Hi Molly, this was an interesting and relatable read. We too have learned to make peace with being - I hesitate to use the word poor - financially challenged. We have even grown to be thankful for our somewhat frugal existence and would also list many of the benefits that you included in your piece. Our financial struggles have not been by design, and there have been times when a little more stability would have helped us on our journey, but regularly we have opted to have time to ourselves over the potential to earn more money.
There is a balance here, as we obviously have rent to pay (and cars to fix) and no safety net to fall back on, but the freedom and joy that comes from finding true wealth outside of the typical system and of being happy with our lot is more than worth its weight in gold.
I think it’s worth noting that many people find themselves poor, not through choice but through failings of society, and through no fault of their own are not in a position to consider themselves fortunate to be lacking the means to make ends meet. We are lucky to have loving (if also poor) friends and families, and have been endowed with creative thinking and have received a basic education along the way which affords us the head space and time to appreciate what we have, and I feel for those who have not had those opportunities.
Our own secret has been to cultivate a deep relationship with Nature and we’re constantly thankful for the wealth we receive.
When I left that 'said high flying job' my colleagues said I would be back. They were wrong. Give me an empty field and my four children every day of the week. Just think of the adventures. Super read, Molly. xx
There are so many simple parts of life that get overlooked in the race to the top - or by those feeling the pinch and focusing on the ‘can’t haves’. Cooking a simple meal, but beautifully and with love. Keeping a clean and tidy home, displaying what you do have carefully and stylishly. Casual, simple entertaining around more simple food, board games, going for a walk. Swapping books with friends and talking about them. Growing your own food if and where you can. So many amazing parts of life that are ignored in pursuit of more shiny things x
This was a nostalgia fest for me, too! I grew up modestly on the family sawmill in Ayrshire in one of three cottages alongside many cousins, aunts and uncles. We were like the Waltons (and yes, my mother is called Mary Ellen...) We didn't have much and grew up (in the 1990s) with open fires and the Rayburn. Central heating was only installed after I left home. I, too, feel that these times shaped me. My own family life now is far more comfortable, but it makes me worry a bit about my daughters, to be honest. I think we were so much more resourceful for our modest start...
Fantastic read Molly. So relatable to me. As one of 6 children we lived rurally and had a 'field' as our garden 😉. We holidayed with an old Icelandic tent whilst the younger ones (me included) slept on a mattress in the family trusty 'Commer' van. My upbringing too has shaped me into the person I am today. Xxx
So interesting to read about how your early life shaped your choices and lifestyle now. I hope your parents read this, and know what precious gifts they gave you and your siblings, by rearing you in the way that they did. Lovely! Thank you for sharing all this. The Earth would be sooo better off if more of us lived the way you do. It takes courage to buck the system/culture/mainstream, and I commend you for doing it and for inspiring others to try a frugal, minimalist lifestyle, too -- or even just make steps in that direction. I truly believe this is the way humans were "wired" to live, biologically -- more simply.
Oh this made me smile. I have memories of us 5 kids rubbing the seats of the car and talking encouragingly to it as a parent attempted to start it. Lovely piece. Thank you
As I’ve been studying for a long time now, I’ve spent many years living on a shoestring budget and I’ve found the lessons of living frugally out of necessity to be invaluable. It has taught me to cook rather than go out unnecessarily, making meals out a real treat, to value what I already have, to buy used rather than new where possible, to participate in public services like the library, and to decide what really matters enough to me to spend money on (this has turned out to be fabric and wool for making clothes rather than buying them because I get an experience and a garment, books that I love, and the items I cannot make but need or cherish, like shoes or beautiful cups). I wouldn’t trade this knowledge for anything!
Oh, the sweet, slow satisfaction of living simply. Grounded in the present and grateful for what is. Thank you so much for sharing your way of being. I could feel your contentment and peace. 🩷
Our mother used to pat the dashboard of our car of the day and thank it for a safe journey upon arrival after a longer journey. All our cars had names. I continue this. My father was a motor mechanic. We didn’t have much as children but I remember happy times. Records were often playing on our family record player and my parents used to dance around the lounge room. Lovely.
Hi Sarah. Our latest is called Olive (obviously the colour although my partner says it’s a shade of yellow, which she’s NOT! 🥴) and previous was Daisy after the Driving Miss Daisy film. She was black in colour. Thanks for your comment. 👋
I love this post (I love all your emails but felt compelled to coment on this one). Its a beautiful thing to value time over money.
I work part time too and have just reduced my hours slightly further to 3 days a week. Sometimes having more time to figure life out is so much more important than a steady income. Like you I would be worried about the car.
Life is more of an adventure when we have to find creative solutions than don't simply mean getting out our purses.
I can't wait to see your journey towards getting your piece of land to park your beautiful tiny home on. It will be amazing! Thanks for all your content,
Hi Molly, this was an interesting and relatable read. We too have learned to make peace with being - I hesitate to use the word poor - financially challenged. We have even grown to be thankful for our somewhat frugal existence and would also list many of the benefits that you included in your piece. Our financial struggles have not been by design, and there have been times when a little more stability would have helped us on our journey, but regularly we have opted to have time to ourselves over the potential to earn more money.
There is a balance here, as we obviously have rent to pay (and cars to fix) and no safety net to fall back on, but the freedom and joy that comes from finding true wealth outside of the typical system and of being happy with our lot is more than worth its weight in gold.
