​Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

I’m probably not the best example of someone living simply, as I do enjoy some (many) indulgences and I’m aware there is a lot more that I can do! My husband and I live in a 2-bedroom apartment rather than a house. It’s all we need, and by default it prevents us from accumulating too much stuff. We have a little herb garden and composting system on our balcony and are thinking about setting up a communal vege patch in the yard of our apartment block.

I think the biggest thing that I personally do is try and educate myself on how things are made and where they come from. This started with clothing around 10 years ago, when I became more aware of sweatshops and fast fashion. However, it also extends into other aspects of life, such as understanding where food comes from, having awareness of and empathy for others — particularly refugees, First Nations peoples, and those living in developing countries.

​
Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

My special interest is sewing — I make most of what I wear (mostly dresses, skirts and tops). I still buy some things (underwear, exercise clothing, jeans), but I try to buy fewer things that last longer, and largely from companies who are sustainable or on their way to becoming sustainable.

One of my favourite things is being able to make a new outfit for a special event — I can guarantee that no-one else will be wearing it (especially since I buy a lot of my fabrics in India when I travel there for work).


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

As I educated myself about the fashion industry, I became increasingly uncomfortable financially contributing towards it. I decided to teach myself to sew my own clothes and had varying levels of success to begin with!

I don’t like when people refer to it as a ‘talent’ — it’s simply a skill that anyone can learn with time and patience. I didn’t have much of the latter when I began, but I do now!


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

At the moment, it’s having the time and space. My sewing space is in a study/dining nook in our apartment, and this became my full-time office in 2020. After working long hours in there, the last thing I wanted to do was stay longer to sew.

I’m very lucky to work for a company that encourages work–life balance, and for the next 4 months they’re giving us Friday afternoons off to do something for ourselves. I plan to get back to sewing!


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

I love having unique clothing that no-one else has. I get an enormous sense of achievement when I complete a garment that is just for me.


What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

This is something I’m really bad at, unfortunately. Does drinking a gin and tonic count?


Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

I struggle to listen to podcasts (as I find my mind wanders), and books can also be difficult for me due to my job in the publishing industry (it’s like more work!). However, I do have a few books and documentaries I can recommend!

• Curing Affluenza: How to Buy Less Stuff and Save the World by Richard Denniss. This book is really great if you don’t know where to start with trying to reduce the amount of stuff you accumulate.
• Wardrobe Crisis by Clare Press. Clare also has a podcast (which I confess I haven’t listened too), but her book is a great starting point for anyone wanting to understand more about ethics in the fashion industry.
• Slow Clothing by Jane Milburn. Jane’s book provides tips and tricks for upcycling and repairing clothes, with a focus on visible mending. (I’m also biased towards this book, because I’m in it!)
• The True Cost. There are many great documentaries out there about the fashion industry, with varying levels of information. This one gives a confronting insight into the sweatshop industry, and I guarantee that anyone who watches it will think twice before buying fast fashion again.
• The Care Factor by Ailsa Wild. This book has nothing to do with fashion, but I’m reading it right now. It’s an insight into nursing and connection during covid, and really beautifully written.

 

What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

I learnt about Tiger King! I may have watched a lot of Netflix.

But, seriously, I was fortunate enough to remain employed in my publishing job throughout 2020, and I was incredibly busy! Even though I was at home all the time, I didn’t have the time or headspace for sewing or baking.

I guess the main learning is that humanity is the most important thing. I find it really upsetting seeing how much worse nationalism has become during this crisis — it’s every country for themselves instead of everyone working towards a resolution for the greater good of all people.

It’s especially an issue with the current situation in India. I have spent a lot of time there for my work, so I have first-hand insight into the challenges that people there are facing. I see a lot of the Western media blaming ‘poor behaviours’ of people without having any concept of what the living conditions are like. We should all be working together to help overcome these challenges for the collective good of all people, rather than turning countries against one another.


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

I wouldn’t mind doing an MBA or economics degree, with a focus on ethics and sustainability.


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

I’d love to be able to help fund sustainable projects to enable First Nations peoples and those in developing countries (particularly women) establish businesses to achieve financial independence.

I think it’s particularly important to provide the resources for people to be able to leverage their own cultural capital, rather than it being used by others for profit. 


If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?

I’m out of the blogging world these days, but you can find me on Instagram (@kyliepc). Hopefully you might see fewer photos of gin and more photos of sewing projects!
​

​Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

Living simply to me is being intentional about my choices, rather than following every trend. I know that I will never feel like I have enough if I keep chasing the next best thing. For the first time this year I have felt more content than I have ever felt. I have dedicated the next 12 months to pausing and slowing down more than I ever have and to actually feel BORED.

My goal is to achieve ‘peace’ and ‘still’. I catch myself feeling guilty about this because it seems so counter cultural to not be making huge changes or influencing others, and then I pause to consider where that guilt comes from.

Even after 8 years of listening and reading to minimalism advice, I am still on a journey of learning that it’s ok to have less, to be less celebrated in the eyes of the world and to do less. ​

​
Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

My focus is contentment and reducing my anxiety. I think my motivation to keep going with a simpler lifestyle is that I have experienced huge benefits to having less to maintain and having more time with my children. I know that I wouldn’t be able to home school my children if my home was as cluttered as it used to be, and I remember often feeling like I was drowning in responsibility and “chores” and the expectation to better myself.

Living more simply, gives me space physically to have time to think, read, create, grow, nurture my home and be present. I still catch myself feeling overwhelmed, but I am learning to stop and be grateful and breathe through those moments. We have also moved interstate within the 8 years of decluttering and it helps a lot to own much less when moving often.


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

The catalyst began after having my son, who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Our lives were a series of 11-hour drives to Brisbane Children’s hospital for his fortnightly appointments; a baby with feeding issues and silent reflux, plus three other children under four years old in tow on these drives was not very enjoyable. There was not much time to think with lots of little ones, and when I did, I was usually worried.

