I'm wondering, as a longterm minimalist, if one of the reasons people like to go on vacation is simply to get a way from all their stuff and feel free for at least a little while.

I remember a long weekend early one summer, many years ago, when I was a university student and my parents were away for a long weekend and I was staying at their house looking after their pets.


I was starting a summer job on the Tuesday and I was thoroughly enjoying my three days of solitude and peace.  My parents lived in the country and there were no neighbours nearby and no one was running a tractor or cutting wood.  Just the sounds of nature.


On one of those sunny mild afternoons I was sitting on the back deck with the dogs and I experienced such a feeling of contentment and presence.  I just wanted to stay there like that forever.


All through my life I have been most contented when I've been able to be by myself, somewhere peaceful, not trying to do or be anything or get anywhere.  Just being.


Which is one reason I love retirement so much - it gives me many more opportunities for that kind of moment.

Advice I Was Given in the Past #2

Years ago when I was a student one person introduced several of us to the works of Ayn Rand.


Whatever one thinks of her ideas she was an compelling and persuasive writer and all of us were at least intrigued by what she had to say.


One friend said, "That's all very interesting but I can't live that way, that's not the kind of person I want to be."


That was such a moment of clarity, and I thought, "Yes, exactly, you're right."