It's true that some sections show their age (it was written pre-cellphone and social media for example). But I loved this little, straightforward book about simplifying and crafting a more intentional life. St. James gets into the why of a simple(r) life and offers practical tips on how. It's a quick and approachable read, which is fitting for its theme. A book I can see myself coming back to many times to recenter and refocus.

Some good basic ideas for downshshifting, but nothing I did not already know, a bit dated but OK if you are new to such ideas.

I found this book while perusing the shelves of the Goodwill in Pekin, Illinois. I wasn’t really looking for it, but it popped out at me. Being a fan of Marie Kondo and a sort of minimalist idealist I picked it up. It is interesting to read that there were minimalist or simplistic movements in the 1990s as well as today. Heck, I grew up in the 90s but I never knew anything about living the simple life back then. I was a collector: action figures, video games, magazines, VHS tapes, books, etc. Maybe if I’d gotten on the simple life bandwagon at an earlier age I wouldn’t have so much stuff at my current age (and split between states). Oh well.

This little book offers more in the way of philosophy than practicality. St. James espouses upon the benefits of living simply -- having less stuff, devoting more time to yourself, and cutting those things out of your life that don’t bring (spark?) joy. I get it. That’s what attracts me to these types of books. Some suggestions for achieving a simpler life include removing your home phone number from the phone book or getting your mail screened for junk mail. Yes, it’s a little dated, but the sentiment behind the book still stands for our 21st century life dominated by social media and keeping up with the Jones digitally. Interestingly, St. James does briefly touch upon the internet:

“ . . . knowing myself as I do, I will have to exercise a fair amount of discipline in my use of it, just as I do with television. I’ve already met a number of technocrats on the Internet who may never return to the real world.

Obviously that’s their choice. (Or possibly not--there are addictive aspects to being on-line, similar to the addictive habits of sitting in front of a television screen, that we won’t understand the effects of perhaps for some years to come).

But now that I’ve created a wonderfully simple life, I plan not to lose it to the Internet. We can keep abreast of the technology that is appropriate for our lives without losing our souls to it. All it takes is a clear vision of how we want our lives to be, and the discipline not to let them be overrun by so-called progress” (263).

That’s pretty darn prescient for a book published in 1996. Technology can enslave us if we are not careful. Mastering our attention, living purposefully, and following our own rules for a simple life requires forethought, willpower, and consciousness of our habits. That’s as true today as it was 23 years ago.

It's dated enough that a lot of it isn't applicable. But the basics are there: think about what you want your life to look like, and here are some practical steps to make that happen.

A few ideas I liked:
-- multiple identical pairs of socks coming out of a mesh bag, then into a mesh "dirty" bag for laundering - all your socks are accounted for at all times
-- being aware of the physiological triggers when the urge to buy something strikes you
-- taking breaks from social engagements and just saying no to everything

Well written and full of sensible advice

Pulling this book off of my bookshelf the other day reminded me of just how long I have been "meaning" to simplify my life- I bought St. James' book almost FOUR years ago (and a slew of similar ones 8 years before that!). Sadly, until this past December/ January, I had done next to nothing to incorporate the ideas and suggestions the authors in this genre have recommended! Twelve years of accumulating various books in my desire to declutter my life- very sad!

At this point in time, rereading St. James' words are showing me just how ready I am to start accepting the rules of scaling back in ALL areas, and I have very recently taken a huge leap into the middle of doing so (just see my Facebook page for the picture upon picture of things that have been forced from my home by way of Goodwill or trashman in the last 45 days!).

St. James' take on the whole concept of simplifying is worth the time to read. She adds to the genre by doing well to keep her words at a minimum while maximizing the personal and specific nature of her ideas. Running the gambit from removing excess belongings to time management to family life and spending habits, St. James seeks to alter our ideas regarding what constitutes a fulfilling life. Because she is older than the past and current authors I have read in this line, her words have a weight that is deeper and resounds with the maturity of one who has lived a full and very busy life; she's "been there, done that," and it shows. The best part of St. James' writing- she's not preaching at readers. What she is doing, however, is offering a helping hand. From my own experience I will say this book will be a good starting point for readers wanting to simplify, but as with all "self-helps"- only as long as you are truly ready to step into such a life with both feet and eyes wide open.


** On a personal note, chapter 25 was the lightning bolt I needed at this particular moment. It is entitled "Stop Feeding Your Ego." In this poignant section, St. James describes how the opportunity she once had to write book reviews for a major book club went from being an honor and a privilege to being pure drudgery whose payoff wasn't worth the effort. When she finally accepted that is was her ego that kept her writing for the book club more than the joy of doing the column itself, she realized it was time to move on.

I know how she feels. Writing reviews for Meridian started out as an (unpaid) honor and an (unpaid) privilege- after all, I was just marrying two things I love to do: spouting off my opinions, I mean writing, and reading. But as life changed from where I was when I started my book review column, it got to where the love of writing and reading wasn't enough to sustain my efforts.

Last spring, I really thought all I needed was a little break and I would get back to writing soon (I mean it is pretty cool to say, "My column..." or "I write a monthly column for..."). Yet, it has been 9 months since I put My Column on hold, and absence isn't making my heart grow fonder of anything but the time I have to do something other than read out of obligation and pray for the inspiration I need to write well, write quickly, and be witty without being tiresome or repetitive. Maybe you've noticed, even my Goodreads' reviews have gotten pretty slim!

I'm rather liking the time I have to read whatever I want just for the "heckuvit"- or heaven forbid, not reading at all. I like not having write in my head, as I read every word and every chapter, trying to form a column worthy of publication.

Seasons change, but I can't tell if I'm in winter or spring :) Thank you for the confirmation, Elaine!

A very practical look at bringing simplicity to one's life. St. James points out that simplicity is different for everyone (moving to the woods and growing your own food isn't going to work for everyone, including her). Basically, it boils down to two steps. One: Take some time to think about what simplicity means to you, and how you might make some changes toward a simpler life. Two (the tricky part): Do it. She gives practical tips for both steps, as well as advice from other readers. I found it a quick read, as well as uplifting. It's the kind of book you might pick up again every year or two, to remind you of what's really important in your life.

A simple book about living simply. Lots of common sense. Lots of repetition. Lots of suggestions that you do what you already know you should do - not a lot of new info. Maybe i am looking for a bit of analysis - why is it so hard to simplify? Why is it so hard to get down to only what one needs to live? This book is full of stuff i suspect you already know.
Perhaps it warrants 3 stars but i gleaned very little.

I'm all for the simplifing of necessary tasks to leave more time for the unnecessiary things that add so much joy to my life. At this point, I don't feel the need to go to the drastic measure that this author has taken, so I found the book good for inspiration, not so much practical tips.

Thanks for this quick read book. Has lots of ideas from which to glean for your life. A few of my favorites:
“Often our very identity depends on our being employed”
“Getting rid of clutter is not about letting go of things that are meaningful to you. It’s about letting go of the things that no longer contribute to your life so you have the time, energy, and space for the things that do.”
“Thirty day list for purchases”
“I am lonely for myself”: losing touch with who we are.
Also love all the book suggestions at the end. Thanks!

This book offers some good advice.

The first 50 pages were redundant. However, the tips within the next 300 or so pages were both thought-provoking and helpful. Also, it was an incredibly quick read and was broken down well for future reference.