Sister Samuella’s 25 Tips to Living a Simple Lifestyle

This post was originally drafted in October of 2018 but somehow never got published. Check out the list below from Sister Samuella on how to live a simple, clean lifestyle. Seems like she may have had a peek into the future with her ideas on using more video conferencing and making sure to always support local businesses.

Three words: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Spiritual life

• Think of three things you are grateful for first thing in the morning before you start your day.
• Be present and in the moment when you have a good experience or affirming encounter with someone.
• Find beauty in the natural world. Consider a visit to Jubilee Farm to take a walk on a trail.
• Laugh a lot.

Shopping

• Choose material goods as resources to share with your family over collecting or acquiring objects to show status or wealth.
• Choose food and other items with less packaging.
• Buy less.
• Buy clothes, furniture, and kitchen supplies at resale shops.
• Accept hand-me-down clothing from friends and family.
• Buy fair trade items and goods that practice your personal values in their business methods.

Food

• Always eat your leftovers.
• Eat simple, natural foods with less meat and sugar.
• Visit your local farmers market for produce.
• Grow your own herb or vegetable garden.
• Plan your meals at the beginning of the week and have a consistent breakfast and lunch—think of your first and second meals as fuel over a satisfying experience.
• Enjoy dinners with friends and family as a shared experience in food preparation, cooking, and conversation.
• Make meals with versatile veggies for multiple meals each week.

Traveling

• Schedule carpool rides or share rides.
• Use public transportation whenever possible.
• Use video conferencing to cut down on travel expenses.
• Practice constant vehicle maintenance and change oil.

Money

• Be responsible with money and share with others what you don’t require for basic needs, healthcare, and retirement.
• Invest with the needs of the poor and the resources of Earth in mind over compulsive consumerism.
• Think local when it comes to your economy: buy local and buy Earth-friendly products.
• Donate to a nonprofit organization that will actively work to create the change you want to see in the world.

What other ways do you try to live a simple life? Let us know in the comments below.