If your are friends with me on Facebook, or follow me on Pinterest, or just know me In Real Life (IRL), as they say, you already know that I have a bit of an obsession with tiny homes and simple living. Simple living is something I strive for every day. I still have a ways to go, in my mind, but I have already gotten rid of a lot of stuff in my apartment. In fact, I willingly downsized from a one bedroom to a studio in my building. It has been one of the best decisions I have made! I moved from an apartment that faced the street and received all of its noise, to a smaller apartment toward the back of my building. Now I hear the breezes rustling through the trees instead of the T announcer telling everyone and no one the final destination of that train.
Growing up, I had a grandmother who lived through the Great Depression. She had a cabinet in her kitchen devoted to “reserve” so that she would never run out of certain items. Her daughter, my mom, has always had a tendency to hold onto things “just in case.” It was ingrained in me until even a few years ago, when I had a dresser in which I would buy my extra bulk purchases like laundry detergent, etc. I always bought multiples of things (even when married) if I thought something was a “good deal.” But no more.
When I tell some people about my tiny living/house obsession, some shake their heads in disbelief and just say how they couldn’t live like that. Others start asking lots of questions and seem really interested. Still others are interested but insist they could never do it because of one obligation or encumbrance or another. I get that. I don’t have kids, just student loans I have to care for and accommodate. I wish they weren’t my “kids” but they are, so I make the best of it.
Part of why I like the idea of living in a tiny house (or small, as some are considered), or even a travel trailer, is because I want to pare down to just what is essential in life. (See The Comet Camper for a super cute space I wouldn’t mind having.) I like the idea of not paying rent and owning my own roof over my head, even if it is a mobile one. I know that there are some negative connotations to living in a trailer but I really don’t care. Actually, the less and less I have cared about what other people think about me, the less stress I have had in my life.
I am heading to DC this weekend for a tiny house workshop led by Jay Shafer himself. To say that I am excited is an understatement. I wanted to go so badly I decided to take the bus to keep the costs down. This from a girl that said many, many years ago, “I am never never never taking a bus to travel AGAIN.” That’s another part of me that has changed. I really am putting my money toward what makes me happy. As in my electric bike. 🙂 It’s allowing me to save money on gas and also hopefully doing my small part to help save the planet by not driving so much.
Anyway, I am really hoping to meet like-minded people and become involved with the Tiny House Movement, as it’s often referred to. I have realized that I seek out videos and stories about people involved with tiny homes and simple living quite often, so clearly it’s a passion of mine. I’m trying to follow my heart these days, and simplicity is one of those things that has captured my heart. I will definitely keep you posted about the workshop and what I will learn from it.
What concept or idea has captured your heart? What makes it skip a beat?
Chasing Simple Dreams 