by Anncan

Created on: August 13, 2008

I've overdosed on the commercials that promote living above my means and having the best, the most the self absorbed ultimate in things material. What's more, I resent that the media bark them at me three times the decibles of normal program audio.

Many things have contributed to my current embrace of self-sufficiency. As a child growing up fourth in a family of thirteen kids having 'enough' was a no-brainer. I never felt deprived or in need of anything. I credit my parents for instilling in me that we enjoyed a fullness that went beyond having lots of things or going lots of places.

From childhood I entered religious community living. Vowing poverty also came easily, though I often felt guilty for the level of comfort we enjoyed in spite of our vow. When it came to dealing with having money and accountability for how I managed it, my perception of the vow was stretched, even if I was only 'managing' $30/month living expense.

Now, a senior, removed from the securities of the lifestyles that introduced me to my experience of 'enough' I live without health insurance. I drive a vehicle with mega miles on the speedometer and see that it gets regular servicing to keep it roadworthy. I left my comfortable income due to the threat of an impossible rent hike. I consign myself to an environment of senior living with a view to the vitality of my neighbors rather than our mutual, if diverse, limitations. I recall with sweet reverie the events and occasions when I was privileged to fly off to far locations, work with diverse cultures, and learn humility that sustains me in living with limits of the great American Dream.

Self-sufficiency, for me, is as much self acceptance as it is a commitment to a frugal way of life. It is a commitment to honor my walk on earth by leaving precious little evidence of excessiveness. It is my way of embracing my own 'enough' when all that exists outside me would lay heavy loads of 'shoulds' on me. I feel graced in this perception of my status. Others who would worry for me measure me by their own needs. I lack nothing so long as I am able to live with what I have and share even from it to allow others the gift of my companionship. Even to share vicariously in this way - writing for others to consider the merits of self-sufficiency is itself a gift.

Only one problem here for me - I reached my own 'enough' before I achieved an acceptable number of characters for the editors of this website. With only 80 characters shy of the minimum limit, has this addendum added anything to your appreciation of my viewpoint?

Learn more about this author, Anncan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.