Embracing the simplicity of being human

So, this month sees the celebration of Simplicity Day. Theirs seems to be a day for everything these days but this is one that really struck a chord with me.

Since the lockdown when everything was much simpler, life has sped up. I don’t know about you but it almost feels like it is back to how it was pre pandemic. It’s hard to remember what it was like all those months ago when we had to go so slow and we actually had time to stop smell the roses as they say.

 

I am all for the simple pleasure in life. You know me, I love the outdoors and simply being in nature with the family is heaven, but sometimes I do resort to tech with the children. More often than I would like, if I am to be honest. It buys me time; time to make tea, send an email or just have five minutes where I am not being mauled.

Anyway, last week my son broke our TV. He threw the remote at the screen in a moment of impatience (no judgement please) and the screen is now cracked. He knows it was a silly decision and we are now living with the consequences where no one has any TV time (myself included!). That evening all four us sat on the sofa, with this empty space before bedtime that would normally be filled with some annoying show that they love. “What do we do now? I said.”

Freddie’s response was along these lines “It’s like being in the olden times, let’s play”. And play we did and haven’t stopped since then. It’s been a week now with no TV. Yes there are moments when it’s all a bit fraught and I go to turn it on but then I realise the situation and say “Go play, find something fun to do”. I turn around and five minutes later the sitting room looks like a bomb has gone off, but an elaborate den has been built and there is laughter. What can I say to that? We’ve had the Lego out more times than I can count and yes it’s more mess but actually, secretly, I am enjoying not having it on. Those horrendous Netflix programs they would end up watching are no more, for now at least. Come winter, it might be a different story.

And what about me? Well of an evening I am pottering in the garden, doing a bit more work, practising yoga, phoning friends, reading and going to bed earlier. So all in all, it’s a win win. Thank you Freddie for showing us that we can find ways to be with out tech in every part of our lives. So this month we as a family are very much embracing the simple pleasures in our household. Why not join me and try a week of no TV? Embrace the simplicity of simply being human and enjoying each others company with play, fun and laughter and of course a bit of mess!

Freddie’s response was along these lines “It’s like being in the olden times, let’s play”. And play we did and haven’t stopped since then.

It’s been a week now with no TV. Yes there are moments when it’s all a bit fraught and I go to turn it on but then I realise the situation and say “Go play, find something fun to do”. I turn around and five minutes later the sitting room looks like a bomb has gone off, but an elaborate den has been built and there is laughter.

What can I say to that? We’ve had the Lego out more times than I can count and yes it’s more mess but actually, secretly, I am enjoying not having it on. Those horrendous Netflix programs they would end up watching are no more, for now at least. Come winter, it might be a different story.

And what about me? Well of an evening I am pottering in the garden, doing a bit more work, practising yoga, phoning friends, reading and going to bed earlier. So all in all, it’s a win win. Thank you Freddie for showing us that we can find ways to be with out tech in every part of our lives. So this month we as a family are very much embracing the simple pleasures in our household. Why not join me and try a week of no TV? Embrace the simplicity of simply being human and enjoying each others company with play, fun and laughter and of course a bit of mess!

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