In this season of life I feel, more than ever, the need to be guided by elders.

I was driving home from the shopping centre a few weeks ago when I caught David Suzuki on the radio (discussing many things as well as his most recent book). Percy was sound asleep and once I pulled into the driveway I sat and listened for as long as I could. David’s thoughts on climate change were terrifying and confronting; his frank delivery of shocking statistics left me feeling perturbed. Birds are falling out of the sky because of the high CO2 levels, fish are jumping out of the water because it’s too hot, we are well past the climate change tipping point…this is very, very real. Percy woke before David finished speaking but thanks to the wonder that is instagram I put a call out and Babs from Patchwork Cactus filled me in on the rest of his thoughts which went a little something like: “…the elders in our community should get off the golf course and share what they have learned with the upcoming generations. At their age they are finally at the stage when there is only honesty – there’s no pressure to make money, represent a company or gain power. And ultimately, that makes it a very special time for the truth.”

Honesty, lessons learned, life truths. I think we all need to sit and listen for a while, don’t you think?

I’ve always been a bit of an old soul; happy to drink tea and potter at home in lieu of getting out and about. But then again, when it’s time to make adult decisions about homeownership, when you start thinking about superannuation and retirement and making plans for the ten, twenty, thirty-year future, I can’t help but feel a little perplexed.

This past weekend, with its glorious stretch of four days, presented the perfect opportunity to delve into my new book. Percy was napping and there was fresh linen on the bed so in a rare moment of quiet and solitude I opened The Simple Home – a month-by-month guide to self-reliance, productivity and contentment. Written by Rhonda Hetzel, the delightful blogger from Down to Earth, it’s a considered and thoughtfully written guide to simple living. There’s no fanfare here; just a one-on-one conversation with the very thoughtful, caring and wise, Rhonda. While I’m only a few chapters (or months) in, I’ve enjoyed her realistic yet happy approach to all things practical and necessary in living intentionally and with greater awareness of our impact on the earth. I feel like it’s the kind of book that will be dogeared and tea-stained in the coming years because my affinity with it is already so strong.

There’s a lot to be said for a book on living by some who has actually lived! Rhonda doesn’t profess to having a perfect life but she has come to realise what is important. She knows and lives contentment and her step-by-step guide to getting there is practical and inspiring.

A few things I’m doing this week to inspire, simplify, save and look forward:

– this nappy wipe tutorial went viral and for good reason. I’ve already got two ingredients but will pick up the containers and paper towels on my weekly shop.
– when Percy naps this afternoon I’m getting on the phone to sort out regular contributions to my super account (the joys of being a sole trader)
– it’s time to use up some pre-made freezer meals before we move…there’s a few soups, some pasta sauces and a lasagna…perfect for busy nights when dinner time creeps up too quickly.
– nature is speaking, powerfully

What are you doing to simplify this week?