During this time, I realised our accumulated clutter of our belongings was suffocating me along with the pressures of life, which was the beginning of my decluttering journey. I was addicted to freeing the visual clutter.  The people at the local opshop asked me every carload if I was moving to a new house!

While life felt out of control I could control how many towels and bedsheets we owned! That’s where I started, in the linen cupboard. It seemed like the least daunting space, and I continued from there. 


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

I have a hard time not buying books! I love what they look like on my shelf after I have read them, I love the smell of them, their covers, the dreams they hold of knowledge and even if they haven’t been read, the hope of reading them.

I think I often also feel guilty for not making more eco-conscious choices, but I think living simply has the natural benefit of consuming less, and hopefully, making better environmental choices will continue for our family.


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

I feel pleased that I can tidy my whole house in an hour and have a deep clean in a few hours. I love that I feel joy when I come home to our space.

I love that I have time for my kids to wander with them and show them interesting things in our garden and that I can have the energy most days to make our own meals.

I love that when I go shopping, I can see pretty things, but I don’t have the urge to bring them all home all the time. I love that my brain is learning that when I feel sad, I don’t have to buy something new to make myself happy, I can go out for a walk, or make an artwork, or make a cup of tea or coffee and watch a storm or be outside in the fresh air with my pets.

I am learning that I can be creative rather than consume. I have learnt that everything you buy takes time to care for, even my beautiful pot plants all need extra love weekly so realising this helps me not buy too many things I appreciate. 


What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

My mum taught me a variety of handicrafts and encouraged my creativity as a child. I never feel like I don’t have something to do as an adult, though I do usually feel like I have to have a tidy house before I can begin the “fun” stuff. I get a lot of joy organising the things we own.

We probably could still live with a lot less, but I have found a happy balance and as the children get older, I want them to be responsible for their things, and I enjoy bringing order to our spaces together.

I love when I am mid-way through a creative project that I have been delaying and then I realise I am in utter love with the process and even if the world feels chaotic around me, I am loving being with my paints and brush, or knitting, or crafting.

I love the ritual of my morning cup of coffee and watching QLD storms come over in the evening. I watch in awe and am invigorated by their energy and the nature around me here.

I feel grateful I have made the time in my life to enjoy these things.


Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

Josh and Ryan from The Minimalist’s were the main inspiration for me and have been over the years, even though I need them less now. My friend took me to see them live in Adelaide and the fact that they were so “normal” and down to earth gave me a lot of comfort. I have read a lot of decluttering and simplifying books over the years and still love reading them, even though I don’t often learn anything new anymore from them. They keep me focused and confirm my values. I loved Rhonda Hetzel’s Down to Earth because she is Australian, speaking to our way of life here.

Books I own and love:

• Grown & Gathered, by Matt and Lentil, a book about growing your own food.
• Remodelista The Organised Home, by Julie Carlson.
• A Zero Waste Life by Anita Vandyke, an inspiration on how to make little and big changes to plastic consumption.
• L’arte de la Simplicité by Dominque Lorean
• The Home Edit by Shearer & Teplin, for junk organisation and a bit of commercialism
• The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, for putting life into balance.

Current Podcasts:

• The Minimalists
• The Slow Home Podcast (I am so glad they may be starting up again)
• The Simple Home Podcast (A new American one I have been listening to)
• The Pineapple Project
• Wild + Free for Homeschooling Mamas

 

What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

I am re-learning that Jesus to me is Still. Time is lost when you spend time with Him. He brings quiet, peace, contentment and just ‘still.’ He stills the storms, the waves, the rush, the competition, the judgement. I want to get to know this more, and I feel like allowing this year to be gentler, I will get to experience Jesus more like this in my life.

I don’t feel like our world is like this, even in Church communities I feel like there are expectations to keep the machine going - the cogs going. There is truth to that too, but as my Father-in-law preached many years ago, perhaps the first sermon I heard him preach, there is a season for everything, like Ephesians says, a season to be busy, as a season for quiet, a season to grow, a season to cultivate, when we allow time to be with Him, maybe that’s when we can recharge and have the energy to pour more into others and enriching life?

​For now, I am seeking stillness. 


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

I love learning about anything I can, because I am constantly looking for things to spark my children’s curiosity with our schooling! I honestly think I get more joy and excitement from learning than they do, but I am hoping it’s contagious and they fall in love with it in their lives as much as I love it.

I hope I never ever stop wanting to be curious about the world around me. That is something I want to pass on to my children.


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

Although I have studied Visual Arts at University, majoring in Textile art and minoring in drawing, and a diploma of Graphic Design, there is an illustration course I would love to do eventually as well, just to keep developing my skills and passion.

I would also like to travel around Australia with my husband and children, but I am not in a rush to do that as I love being home too much. I think we would love it as a family though. We do enjoy each other’s company and experiencing our gorgeous landscape together would bring me joy. 


If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?

I have an Instagram account where my artwork is displayed and the occasional slow living post is made, but I currently don’t have a huge online presence. You can find me on Instagram at annaspilsburydesign. I have become more private over the years and have started a few blogs here and there but I am currently enjoying being less online and more in my garden. 
​

Today I would like to introduce you to Catherine McAleer.  I would describe Catherine as a kindred spirit.  We have so many common interests and ideas. Catherine and I have enjoyed many cups of tea as we chatted about books, reducing waste, sewing, podcasts, sustainability and books - yes we talk about books a lot! I am inspired by Catherine's work in the Philippines and I love reading her blog posts.  She is a great story teller and paints pictures with her words. 

Thanks Catherine for being my guest today! 

​Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

When I hear ‘living simply’ I think of Ghandi’s quote “Live simply so that others may simply live”.  We live in a world of abundance when eighty percent of the world’s wealth lies with just twenty percent of the population.  I know I have too much ‘stuff’ and I’m doing my best to change that.  What I am trying to do is live in a way where I think before I buy.  If I can buy it second hand I do.  If I can make it I try to, I try to buy locally and do my best to think of my carbon footprint before I buy.  It’s all of these things and it’s about making sure I’m conscious that the decisions I make affect others near and far.

