When I decided to live on a sailboat, I began sorting through all my belongings to determine what was necessary, as I expected to only have room for the essentials. I never thought that a nice pair of high heels and the ever famous “little black dress” would be considered a “necessity.” And so, yesterday, I found myself at the World Bar in the luxurious Trump Towers on the arm of a handsome man wearing a suit and tie…in my ratty, six-year old sneakers. “Nice kicks,” someone said to me.
Aside from the discovery that I need to consider finding space on my boat for a dress and nice shoes, I also need to consider something that a friend at the party suggested to me:
Why call it Simplicity? Why specify anything at all? Why label it?
At the start of this “journey toward simplicity” I discovered an extensive canon of literature on the subject, giving Voluntary Simplicity (the official term) a broad and vague definition. Perhaps by choosing this term as the title of my blog, a term that is so broad, its almost as if I haven’t specified much at all.
In short, I’ll need to explore this question further.
Comments 13
Ahoy Sailor , It may seem that a new “simple” living life style, will be a new starting point, after a “disrobing” and ravaging fire,sucked your previous life away, from you.
Call it the Phoenix Bird syndrom, or what ever, you have found an up-swing, and a path, that your heart can follow.
It is most important to me and your other followers, that you succeed in your sea faring endevours, as we all wish you well.
You are You , as long as You are allowed to be here, and we all appreciate your courage and conviction,,,,, make it happen ,,,, we are rooting for you .
Douglas , S/V Calliste , Singapore
I’d say you could call it un-american if you have to call it something else. This kind of life that is starting to make so much sense to people like ourselves, is so counter to the traditional american way that it is—weird. I see your friend’s point, that it shouldn’t be thought of as a ‘simple’ life, just your life. But simplicity in this day and age is revolutionary, and I like that. It’s good to throw it out there in order to make a few converts.
Very nice Blog. I found this through Adventures in Voluntary Simplicity. Best wishes on your journey.
bill
Yeah, that’s probably why i included the term in my blog in the first place. You sort of have to call it SOMETHING, and the term is broad enough to encompass a great deal.
J
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
I’m not sure the name matters as much as your intent, your goals and your journey, but I guess you have to call it something, right?
I think you should find a spot on your boat for one nice outfit. Preferably some kind of fabric that’s wrinkle-free, so you don’t need to worry about making room for an iron as well.
Thanks for pointing me to your blog. I’ll have to keep tabs on your journey!
Best,
Naomi
http://blogs.timesunion.com/simplerliving/
Question? Now that you have quit your job. And got yourself a boat. What do you do? Just sit and read? DO you have anything else to do? Is this why you call your life, a life of simplicity?
Author
Hah! Wilson thats a great question! Nope, I don’t just sit and read, although I do try to do that every once in a while. I quit my full time job inland to try living coastal and more nomadic. It worked for a little while, but now…out of savings…its time to work again. So now I substitute teach until I save up enough money or think of a new plan. I want to keep traveling and sailing, but you still need money to live simply!!! Like I said, its a new exploration for me and full of surprises along the way. And simple living sure can be complicated too!
Hi Teresa! Not sure how often you check these old posts, but I found this blog and some of your youtube vidoes a few days ago. It’s been great reading the evolution of your adventures. My wife and I want to be in a boat by year end and blogs like yours are very helpful.
Cheers!
Justin
SailFuture
Author
Thanks, Naomi! And Downey Wrinkle Releaser in the spray bottle works great in lieu of an iron!
Teresa
Hello,
As a family who is doing someting similiar, more so with the idea of simplicity and freedom in our life, we are looking for our “boat” to get away. Most likely will be a little house, where I can plant a garden, swing in my hammock on the porch and just enjoy our life together. I work in corporate healthcare and enjoy it greatly but I don’t want to work for stuff, I want to work to be happy. BIG difference!!! Corporate and simple living do not seem to meld together and I do get questionable glances or ??? when I talk about how we live or they see how we live, but I am loving every minute of it.
I wish you all the best and I look forward to reading more about your adventures.
Hugs,
Heather
Hi Teresa,
You do have the right idea. I too lived on a boat for 8 years and enjoyed every minute of it. Sadly, winter temperatures did me in as my boat was so very cold when the water temps dropped.
I moved back ashore but have always wanted to move back aboard another boat and head further south. Money was the issue for me too. I have met some wonderful cruisers that are pretty much living off the grid, traveling on their boats and enjoying life every day, picking up odd jobs to make some money and keep living well. While a few were visiting me, they were nice and relaxed working on boat projects while I left for work every day. What a bummer that was.
Enjoy the moments though.
Just found your blog – have huge admiration for you.. I’d love to live aboard a boat…
Enjoy your blog very much, and think, that if you had the conviction,and courage for a major life change ,like you have experienced It seems like you will be suited for a life of cruising and voyaging.Life is a voyage, and ultimately, all we have are, our unique experiences,friendships and family, and a few lucky people find true love along the way.I am trying to simplify,as well,as i prepare to cruise in the near future as well. My magic carpet is a 1976 Westsail 28.Keep the faith!! Mark H.