The Future is Frugal

Frugality was once one of the premier life skills, along with other values like thriftiness and resourcefulness. 

These essential life skills are making a comeback.

This time they will be here to stay because consumerism and the landfill economy have run their course and are coming to an end.

Do you have some favorite frugal tips? Please feel free to share them in the comments below.

When It Comes To Epitaphs, Keep It Simple

How would you like to be remembered after you are gone?

Author Dean Koontz's advice for keeping it simple are words I could borrow for the epitaph on my gravestone after I leave this body. 

It describes my approach to things nicely.

''Stay low,

Stay quiet,

Keep it simple,

Don't expect much,

Enjoy what 

you have.''

These words resonate with me, and although I have not yet enjoyed any of his works, I am told they reflect Koontz's writing themes of humility, resilience, and appreciation for life's simple joys.  

His words convey a humble and down-to-earth philosophy by which I strive to live.

The elevator version would be something like:

Appreciate the simple things
Set realistic expectations
Find joy in what you already have, and
Live life with modesty and humility

While I am still around, I strive to:

Stay grounded 
Be content, and
Cherish life's quiet moments

Do you have an epitaph in mind for your own headstone, perhaps something simple living-themed? 

Too morbid?

If not, come up with your own epitaph, and share it with us in the comments below.

Here are a few real life examples for inspiration:

"She lived each day with joy" (Ruth A. Miller, 1925-2011)  

 

"A leaf on the wind" (Ray Bradbury, 1920-2012)

 

"Do no harm" (Thomas F. Bayard, 1828-1898)

 

"Love is eternal" (Henry D. Thoreau's family epitaph)

Of course, writing your epitaph is the easy part. The challenge is to also have a plan to live up to those words while we are still here.