"I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, 'Where's the self-help section?' She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose." --George Carlin
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I've been reading a few self-help books lately. Most of them are related to personal finance (you'll probably hear about them in some later post), but I also recently read one called Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter by Elaine St. James. Some of her suggestions were helpful (e.g. go with patterned carpet because it hides spots), some I was already doing (e.g. don't buy clothes that need dry cleaning), and some was a bit too hardcore simple for me (e.g. don't make your bed; skip the holidays).
One idea that I initially filed in that last category was her suggestion to "do nothing" for one day a month. Even if this was remotely possible for a mother of two young children, I'm not sure I'd want to spend an entire day just communing with the universe and the dust motes.
To my surprise, though, I've since realized that "nothing" is one of my favorite things to do with Baby Daniel. When we're the only ones awake in the house I love to just cuddle him close or watch him stare intently at random objects in the room. Sometimes he looks at me and we have fun little cooing conversations, but most of the time it's just peaceful and soothing to quietly be together, doing "nothing."
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4 comments:
Nothing is relative. To Daniel, your nothing is a major something.
I always love your quotes.
I do have a question for the author of your SH book. If you SKIP THE HOLIDAYS then what in the world is she thinking are the "things that matter." It is all about the memories, I'm thinkin.
I'm with you. I think some of her "simple" ideas are rather antisocial. She also doesn't answer the door if she doesn't feel like it.
Kimberly...you're cool.
Oh and by the way, my sister has never read this book you are talking about but this is how she lives her life. And I must say, she's a fabulous one to hang with!
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