​
Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

I’m a bit of an all-or-nothing kind of person, whilst I’m a work in progress when it comes to living simply, I believe it permeates all aspects of my life; from cooking and cleaning to sewing, to what I do in my spare time and how I work.  Essentially my focus of simple living comes from a social justice perspective.  I try to think of how my actions will affect others, both near and far and the implications that what I do affects the planet.


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

I grew up in the border town of Goondiwindi before moving to Toowoomba.  In Gundy we lived on a small hobby farm where playing either meant outside creating sometime of adventure or inside with my head in a book. 

I’ve always been interested in making things, whether it is cooking something, sewing clothes, patchwork and quilting or sending handmade greeting cards.  To me this was living simply, not simply heading into a shop to buy something I needed or a gift I wanted to give.  Over time, even this has changed.  Whilst I still love doing all of these things, I think more about my supplies, where they come from, if I have something else that could do the job and the sustainability of the product or products I’m using to create.

Over the years there have been many catalysts to challenge me and change my thinking.  Growing up in a household where we made things, made do with what we had and/or saved until we could afford what it was we felt we needed I believe was the initial one. 

Watching “The Story of Stuff”, a short documentary on the life cycle of ‘stuff’ and its effect on the planet and each other, then sharing this learning with my Year 7 students in 2011 was also a pivotal moment.

Travelling to and spending time in Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Kiribati, South Africa and Cambodia where I was clearly reminded of my extreme wealth (most of us in Australia come in that 20% holding 80% of the wealth) and how my actions affected others even though they or I lived half a world away.  I was blessed with many things one being an education and I saw first-hand how many don’t have this basic right.  I want to share what I had been gifted with.

Most recently I did two courses, one on International Aid and Development with World Relief Australia (WRA) and the other to become a Global Animator through the lens of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical letter.  These both challenged my thinking, changed my approach to the way I do things and have set me on a number of paths I never dreamed of.

It’s kind of ironic that living simply sometimes is very challenging and not always simple! 


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

In a world of instant gratification sometimes it’s hard not to get caught up in that.  I am often impatient when I would like something or it done in a certain way.  It often takes more time to do things sustainably and simply.

Attitudes of those around you can also be challenging.  People will sometimes get defensive about their choices if your way of life challenges theirs and you stand up for what you believe.  I’d be lying if I said that sometimes it’s hard not to think about these things.  I keep going back to the words of William Wilberforce “You many chose to look the other way, but you can never again say that you did not know.”  If I know, then I try not to look the other way.  It is about being steadfast in my beliefs which isn’t always easy.


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

There are many benefits and they include; the joy of doing something in the way I perceive as right, knowing that I’ve done the best I can thinking about others as I do, bringing joy to others, helping people and spreading my love of handmade.


What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

Things that bring me joy and help me to slow down:

• Hiking with friends
• Taking time to marvel at nature even on a walk through suburban streets
• Finding the right words to describe what I am seeing, feeling and how I’m making sense of the world
• Yoga
• Reading a good book
• Sewing
• Hand-stitching

Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

Podcasts: The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman – how decision making can be mindful and how we can do our next right thing in love.
 
Books: Slow Clothing; Finding Meaning in What We Wear by Jane Milburn
The Cosy Minimalist by Myquillyn Smith
 
Documentaries: The Story of Stuff
 
Websites:
The Story of Stuff (there are lots of short documentaries on here)
Emily P Freeman Creating space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing.
The Nester: Nesting Place 
 

What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

I’ve taken more of an interest in gardening.  I have enjoyed learning about some permaculture techniques and growing some of my own vegetables.


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

There’s so much to learn about.  I’d like to learn more about gardening, making homemade products, other people’s journeys to living more simply and sustainably, the impact that simple living has on children and how this might be able to be brought into the classroom more and nature art.


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

Continue to work with communities where education doesn’t seem to have the same importance that it does here.  Time is the most challenging aspect of this.

If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?

I write two blogs:  So Now From Here and Musings by Macca 

I teach yoga: www.ps139yoga.com

I lead a project in the Philippines where we are creating a community education centre for a marginalised community.  Details are found at So Now From Here and at WRA: 1816 Share, Teach & Reach - World Relief Australia 

Or email me: mcaleercatherine@hotmail.com

I have always been interested and fascinated by tiny homes.  So when I heard that Daina and her husband Jono built a tiny home I was so excited, curious and even a little bit envious. Daina is a gorgeous young lady.  We have known Daina for a long time as she is a friend of our daughter, Rachel and we are friends with her family.  I was so pleased when Daina agreed to be my special guest and was willing to share her simple living story with you.  

Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

To me, living simply looks like living intentionally. I strongly believe that the decisions we make shape the world we live in, so through making intentional decisions; whether that be the food we eat, the clothes we wear or the ‘stuff’ we buy, we can create change for the better.
 
Through living more intentionally, I naturally consume less and can focus on what’s most important in life to me – the simple things. We also live in a tiny house, so this has been helpful for me, as it has literally forced me to be more intentional… because we can’t fit much in the house! 

​
Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

There are 2 main ones.
 
I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of ‘zero waste’ living and try to incorporate as little waste into my daily life as possible. This has been a slow transition, breaking old habits, using up what we already have first, shopping second hand and finding more sustainable alternatives to things I use everyday. My husband and I also love to grow some veggies and love collecting fresh eggs from our happy chickens! I don’t think anyone can truly live completely waste free, but there are so many little things that you can do!


I’m also interested in the ethics behind the ‘stuff’ we consume, and dedicate some time to learning what impact my decisions have on other people and things – such as garment workers, the environment and marginalised communities etc. I also think shopping with these things in mind can support living with less waste, by buying quality over quantity. 


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

The catalyst for me was learning about the human beings who make the ‘stuff’ that we consume. Learning about the ethics behind products and companies opened my eyes to a whole lot of injustice and corruption that I didn’t want to be a part of. I remember reading the quote: ‘Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.’ So I started to make more intentional decisions with what I purchased, holding companies accountable for how they treated humans and the planet.
 
