When you own more things in life than you need, the things you own in the end really own you instead!...

So think twice before you spend your money! Simplify - and live the good life! :-)

When I had read the book finished, I went back to to bookstore and actually purchased 10 of these books, so I could give to people I care about back home! :-) And at a price of 250 PHP a piece, this makes about 30 NOK, it's a good investment if it can prevent only one unnecessary buy for someone!... ;-)