I think it’s worth noting that many people find themselves poor, not through choice but through failings of society, and through no fault of their own are not in a position to consider themselves fortunate to be lacking the means to make ends meet. We are lucky to have loving (if also poor) friends and families, and have been endowed with creative thinking and have received a basic education along the way which affords us the head space and time to appreciate what we have, and I feel for those who have not had those opportunities.
Our own secret has been to cultivate a deep relationship with Nature and we’re constantly thankful for the wealth we receive.
Cheers,
Andrew
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I completely agree in appreciating being surrounded by a loving family :)
When I left that 'said high flying job' my colleagues said I would be back. They were wrong. Give me an empty field and my four children every day of the week. Just think of the adventures. Super read, Molly. xx
Thank you mother :) xx
There are so many simple parts of life that get overlooked in the race to the top - or by those feeling the pinch and focusing on the ‘can’t haves’. Cooking a simple meal, but beautifully and with love. Keeping a clean and tidy home, displaying what you do have carefully and stylishly. Casual, simple entertaining around more simple food, board games, going for a walk. Swapping books with friends and talking about them. Growing your own food if and where you can. So many amazing parts of life that are ignored in pursuit of more shiny things x
These are all such wonderful examples! :)
have you read Timeless Simplicity by John Lane? I think you'd love it
May we all have what we need, and some of what we want. Enjoyed your story.
This was a nostalgia fest for me, too! I grew up modestly on the family sawmill in Ayrshire in one of three cottages alongside many cousins, aunts and uncles. We were like the Waltons (and yes, my mother is called Mary Ellen...) We didn't have much and grew up (in the 1990s) with open fires and the Rayburn. Central heating was only installed after I left home. I, too, feel that these times shaped me. My own family life now is far more comfortable, but it makes me worry a bit about my daughters, to be honest. I think we were so much more resourceful for our modest start...
Aw what a wonderful description of your childhood! I think there are pros and cons to both :)
Agreed 💯. It's getting harder and harder to achieve some sort of balance, I find. Tech and city-living are two of my challenges...🤷♀️
Fantastic read Molly. So relatable to me. As one of 6 children we lived rurally and had a 'field' as our garden 😉. We holidayed with an old Icelandic tent whilst the younger ones (me included) slept on a mattress in the family trusty 'Commer' van. My upbringing too has shaped me into the person I am today. Xxx
How wonderful! :)
The beautiful reality of a life lived with less - such a gorgeous read 🧡
Thank you! :)
So interesting to read about how your early life shaped your choices and lifestyle now. I hope your parents read this, and know what precious gifts they gave you and your siblings, by rearing you in the way that they did. Lovely! Thank you for sharing all this. The Earth would be sooo better off if more of us lived the way you do. It takes courage to buck the system/culture/mainstream, and I commend you for doing it and for inspiring others to try a frugal, minimalist lifestyle, too -- or even just make steps in that direction. I truly believe this is the way humans were "wired" to live, biologically -- more simply.
Thank you lovely! My mother has commented on this thread so definitely seen it! I feel very privileged to have the childhood I had :)
Oh this made me smile. I have memories of us 5 kids rubbing the seats of the car and talking encouragingly to it as a parent attempted to start it. Lovely piece. Thank you
Haha wonderful! :)
Such a brilliant perspective! Loved reading this 💚
Thank you! :)
As I’ve been studying for a long time now, I’ve spent many years living on a shoestring budget and I’ve found the lessons of living frugally out of necessity to be invaluable. It has taught me to cook rather than go out unnecessarily, making meals out a real treat, to value what I already have, to buy used rather than new where possible, to participate in public services like the library, and to decide what really matters enough to me to spend money on (this has turned out to be fabric and wool for making clothes rather than buying them because I get an experience and a garment, books that I love, and the items I cannot make but need or cherish, like shoes or beautiful cups). I wouldn’t trade this knowledge for anything!
How wonderful! Thank you for sharing your experience :)
Our planet needs more human "beings" (vs. doing) like you!✨🌟💖🙏🕊️
Aw thank you so much! :)
It is calming just to read this, Molly. I am living vicariously through you!
Aw thank you! :)
Oh, the sweet, slow satisfaction of living simply. Grounded in the present and grateful for what is. Thank you so much for sharing your way of being. I could feel your contentment and peace. 🩷
Thank you lovely :)
Our mother used to pat the dashboard of our car of the day and thank it for a safe journey upon arrival after a longer journey. All our cars had names. I continue this. My father was a motor mechanic. We didn’t have much as children but I remember happy times. Records were often playing on our family record player and my parents used to dance around the lounge room. Lovely.
This was so sweet to read. I'm also rather fond of my car and talk to her often! I've named her Tess :)
My cars have names too! Current one is Ginny after Ginny Weasley as she’s a flame orange colour ;)
Hi Sarah. Our latest is called Olive (obviously the colour although my partner says it’s a shade of yellow, which she’s NOT! 🥴) and previous was Daisy after the Driving Miss Daisy film. She was black in colour. Thanks for your comment. 👋
I love this post (I love all your emails but felt compelled to coment on this one). Its a beautiful thing to value time over money.
I work part time too and have just reduced my hours slightly further to 3 days a week. Sometimes having more time to figure life out is so much more important than a steady income. Like you I would be worried about the car.
Life is more of an adventure when we have to find creative solutions than don't simply mean getting out our purses.
I can't wait to see your journey towards getting your piece of land to park your beautiful tiny home on. It will be amazing! Thanks for all your content,
Lindsey xxx
Thank you Lindsey. Time really is our most precious resource :) x