Well, it’s been a long time since I have posted on my blog – but that’s about to change.
As we’re nearing the end of a difficult period (globally), there’s been a lot of lessons learned.
Probably more realisations than lessons, but this pandemic has certainly changed the way I think about life, in a good way.
Here’s why.
Since a fairly young age I used to have big dreams. I was never sure how I would reach those dreams but it was surely fun to focus on them – and hope that one day I would be living them.
Dreams of a big house with a pool. Sports cars. Designer clothes. Exotic holidays. Everything that ‘many’ people strive for, or want.
Well, that is what I thought I used to want – and for many of those things – I achieved it.
However, even though my dreams were always big, my core focus was always on creating more freedom and flexibility in my life.
Since March 2020 when the first lockdown happened I started to change my perspective on life. My thought processes changed, and as everything that I ‘sometimes took for granted’ was taken away from me, I started to appreciate the simple things in life.
The free things – Such as long walks with my dog. Fresh air on a lovely Spring morning.
Travel was off the agenda. The pubs and bars were closed. Restaurants were shut, and the social amenities that were once accessible on a whim, were closed for business.
The usual things I could spend or squander my money on were no longer in arms reach.
As the reality kicked in I started to realise one thing. I didn’t NEED many of these things in my life. I mean, they were nice additions – sometimes. But I didn’t need them.
That got me thinking about how much money I could have saved if I weren’t so frivolous – and how that money could have been put to better use.
More importantly – It got me thinking how much time I could free up if I didn’t burden myself, or my life, with expensive – unnecessary hobbies, habits and past times.
As I started to enjoy the simpler things in life and valuing my natural surroundings more, it made me want to make real changes in my life and how I live it.
One of the things I now love doing is going hiking in the local hills, moors and countryside. Except for a little fuel money – It costs me nothing. Yet the rewards and benefits are immeasurable.
(Above are just a few photos of these fun outings!)
I now also value my friends and family more too. I always did value them, but I’m talking about a ‘higher level’ of appreciation. Really appreciating the moments I get to spend with them.
I always say – You don’t need many friends. You just need good ones.
Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about removing ‘stress’ from my life, and even downsizing.
Cutting out the clutter from my life, getting rid or giving away stuff I don’t need – and just living a simpler life.
I’m not talking about extreme minimalism. Just streamlining my belongings and removing things that will hinder my life moving forward. Generally speaking – Consumerism.
Many people work towards retirement. It takes them years because of the financial commitments they make and the lifestyles they lead. Keeping up with the Jones costs money!
For me – It’s about creating the kind of life you don’t need to retire from. That’s now paramount to me.
I want to live my life now, enjoy my life now, and for it to be on my own terms – Rather than grinding for years, hoping that I’ll reach the age that I’ll finally retire. An age where physical illness is more likely to rear it’s ugly head.
Keep an eye out for my next blog post which is going to be about ‘working a 3 or 4 day work week’, and WHY people should work towards that.
I‘d Love to Hear Your Thoughts and Feedback Regarding this Post
Has the pandemic changed the way you live your life? Has it shifted your mindset in anyway?
I’d love to hear your thoughts – So please do drop a comment below this post.
To your success
Andy Black
That was a very “from the heart” blog post.
Nice job!
As I was reading it my College daughter called and was upset that a ‘so called friend’ did her dirty. And I was so glad to pass on your Pearls of Wisdom to her :
You don’t need many friends. You just need good ones.
I’m a way older parent and have learned this many times over, but the way you put it was an easy way to digest it.
Many, many thanks.
Hey, thanks for the lovely comment and I’m glad you passed some of that value on to your daughter. Life teaches us many lessons throughout our life, so being able to help, advise and guide our children based on our past experiences is a blessing.
Worthy goals for all of us.
So true Andy……we all have our baggage and lessons to learn…just so long as we get it in the end.
Simplicity and clarity is the way to go…..and gradually letting go of stuff that just gets in the way. Enjoy the freedom Andy…
Thanks Shaun, that’s the thing about life, we never stop learning, and the moment we do we stop growing. It makes it interesting though. We are all students of life and that never ends. It’s about learning, adapting and growing into what we truly want to be.
Very nice blog post Andy. Takes very little to be happy and most wonderful things don’t require a lot of money – you just need to have your priorities straight and also know where to look 🙂
That’s very true San. People who are seeking material things to make them happy are looking in the wrong place. Happiness is within and we’re all responsible for our own happiness. When we make ourselves complete, the world is our oyster.