From there, I learnt more about the materials economy, which is the entire process from extraction to production, distribution, consumption and finally, disposal. Basically, everything we own had to come from somewhere, and the journey it had to take to get into our homes and the impact it has left on our planet is much larger than we often consider. Annie Leonard sums it up perfectly in the ‘Story of Stuff’ by pointing out ‘You cannot run a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely.’ This led me down the path of environmentalism and learning more about how our decisions impact our planet, wildlife, natural vegetation, and our future here. 


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

I feel as though it has been a slow transition for me, so it has not been too challenging. I also accept that I am not perfect at sustainable living and do not aim to be. I think it’s far too easy to become obsessed with perfection which can lead to an unhealthy mindset. Whereas I think we all need to be a bit kinder to ourselves and do what we can, within our own capacity. 


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

I believe that living in alignment with your personal morals and values is truly rewarding and everyone should find something that they’re passionate about and pursue it.

​There are obvious benefits for the planet and people that range from supporting liveable wages for garment workers to supporting local sustainable farmers.

For me personally, living simple helps calm my anxious mind and allows me to express my empathy in practical ways every day. 


What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

• The first sip of coffee in the morning
• A clean, tidy house
• Being outside in the sunshine – especially at the beach
• Spending time with my family
• Cooking delicious food

Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

• I wish there were books I could recommend. For the last 5 years every book I’ve read has been to do with nutrition, so it is my goal now that I am no longer studying to read more books! However, a great book to start with is ‘a zero waste life’ by Anita Vandyke.
• I enjoy watching a good documentary:
  • I most recently enjoyed David Attenborough’s ‘A life on our planet’
  • The Story of Stuff (can watch on YouTube)
• The ethical consumer guide (www.ethical.org.au) which you can also get as an app is really handy when out shopping. It gives you up to date information about companies ethics & policies and rates them accordingly.
• I enjoy watching youtubers who are passionate about the same things:
  • Shelbizleee – eco minimalism
  • Rachel Aust – slow living & nutrition
  • Pick up limes – slow living & nutrition
  • The Adventures of Jade – ethical & slow living
  • Zanna Van Dijk – sustainability
  • Sustainably vegan – eco minimalism
  • Madeleine Olivia – simple living
• I also get a lot of information and inspiration from those around me, such as my sister-in-law Merinda who is so knowledgeable on sustainability and environmentalism and is awesome at putting her morals and values into action, as well as other friends and family who are so great to bounce ideas around with!

 

What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

This last year was the final year of my uni degree (Bachelor of Health Science & Nutrition), so most of my time has been dedicated to finishing that and working in the student clinic. It was a year of putting everything I had learnt into practise.

Throughout the year I really began to notice that so many patients weren’t meeting their basic needs of sleep, movement, relaxation, happiness and of course; nutrition.

​Nutrition is complex and individualised; but what I realised is that for so many people, the first step in healing or overcoming a health condition was to actually just go back to basics first and ensure these needs are being met. Simple changes really can make a huge impact, and I think this can be applied to so many areas of life.


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

I would like to learn more about growing our own seasonal food. We already grow some herbs and veggies, but there is just so much more to learn in the way of permaculture.


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

I’d love to run my own nutrition clinic with likeminded practitioners in a centre that also caters to sustainability – nutrition, fashion, food, homewares… coffee! A girl can dream.


If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?
​
I am currently in the process of developing a website and Instagram for myself as a nutritionist, so I will keep Margy posted and maybe she will be able to share that once it is up and running 😊

Today I would like to introduce you to Kathryn Walton.  I met Kathryn in 2019 when we were both presenters at the Goondiwindi Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network Conference and we hit it off straight away.  I really enjoyed talking to Kathryn about her hiking trips and her passion for living a simple, intentional life. It is also her desire to encourage people to benefit from the healing properties of the great outdoors. 

​Thanks Kathryn for being my guest today!

​
Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

Living simply for me means:

• being clear about what my priorities are (eg health, family, the natural world) and using them to guide my decision-making instead of getting caught up in ‘all the things’
• not crowding my life with things, activities and expectations
• keeping space in my life to manage the unexpected without becoming overwhelmed or over-burdened
• remembering that less is more!

​
Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

My practice towards living simply focuses on using fresh, home-prepared foods as much as possible including home-grown herbs, vegetables, fruit (when the possums leave some for us and when there is water in the dam!) and eggs.

I also love to reuse and re-purpose instead of buying new things such as clothing, packaging and craft items.

Going on regular multi-day walks carrying everything I need on my back serves to keep things in perspective.


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

As a child my parents grew a lot of our own fruit, vegetables and eggs. We grew up on home baking, home-made clothes and hand-knitted jumpers. It was normal to re-use and re-purpose all sorts of things to make items for the house or for play such as little tables and pot plant holders. I loved reading Grass Roots magazines and became interested in permaculture and self-sufficient lifestyles when I left home and had a place of my own to care for. It’s been a blessing to live on a bush block for the past 25 years and watch my own children develop a love for nature and a passion for the sustainability of our world. 
 
Although I had this wonderful foundation in my life, I’ve also pursued a busy lifestyle with lots of projects, volunteering and activities on the go. I think I’ve tried to fit ‘all the things’ into my life and to do them perfectly. But in more recent years I’ve felt the effects of being constantly on the go and striving. Even when you love your busy life, your physiology gets stuck in a stress response which can contribute to chronic health conditions. Being intentional about slowing down, connecting with nature in meaningful ways and living more simply has made a huge difference to how I feel and keeps me inspired to continue my journey and share healthy lifestyle information with others. 


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

When life gets busy, I find it more challenging to maintain a lifestyle that is calm and nurturing. Each year I choose a word as my guide and this year I have two words – ‘spaciousness’ and ‘lightness’. If something doesn’t actively contribute to my sense of spaciousness or lightness, then I’m working on letting it go and keeping things simple. It’s not always easy to manage the inner stories about what you ‘should’ be doing.
 
