Survive and Thrive in 2025

2024 was a year for the record books, and not in a good way. At least we survived to see another one. Many didn’t.

After SARSCov2, we were promised a return to normalcy if all 7 billion of us complied with draconian, and likely illegal, measures. 

But here we are five years later—are we “back to normal” yet? 

Honestly, I didn’t think normal was all that great to begin with, but since 2021, we’ve spiraled from a bad normal to the worst normal of my lifetime.

I won’t bore you with the laundry list of reasons why this is the case; you already know, and I don’t want to drag you down further. 

The truth is, the West has failed catastrophically over the past four or five years, and 2024 put the cherry on top of this dismal cake when it not only condoned global atrocities, but also aided and abetted them with military support and hundreds of billions in taxpayer dollars.

So, what do we do in 2025? 

This fresh year offers a chance to make changes for the better, but it’s going to take more than just wishful thinking. 

I’m committed to working toward the best possible world for myself and others, all while preparing for the worst. It’s a balancing act that we can’t afford to ignore.

I’m done with the hollow promises of a society that’s lost its way. I will survive and thrive despite what the powers that shouldn’t be have planned for us.

I’ll focus on authenticity, self-care, and simplicity. I’ll seek out genuine connections and support smaller scale systems that get work done, rather than getting lost in the noise of a culture wracked with corruption and superficiality.

Let’s face it: the old ways aren’t working. It’s time to carve out a new path, one that prioritizes real change over empty slogans. 

Moving to a more simple lifestyle in consumer nations will be an important part of the solution, and one that anyone anywhere can adopt with immediate results.

Downsizing in tough times makes perfect sense. That means getting rid of debt by focusing on the essentials. Learning to do things for ourselves, and creating  systems of mutual aid on our way toward  living better with less. 

In my experience, it will also increase the enjoyment of life generally. 

How will you survive and thrive in 2025? Let us know in a comment below.

Toward a North American Lay Flat Movement

If you are not familiar with the Chinese Lying Flat Movement, you can read our post on the topic here. It provides some background to today's discussion.

The "Tang Ping" movement, which translates to "lying flat" in English, emerged in China as a response to societal pressures, particularly among young people. 

It advocates for a lifestyle that rejects the intense competition and high expectations prevalent in modern society, particularly in terms of career success, education, and consumerism. 

Instead, proponents of the movement promote a more minimalist and laid-back approach to life, emphasizing personal well-being over societal expectations.

The Not Buying Anything blog would like to propose a North American Lying Flat Movement to begin in this new year of 2025.

As members of the North American Lay Flat Movement, we would declare our commitment to a life of intentional simplicity, well-being, and authentic connection. 

In a world that often equates worth with relentless productivity and consumption, this movement redefines success on our own terms.

Proposed Principles:

1. Prioritize Well-Being: We believe that mental and physical health are paramount. We reject the notion that our value is determined by our output and instead embrace a lifestyle that nurtures our well-being.

2. Embrace Simplicity: We advocate for a life free from the clutter of excessive consumerism. By simplifying our lives, we create space for what truly matters—relationships, experiences, and personal growth.

3. Challenge Societal Norms: We will question the status quo that glorifies overwork and material accumulation. We stand against the pressures that dictate how we should live and strive to create a culture that values balance and fulfillment.

4. Foster Community: We recognize the importance of connection and support. We commit to building a community that uplifts one another, shares our journeys and celebrates our choices to live authentically.

5. Promote Sustainability: We acknowledge our responsibility to the planet. By choosing to consume less and live more mindfully, we contribute to a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

6. Live Intentionally: We choose to be present in our lives, and make conscious decisions that align with our values. We reject the notion of "hustle culture" and embrace a pace of life that allows for reflection, joy, and creativity.

Our Call to Action:

We invite all who resonate with our vision to join us in this movement. Let us lay flat against the pressures of modern life and rise together in a new paradigm of living. Together, we can create a world where simplicity, well-being, and connection are at the forefront of our lives.

In solidarity, we choose to lay flat, and in doing so, we rise.

Note - thank you to our Chinese brothers and sisters in simplicity for leading the way with their original rebellious and courageous act to do what they can, and choose to lay flat rather than conform to consumerism and wage slavery.