Simplicity and minimalism is the new trend, Living off grid in the woods.

Simplicity and minimalism: the benefits of living a simple, minimalist off grid lifestyle.

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Patrick and Crystal Atkeson
preparedliving@yahoo.com

The recent trend has been simplicity and minimalism. I'm asking myself this question, Did we chose this life or did it choose us?

As I get the day started, I jump into routine and do what needs to be done. Today the forecast is cloudy which means it won't be a good solar day. Thank goodness for the generator. I'll give the batteries a jump start with a good charge.

What does it mean to live off-grid Just being disconnected from the power grid? Being disconnected from the conveniences of modern life? We have a TV but do not have satellite or cable. We don't have WIFI but we can use our cellphones to do things online. Our electricity comes from the sun and a generator. We haul in fresh water for showers and laundry and filtered water for drinking and cooking. In the winter we use wood and propane as our heat source. This will be our first summer living out here. Patrick has his mind set on installing a small air conditioner in the cabin so that we can still keep cool in the heat of the summer. This will be another learning experience.

In a couple days we will be moving again. Not off the property but moving the cabin to its new permanent spot. I'm excited but nervous
Nervous because we will be towing it ourselves. I'll save that story for another day.

Slow simple living has opened up a new outlook on life. I don't have all the clutter, in a physical and mental sense. I will try to explain this the best I can. I don't have all the life clutter but I have more to do than I did before. But it still feels like less. Just to do the simple things takes more work than it did in our life before, but it doesn't feel like a burden. If I'm being completely honest I like the challenge. Even on the hard days the work has to be done so that we can survive out here.

You may not live like we do but there are ways you can embrace simplicity and minimalism in your life.

Start by decluttering your living space. Get rid of any unnecessary possessions and only keep what is essential.

To learn sustainability you could start by using less electricity when possible, conserving water usage, and growing some stuff.

Limit the hours you watch tv and scroll on social media. Find some things to do outside. Make some fresh tea or coffee and sit on your front porch or in your yard under a shade tree and just listen to nature. You would be amazed at how much this discipline in your life will change your mentally and mood.

Prioritize prayer and make a habit of reading scripture everyday. Our soul needs that connection with God. Our spirit wants it!

I pray that we may all learn to live free apart from the world's desires, so that we may more fully experience the abundant life that God has for us.

Jesus said, The thief ( our enemy satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Jesus is our good shepherd, let him lead you into a life of freedom!
Amen