A practical challenge I find tricky to navigate is the issue of packaging on purchased goods that can’t be re-used or recycled.  


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

The benefits keep showing up as I move towards greater simplicity in living:

• inner calmness as I let go of expectations I have of myself to do ‘all the things’ and to do them perfectly
• greater satisfaction that I’m giving attention to those people and things that matter most to me; living in better alignment with my values which contributes to life satisfaction and sense of purpose
• improved work satisfaction and effectiveness has come from simplifying my business focus and processes
• greater insight and clarity about my values
• deeper connection with nature, other people, myself and my sense of spirituality
• personal growth – learning to be content as a human being instead of judging myself based on what I do

What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

I get so much joy in so many things that help me slow down!

• bushwalking and overnight hiking with others or solo
• mountain bike riding with my family and friends
• eating fresh food, especially if I can pick it fresh from the garden and prepare it straight away, or make it myself instead of buying it heavily processed with lots of additives
• listening to rain
• hanging the washing on the clothesline on a cool sunny day and folding it slowly when it’s dry before bringing it inside
• growing and watering a vegetable and herb garden when there is enough water in the tank / dam
• hot showers
• clean sheets and towels
• nature photography
• watching, listening and feeling the vibrations of the gentle waves breaking as I sit or lie on a quiet beach and feel the sun warming my skin and the breeze blowing
• camp oven cooking
• discovering little treasures in nature
• the smell of lemons, oranges, dark chocolate, home-baking, rain, eucalypts on a summer’s day
• laughing whole-heartedly

Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

I love podcasts! Here are some that have helped me on my journey towards simpler living:

• The Adventure Sports Podcast – stories from adventurers around the world who balance their work with family and outdoor adventures
• AWAYE!  - Aboriginal arts and culture
• Meditation Oasis – guided meditations
• Tara Brach – talks and guided meditations that blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices
• Outdoors is my Therapy – information and inspiration that empowers you to connect with the outdoors – [by me :) ]

 
Some books I love:

• “No Mud No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering” by Thich Nhat Hanh
• “Living Buddha Living Christ” by Thich Nhat Hanh
• “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday
• “Meditation: How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind” by Pema Chödrön
• “The Permaculture Home Garden” by Linda Woodrow
• “Introduction to Permaculture” by Bill Mollison
• “Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual” by Bill Mollison

 
A documentary that is very informative and motivating:

• “My Year of Living Mindfully” by Shannon Harvey

What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

Over the past year I’ve made some tweaks to my food shopping. I’ve been buying fruit and vegetables as often as I can from a store that resells local fresh farm produce rather than purchasing through the larger supermarkets.

I also enjoy taking my own containers in to be filled with a wide range of consumable products at another local family-owned business which is also a drop-off point for several different recycling programs.

I’m pretty excited to have just set off on my most recent learning adventures - soft cheese-making at home! 


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

I want to learn so many things but in the spirit of keeping things simple and living more richly I’d like to add value to what I already know rather than learning something completely new.

I’d like to have the knowledge, skills and resources to continue to grow food plants through severe drought and very hot summers like we’ve had for the past few years.

It would be wonderful if I could learn to improve my sourdough making too!

And re-learn and practice playing the guitar. 


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

I’d spend way more time on multi-day walks and bike packing adventures with my husband, discovering and immersing ourselves in amazing natural landscapes, travelling to cooler places during the hot summers at home or visiting family and friends afar.

I’d run the majority of my business online so I could continue to guide women towards improved mental health through connection with the outdoors.

When I’m not travelling on adventures I’d love to be at home nurturing my permaculture garden, re-sewing old jeans and clothes into new useful garments and homeware, creating with wood, painting and sitting on my verandah in gratitude as I breathe deeply and watch my gorgeous free range chooks scratch around the yard. 


If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?

My website is: https://www.kathrynwalton.com.au/ where you can send me a message, follow my blog and subscribe to my Grounded Inspiration newsletter which comes out about twice a month delivering inspiration and information to help you get connected with nature, with your inner self and with useful resources that up-level your health and well-being.
 
Outdoors is my Therapy Podcast: Listen via my website
https://www.kathrynwalton.com.au/wp1/podcast/ or using your favourite podcast app or player.
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynwaltonconsulting/
 
Outdoors is my Therapy Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OutdoorsIsMyTherapy

​Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

For me, living simply is about living within our means, living from home (as opposed to going out frequently) and being good stewards of the time, relationships and resources, we are blessed with. 

​
Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

I love trying so many DIY skills, but the one I frequently gravitate to, is food preservation. Partly because I love it, and partly because we are organic market gardeners, so I usually have some form of beautiful produce in abundance, to experiment with!


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

I was blessed to grow up in a family where mum was a dedicated homemaker. All our main meals were made from scratch, a lot of our clothes were home sewn and she regularly baked fresh snacks for us. Once I got married and started my own family, I was often intrigued with how things were made. Cheese, bread, canned goods and the like. I would scour the local library for good books, and learn these skills from home.

Over time, more interests were added, and I was greatly encouraged and mentored by an older friend who seemed to do everything from weaving to candle making! She taught me how to make soap, some time management skills and she also was a wonderful example of the peace that comes from living simply from home.

We ended up even raising our own sheep and pigs for meat and trying things like sausage making from home. We presently keep bees and breed organic chickens and ducks.


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

Right now, living simply doesn’t feel like a challenge, but in the past the challenge has come when/if I feel like I need to do/make everything myself!

Time just doesn’t always (or ever) permit, does it?

Giving ourselves the grace to work with the seasons in our life, rather than against them, helps. For example, if you have a newborn baby, or sickness in the house or a family crisis...don’t feel bad about just buying what you need, instead of feeling guilt over not being able to make/do it all yourself.


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

The health benefits of living simply are abundant. Our market gardening lifestyle means we eat a lot of fresh, chem-free produce, get adequate sunlight, plenty of fresh air and work from home, so we’re not always run off our feet driving places.

