Is living simply really simpler?

Cut firewood for your wood stove, OR turn up the thermostat?

Open a can of soup OR butcher a chicken?

Read books to the kids, OR let them watch Netflix?

Pay the electric bill, OR install a solar setup?

Work hard at your job and get a reliable paycheck OR figure ways to make money and hope you turn a profit?


I hear myself saying, “I want our family to live more simple. Grow, hunt and cook our own food. Live off grid. Make our own hours and be self-employed. Homeschool the kids.  Work with our hands.”

And I find us riding a bike instead of a car, heating with wood, canning food, hanging wet laundry up to dry, making artisan breads, teaching our kids to treasure the simple things, trying to figure out ways to earn money, living with less.

Is it simpler?  Nope.

It is hard work. We have to be intentional. Things take more time. We learn to be patient. The future is uncertain.

Is it better? This life is what our family has chosen.  But each person must decide for themselves.

What do you think? Is living simpler worth it? Or is it just a whole lot of work?