Enough Already - Thoughts on Leading a Satisfying Life

/
Enough Already - Thoughts on Leading a Satisfying Life

The more I read about who is successful in this life, the more I realize just how important it is to understand the word “enough.” I’ve written a lot about this on this blog, but I think it’s essential to keep hammering the point...if not for you, at least for me.

It has never been easier in this world to go narrow and deep. The resources to delve deeper and deeper in a subject are nearly infinite. In order to run out of material you practically have to specialize within a specialty!

Read More

More Is Less - Why I'm Going On A "No Buy"

/
More Is Less - Why I'm Going On A "No Buy"

As it became clear to me that Mr. F2P and I were finally reaching a significant financial milestone last year, I started taking my foot off the saving gas for a bit and ramped up my consumption. 

I won't deny that it was fun at first. You know that feeling that comes from being a more reckless version of yourself, of throwing caution to the wind? Of course, my version of this wasn't so extreme but you get the idea.

Read More

A Secret Happiness Principle - Try New Things….And Then Quit Them

/
A Secret Happiness Principle - Try New Things….And Then Quit Them

There’s a lot of talk about happiness these days. The happiness industry is booming with seminars, books, courses and all sorts of work and leisure “systems” to help us all be happier.

I’ve come to understand that happiness, for me at least, comes from learning about myself and what makes me tick (some might call it “doing the work”). It also comes from ensuring I have the freedom to make time and listen to what it is that I really want to do and be in all aspects of life: relationships, professional pursuits, personal experiences.

Read More

Don’t Be That [Mercedes] Guy

/
Don’t Be That [Mercedes] Guy

I had an experience this Spring that I just can’t get out of my mind, which means I probably should share it with you. 

As I sometimes do when I want a change of pace, I go to one of three coffee shops within walking distance of our home. I’m waiting in line for my free refill and notice this guy two spots ahead of me, pacing back and forth from his spot to the window and back.

Read More

The Ultimate Gift - Part 2: The Twelve Gifts

/
The Ultimate Gift - Part 2: The Twelve Gifts

Just under two months ago, I wrote Part 1 of this two-part series. At that time, I focused on the book The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die by John Izzo. It seemed an appropriate choice given that the time the Holidays tends to be one of reflection and introspection for many of us. 

Now that we’re in the New Year, I’d like to introduce another book: The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. Unlike Izzo’s book about how to live a better life from the inside out, I view Stovall’s book as a guide on how to improve your life from the outside in; how doing can be as powerful as willing change in learning important lessons. 

Read More

Fourth Update - Living More with Less in 2015

/
Fourth Update - Living More with Less in 2015

On January 15, I declared that I was going to live a simpler and richer life by having and buying less stuff and doing more of what matters. I'd outlined three main themes as part of this plan:

  1. Don’t buy anything unless it’s urgent - yes, it’s a flexible definition and relates more to fixed goods than consumables.
  2. Use (and enjoy) what I have.
  3. Focus on spending time with, and giving to, others.

In March, May and July, I published my first three updates. Based on these, my average so far is a “B”. Not bad, but I’ve vowed I can do better. 

Have I? Let’s take a look. 

Read More

Third Update - Living More with Less in 2015

/
Third Update - Living More with Less in 2015

On January 15, I declared that I was going to live a simpler and richer life by having and buying less stuff and doing more of what matters. I'd outlined three main themes as part of this plan:

  1. Don’t buy anything unless it’s urgent - yes, it’s a flexible definition.
  2. Use (and enjoy) what I have.
  3. Focus on spending time with and giving to others.

In March and May, I published my first and second updates, giving myself a "B-" and a "B+" respectively. Am I maintaining my "B" average?

Read More