As someone who’s experienced an autoimmune disease which generated a lot of brain-fog, I also appreciate how living simply and learning new skills can keep the mind active.

And meeting new and inspiring people with similar interests is always a bonus.
​

What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

It’s a pleasure to have an afternoon or day where nothing is planned and my imagination bursts with creative ideas about what we can make/do.

It’s also a pleasure to look at the pantry shelf and see nourishing home-preserved goodies, waiting there for us to eat.


Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

Oh, my goodness, there’s so much inspiring material out there!

I think the sources of inspiration change over time. I used to love checking out blogs like www.theprairiehomestead.com or www.theelliotthomestead.com. Weed 'em and Reap - https://www.weedemandreap.com is also interesting if you like to see how a smaller space can be used to homestead.

www.wellnessmama.com is helpful for dietary, health, cleaning and remedial recipes.

Some excellent books we’ve found:
Charcuterie: The Craft of Salting, Smoking and Curing by Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn
Hatching and Brooding Your Own Chicks by Gail Damerow
Simple and Natural Soapmaking by Jan Berry
The Market Gardener by Jean Martin Fortier


What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

Once covid restrictions hit, and poultry was in such high demand, I started learning more about refining our poultry breeding for higher hatch rates. The book I found most helpful is listed above.


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

I’d love to know more about herbs and their uses.


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

I’d love to do more classes or drop-in sessions from home where interested people could come and learn the skills that they’re interested in. I’m also interested in teaching children basic skills like cooking from scratch.


If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?

We have a business website, www.birdsongmarketgarden.com.au where I occasionally blog, and that features a contact form where I can be emailed.

​
​Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

I have always aspired to keeping things ‘simple’, both at home and in business. For me that has meant always using natural eco-friendly products (usually homemade), growing our own food (as much as possible!) and cooking whole foods from scratch; supporting local artisans and makers, farmers and small businesses; buying in bulk to reduce plastic waste; buying pre-loved over new, or just making do; only buying what I need; reusing, repairing and repurposing pretty much everything possible; “unconsuming” household items we no longer need; making household items using traditional crafts; and being involved in the community (eg volunteering).

I am very much a home body and find the most contentment there engaged in these activities. Stillness though is something I have always struggled with, but I think is one of the most important elements of keeping things simple and slow. Consequently, I make a conscious effort to immerse myself in nature regularly. This may be just while walking the dog around the neighbourhood, or a planned Sunday bushwalk. I find being in the fresh air amongst the trees brings me the most quiet to either problem solve, or to just be. 


Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

Plastic pollution!! I aspire to a zero waste lifestyle and have made it my life’s mission to encourage others to do the same through Green Dandelion. Mother Nature and her creatures, including us, are in dire straits right now, and the clock is ticking. I am by no means perfect, and I don’t expect anyone else to be either. I have always ensured that my business is tailored to meet people where they are at in reducing waste, especially plastic. While I recognise that the greatest impact can be made at the government and industry levels, I do believe that small changes can collectively make a big difference, most importantly helping us as individuals to feel empowered.  

For me, I follow the 6 R’s of Sustainability: Rethink, Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, Repair, Recycle. This is pretty much the ethos behind Green Dandelion where I work to raise awareness and support others to change behaviour to reduce waste and use of materials that are potentially harmful to both ourselves and the environment. I am also a huge advocate of using traditional “craftism” to help achieve the “R’s”, eg beeswax wrap making.


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

As one of my friends said many moons ago, I have “always been a bit of a hippy.” And, I have. I was brought up frugally by a country woman who was all about practicality, subsistence and reuse. We grew up in handmade clothes and hand me downs, we reused everything, everything was mended or repaired until it could be no more, we did everything ourselves with little being outsourced, nothing was ever wasted.

Also, growing up in the 70’s I basically lived through the plastic explosion and remember clearly our family’s transition from visiting a local farm for our fresh fruit and vegetables to buying it at the store; sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper to sandwiches wrapped in plastic wrap; milk from the milkman in glass bottles which we returned directly to him for recycling, to milk in plastic bottles from the supermarket which we threw out; also soft drink delivered by a local company in glass bottles which we again returned directly to them for recycling, to soft drink in plastic bottles from the supermarket which again, we threw out.

This never sat well with me. Everything became so removed from the local community and its people and businesses. The personal touch was gone, and with it our knowledge of our food sources and supply, as well as our responsibility for our waste. I determined to always shop small and locally, and to remain as closely connected to the grower, maker, producer as I could. Also, to grow and make as much at home, my favourite place to be, as I could.


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

As I mentioned above, I find it hardest to be still. I am a perfectionist by nature and have an overactive mind. I use “busy-ness” as a distraction and often get caught up in the process rather than focussing on the “why” of my actions. I have learnt over the years that all this does is lead to stress, anxiety and burnout – none of which are fun! This is an ongoing challenge for me that I work on daily.

Also, (confession time!), I am not perfect at sustainable living or being zero waste, but this is partly by choice. I find it can lead to unhealthy obsessive behaviour, a bit like dieting, so I allow myself to be human and get it wrong sometimes. As the saying goes, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

Feeling like I can make a difference. By not overconsuming, making things myself from natural ingredients and materials, refusing plastic, reducing waste, reusing, repairing and repurposing as much as possible, all help me to feel like I am taking action and living a purposeful life.

Feeling more connected to community. By connecting with local growers and makers at markets, choosing handmade and locally grown over mass produced, shopping small and locally, running a small eco-friendly business, “craftism” and volunteering all help me to feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself.

Feeling more connected to self, family, home and hearth. Cooking, gardening, and creating earth me and leave me feeling content like nothing else can. I purposefully put time aside for these things each week. For me living a simple life is living a life that is true to my values.
​

What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

• Walking in nature purposefully (I make sure I use all of my senses to fully absorb the natural environment around me. I even collect interesting leaves, flowers, seeds, rocks, etc). I also get to hang out with my dog.
• Cooking good food, preferably grown at home. I like to spend my Sundays creating in the kitchen or gardening.
• Spending time with my best friend talking, creating for ourselves and the shop, drinking copious amounts of tea (we both collect), and eating cake.
• Spending time with my Mum, daughter, and niece who all help out creating and curating for the shop from time to time.
• Reading.
• Practicing breathing and meditation – I am bad at this!!

Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

• “Drawdown” and “Drawdown Solutions” by Paul Hawken. Also Project Drawdown at: https://www.drawdown.org
• The Pachamama Alliance: https://www.pachamama.org
• Treading My Own Path: https://www.facebook.com/TreadingMyOwnPath
• “This One Wild and Precious Life” by Sarah Wilson (+ website: https://www.sarahwilson.com)
• “Just Enough” by Azby Brown
• “Slow Clothing” by Jane Milburn
• “Breath” by James Nestor
• The “Calm” app
• I have watched a lot of climate crisis and plastic pollution documentaries, but I think the most relatable for families are: “2040” by Damon Gameau; “A Plastic Ocean” by Craig Leeson; “The Story of Plastic” by The Story of Stuff Project; and anything by David Attenborough! 

What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

We are in the process of doing our first ever home renovation and we are trying to do it sustainably. This has had its challenges but we (and the builders!) are learning as we go. Again, it is not perfect but we are doing the best we can to create a home that has a small environmental foot print.


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

Permaculture. Because we are renovating, gardening and growing our own food has had to be put on hold. We will have a blank canvas when we are finished and I am excited to start again using Permaculture principles.


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

Maybe a sustainable living centre where like minded businesses operate as well raise awareness and educate through experiences and workshops. At home, I would start a community garden on the front foot path and set up a neighbourhood food swap. Otherwise, more of the things I love listed above.


If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?

My website is Green Dandelion - https://www.greendandelion.com.au

Facebook – Search greendandeliontwba - https://www.facebook.com/greendandeliontoowoomba

Instagram – Search greendandeliontwba - https://www.instagram.com/greendandeliontwba/

​Email – suanne@greendandelion.com.au

When I asked some people if they would like to be guests on my blog, I had such a positive response that for the month of March I would like to introduce you to a guest a week. 

Today my guest is Alice Carwardine.  Alice is a zero waste campaigner who is committed to guiding others on the path to ecological conversion and cultural change.  Her story is closely linked to Lent so I think it is very fitting that we get to know Alice during this time. 

Thank you Alice for being my very first guest!

​Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

For me, living simply started out as being zero-waste. But now it has really blown up into every aspect of my life.

My zero-waste journey began in 2018 when I chose to reduce my rubbish bin over 40 days. I’m Catholic, and my biggest motivation was my faith. It started as 40 things, 1 thing per day for each day of Lent. That quickly expanded into 100 things.

And now, every choice I make, every action, every purchase has a meaning and has some thought behind it. To me, living simply is living and being aware of the complexities of how things are interconnected and interrelated. 


Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

My focus is just to know where things have come from, what I am using them for, and where they are going… and doing something about it if I do not like those things.

​For example, my electricity used to come from coal, and was used sometimes excessively and therefore being waste. Now, my electricity comes from the sun, I reduce my consumption where possible and therefore have little waste.

Or another example is chocolate. I make sure my chocolate is as sustainable as possible and has the least amount of packaging as possible, and then ensure that I do not have to put anything in the bin. 


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

I had a few catalysts. The first was reading Laudato Si in 2015 when it came out. At that time though, still living under my parents’ roof, I felt as though I couldn’t change anything. Once I moved out, I did make small changes.

But it was not till Lent 2018, that I really started to make a big change with going zero-waste. I had heard about it lots, but it was through prayer that I made the decision. 


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

The temptation for convenience! Especially when I have had a long day, it is so tempting to just revert to how I used to live.

I also find it difficult when I can see the potential for something to be one way, and it isn’t that way. For example, it should be a no-brainer that we shouldn’t be using single-use plastics anymore.

We should have routines that stop the use of single-use plastic. And yet, so much of it still exists because our culture has not changed. Changing culture is the most difficult part for any person or any group trying to live simply because the normal is not simple, it is luxurious, convenient, and consumerist. It is hard to turn away from those things. 


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

Apart from the obvious like saving money, spending more time with family, being free of the need to ‘have more,’ I really like that I have learnt so much about the world.

How much plastic impacts our health and lives, how important seaweed is, how to make jam, how great second-hand clothes can be, how great green lentils are for making mince! And most of all, how my choices can benefit others.


What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

I love spending time with my nan. She gives me so much joy. I love walking slowly beside her, taking her shopping or to the movies or for a walk. Because she has 7 factures in her spine, she walks slow, and you cannot help but walk slow with her. I really enjoy that because I can listen to her. 


Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

So many! I am a big fan of project Drawdown, I think that is some excellent science. 2040 was also excellent. Plastic Ocean, Fight for planet A, War on Waste, Uninhabitable Earth, On Eating Meat, Blowout, Rotten, The Inconvenient Truth and The Inconvenient Sequel, Life on our Planet. As well as some great theology such as Creation in Crisis, Ask the Beasts, Creation and the Cross, and Green Deen.  


What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

My husband and I purchased our first home! And I learnt about banks (although the fees are still way too confusing).

We also put in lots of gardens and have more plans to add more. That really was our focus last year, to get our house and ensure that our bank was ethical and our gardens were full of plants. 


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

At the moment I am on the path to becoming a vegan. So I’m learning different vegan recipes.

We also recently got a puppy, so I want to learn more about how to have a puppy sustainably.

And in the distant future, my husband and I will hopefully have kids, so we will want to learn how to be as sustainable as possible with them. 


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

Oh! What a question! And where to begin! I would build design and build my own tiny house that suited my husband and my dog and I down to the ground.

I would get lots of land, and plant natives and vegetables on it, and learn more about how to plant and eat bush tucker.

I would then build a shed on there and run workshops for people and I would run a tool library from the space.

And I’d write a book.

And I’d have another tiny house with as an air bnb for visitors who wanted to stay. 


If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?

