NormsMilfordBlog

The Best of Jack’s Winning Words 2/20/24 – reposts of the blog of the late Pastor Jack Freed…

“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” (Longfellow) Christopher News Notes tells of Susan Vogt and how she challenged herself to get rid of one item each day during Lent. Not only did she want to live more simply, but she also wanted to donate things to those in need. It was so successful that she decided to keep on doing it…every day…one item. What a great idea – giving up “things” for Lent!  😉  Jack  
 
Originally sent Feb 18, 2015.

One reason many older people get identified (or misidentified) as hoarders is that they don’t get rid of things. For reasons that are a mystery keeping things (even things that others might call trash) gives them a sense of security. They have their “stuff” all around themselves.

I find myself questioning why I have kept some of my stuff, especially old clothes or shoes that I no longer wear. Some of those items are quite worn, even threadbare, but many are not; I just don’t wear them anymore. I must become more like Susan Vogt and challenge myself to get rid of those things. It’s really not that hard to find places to donate stuff, especially things that are still useful or wearable.

Getting rid of stuff is one way to simplify your life. Another way is to always live truthfully. Living any other way means having to remember the lies that you’ve told or the conspiracy theories that you believe are ruling your life. Conspiracy theories and misinformation are anything but simple and should be easy to identify and avoid. Why then are so many people taken in by them and led astray?  I suspect that the answer is fear of the truth. The truth often exposes our mistakes or past transgressions and, if accepted, could lead to a perceived loss of power, possessions, or prestige.

Instead of expending large amounts of mental energy concocting elaborate conspiracy theories about those who are supposedly manipulating things against you, it is much simpler to just admit that you were wrong, forgive yourself and move on with life – simple. The hidden key to that approach is that you are taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions, rather than trying to blame some invisible hand that you think is trying to manipulate you. The mantra “I’m in charge of me” is much simpler than trying to explain how George Soros (or pick your own conspiracy theory) is somehow controlling things (and you)from behind the scenes.

Life does not have to be complicated. Just remember and heed Longfellow’s words – “In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” 

In more modern times we have an acronym for that – KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid).