Wonderful column in Newsweek

[wmw999 2,589]

Those of us who resent all the time taken from our lives by the many things we do need to read this article:
Robert Samuelson column in Newsweek

I read it this morning. So many of the problems that we have now (not all of us, but the time-stressed often do) are because we can, more and more, almost "have it all," and we scurry around trying to do that. The part I particularly liked starts about halfway down, talking about "time squeeze."

I love choices. But I think I'm going to choose to commit to less, and see what happens.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Luv2Fall 0]

Excellent article - thanks.

[TheAnvil 0]

Nice read.

Vinny the Anvil

Vinny the Anvil
Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL
JACKASS POWER!!!!!!

[Rebecca 0]

Thanks Wendy.
I recently experienced a paralysis of sorts when it came to buying a washer and dryer. It's so silly and mundane, but I've NEVER purchased anything like that for myself. Never.

After looking in the classifieds, on the internet, at Home Depot, appliance stores...etc, and asking everyone I know what their opinion is, I just couldn't decide. Cheap and good enough, or more expensive and really efficient? Laundry was piling up.

I finally got so fed up, I went to Conn's last night and spent a ridiculous amount of money on a new, Maytag, EnergyStar compliant, extra-douple-super-plus capacity WD set. It's so pretty, and will be delivered and installed in about an hour. Yes, I chose appliances over a vacation. I think I'm an adult now.

They have a nifty price guarantee, so if I find it cheaper anywhere else within 30 days, they'll refund the difference plus 15%. I refuse to succumb to buyer's remorse.

I can't wait to get home and do my laundry.

you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk?

[smiles 0]

Very informative article, glad I took the time to read.

I choose to commit to less. Maybe as I was raised by a single mom- (our family was deprived materially-we never starved, and canned green peas were a delight) has something to do with that choice.

The time did come to purchase a new car and driving it was so strange to me- "instant stress"
I was continually thinking about how it portrayed me to be someone I was not. I was way more comfortable driving my rusted out oldsmobile.

The home purchased after the children were raised is 23 yrs. old -built solid, new roof..well taken care of. The plan was to renovate, fix it up- increase the value. I also did not fit in to the "house is everything mode"....spent so much time seeing line ups at home depo- and taking good long looks at unhappy people running around with their hair turning grey trying unsucessfully to spend full time life on making their glass dream home.

We have never had problems making our home feel like home- without spending money- (always rented...)
Now after 2 years of living in my home I have still not spent a dime on renovating----except to paint. Spent many many hours on what I'd like to have renovated and visualizing how it would look...then comes all new appliances and furniture. Our home is comfortable the way it is- have years and years to prioritize. Comfort can be had without becoming material.

Moved all my plants here and have spent time creating a beauty garden which brings me hours of therapeutic joy, actually my back yard brings more joy happiness than the house does.

Looking back as a parent -sure glad that the t.v. was not the focal point in our living room ever. I was concerned about the effect excessive materialism can have on the development of my children's self image and values. I feel children are very sensitive to advertising as at its best-- is making people feel that without their product they are a loser. (effects of materialism) A healthy society raises children to be responsible citizens rather than just consumers.

SMiles

Creating healthy, happy families means spending time together rather than spending money.