The easiest way is through my facebook page: Overturn the Tables, and my website: Overturnthetables.net. 

Each month, I would like to introduce you to someone who is living a simple life in one way or another.

These are ordinary people who have taken on the challenge to live counter culturally, to not buy into the need to consume more, have more, be more.

​They have learnt or are learning to be content with what they have, endeavouring to savour this moment, cherish our world and live joyfully. 

​So first of all, to get the ball rolling, I thought I would introduce... myself. 

Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?

To me living simply is trying to live well within our means: to live frugally, to enjoy simple pleasures, being content and making do with what we have, living life to the full and making the most of every opportunity, being grateful for the abundant blessings we have been given.

For me it is about making things instead of buying things, trying to fix things before replacing them, buying second hand in preference to buying new, cooking fresh, healthy food from scratch and looking after our planet by learning to live as sustainably as possible.

It is also about: learning to slow down; embracing silence, solitude and stillness; accepting the need to rest; creating space to contemplate, ponder, linger and wonder; and learning to let go of expectations, control and the need to achieve.


Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living?

I am interested in so many different areas but in particular I am interested in: contemplative Christian spirituality and exploring spiritual disciplines and practices such as lectio divina which is a gentle, reflective way of reading the bible, walking the labyrinth, Christian meditation and gratitude; recycling and upcycling; learning and practicing traditional craft skills and passing on this knowledge to other people; spending time in nature and learning to pay attention to the beauty all around.


​Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path?

I call myself a recovering achievement driven, perfectionist, workaholic. I would say I have always lived a frugal life and I have always enjoyed making things. 

But from the time I was little I had a perfectionist streak.  I always strived to get top marks, to be in every group and organisation, to be the best person I could be.

I was high school captain, graduated from my teaching degree with distinction and went on to do a masters and then a PhD in children’s literature, while working full time with two children and being heavily involved with church and other community organisations.

I was a mover and shaker, I won awards and was always, always busy and planning the next thing I was going to do. My mind was always in the future, thinking about new ideas and projects.  My husband used to get a twitch every time I said “I’ve been thinking…”

The catalyst for me was reading a book called “The Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster which is where I was introduced to spiritual disciplines and concepts such as silence, solitude, slowness and stillness. After reading that book, I longed for a sense of space, I yearned to live an unhurried life.

It has taken me over a decade of much practice, prayer and reading many books on the topic but I feel that I am learning to let go of the need to succeed and achieve.  That doesn’t mean that I don’t do things but that drive to always be productive, to achieve at a high level, to be in charge has definitely decreased.

I am learning to go with the flow, to accept what is and not hold tightly to my expectations and need for control.  I live a much slower, quieter life but it is always a journey, I am always learning.  


What do you find challenging about trying to live simply?

For me it is trying to stay in the moment, to slow down and not cram every minute with things to do and projects to complete.  Remembering to stop, pause and just breathe.


What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you?

There are so many benefits. Living a simple life there is definitely less stress.  I am less busy and less frazzled.

We decided several years ago that we didn’t need to work full time.  We had paid off our house and our children had finished school. We don’t earn a huge amount but what we have is enough. We don’t need heaps of money to buy more stuff or go to expensive places.

​So, we both have long weekends. We have more time to spend doing things that we value ie. spending time with family and friends, time to make and mend things, time to read, time to go for motorbike rides, camping and Sunday drives.  This leads to a happier, healthier, more joyful, peaceful and content life.

Through practicing spiritual disciplines, I feel I am developing a closer, deeper relationship with God. Simple living is not an easier life, but it is an intentional life.  It is creating the space for God to work and transform me from the inside out.

I am learning to be more patient and gentler with others and particularly with myself. I feel as if I can see the world with fresh eyes and a new perspective. 


What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?

• Sipping a hot cup of tea in a lovely tea cup. 
• Reading books
• Going for a walk in the early morning
• Camping in our little old caravan on the banks of a river

• Making something by hand like knitting, sewing, crocheting or hand carving a wooden spoon. 
• Walking the labyrinth
• Christian meditation
• Watching a campfire

 

Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?

I have read so many amazing books but here are just a few that have made a big impact:

• Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
• One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
• Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Barton
• Mindful Silence by Phileena Heuertz
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
• Sensible Shoes Fiction Series by Sharon Garlough Brown
• Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
• Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture by Shannon A Hayes
• Less is More: Embracing simplicity for a healthy planet, a caring economy and lasting happiness by Cecile Andrews & Wanda Urbanska
• Down to Earth: A guide to simple living by Rhonda Hetzel

 
Websites:

• Simplicity Voices - http://simplicityvoices.com/
• Zen Habits - https://zenhabits.net/
• Becoming Minimalist - https://www.becomingminimalist.com/
• A Network for Grateful Living - https://gratefulness.org/
• Sloww - https://www.sloww.co/

Podcasts

• The Next Right Thing - http://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/
• Slow Your Home - https://slowyourhome.com/

What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year?

I have learnt how to make baskets from plant material. I really enjoyed doing that and I am eager to make some more with different types of plants.  I made some really cute baby shoes from recycled material and have explored refashioning men’s shirts into dresses. I knitted my first pair of socks.


What would you like to learn about or do in the future?

I would like to learn how to make shoes.  I was booked in to do a shoe making workshop down near Uralla last Easter. However due to the Covid restrictions I was unable to do it. But that is definitely something I am super keen to do.


If money or time were no option what would you like to do?

I would love to run a retreat centre where people can come to slow down, rest and try different simple living skills like cooking from scratch, gardening, making and repairing things and exploring reflective practices like journaling, writing poetry, painting etc.

I would love to travel around Australia with my husband in a mobile home teaching workshops and running retreats in rural, regional and remote areas.

I would love to live as self-sufficiently as possible in a tiny home with a view.

What did I say about having too many ideas…


If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you?

My website is Simple Slow Still – http://simpleslowstill.com.au. 

I can also be found on Facebook – www.facebook.com/simpleslowstill. 

My email is simpleslowstill@gmail.com and my phone number is 0429361047.