Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Time for some new direction!

So, the Simple Math is taking on a new direction as of right now. Yeah, I'll still post BS about my political ramblings. Sure, it will still be motorcycle focused. Of course, I'll be sure to throw in some bad humor. BUT... this will now be the residence for all things that are going on in my daily life that point toward the simplification of my world.

As some of you may know, I've been ranting for some time now about getting your debt handled (however desperately you need to and in whatever way serves you best) and get out from under the oppressing gravity field of the money chase. For everyone, this means something different, and for me, it means getting my shit trimmed down. I've been shedding debt as I can. Almost done with it entirely. Haven't always made the best decisions with how to dump it, but it's dumped nonetheless. Fuck it.

It's not just debt though. My simplification extends beyond the money realm (although that's a pretty far-reaching world), and into the basics of life too at this point. Put it this way, I've got too much shit. For a large part of life, I've been focused on the chase. Getting a leg up. Finding the zen of happiness however possible. Like many of you, that sometimes comes with the accumulation of crap. Why we do this is an ever-changing discussion. Sometimes it's a way to deal with depression. Sometimes it's a way to show your peacock feathers. Sometimes, there's simply some cool shit you want so bad you can't stand it and the world be damned if they try to stop you getting it. Whatever the excuse, the fact is that I know very few people who exist strictly on what they need. I don't know if I'll ever get to the "just the essentials" side of the fence, but I'm fast on my way to the "whole lot less than you'd imagine" group.

You'll see me post a ton of stuff for sale in the near future. Furniture. Artwork. Music. Appliances. Cars. Bikes. Whatever isn't nailed down and that won't fit in my mobile future.

It's funny. I took a walk around the house the other day and just asked myself honestly what of my stuff was used on a daily basis to make my life easier or more beneficial. How much do you think went into the "yes" column? Next to nothing. Here's some of the winners -

1. Socks and underwear - I dig these items, and they'd be tough to sell
2. About two weeks worth of clothing - Tshirts displaying the word "fuck" are essential as are jeans and some shoes. Basic stuff here. Better for life, although I do understand those who might say "naked rules!". Whatever.
3. My toothbrush, toothpaste, q-tips, and a box of kleenex - not too much to explain here.
4. Soap and shampoo - again, simple.
5. Toilet paper - Next time someone asks what the best invention of all time has been, this is the answer. Never leave home without some.
6. Pillow, sheets, blanket - essential for making me less cranky after I wake up.
7. Food - duh.
8. This fucking computer - Yes, people might lambast me, but get with the program, they are pretty essential. It's a love / hate thing for sure, but it stays.
9. Two bikes - My dyna and my pan. Everything else is getting prepped for sale. The whole barn is up for grabs pretty much, and I'm not the least bit sad. All good steeds and all will make good with someone else for sure.
10. Enough tools and parts to keep me busy and partially employed - I have to keep at least one vice, and it might as well be one that can earn a meager existence right? Also need to keep the bikes on the road, or I may be sleeping on your couch soon.

Sound crazy? Got a million things you'd throw in there instead of or in addition to? Not me. I've been undocking myself from the necessity of belongings for some time. Might not seem like it as I buy the new thingamajig or whosywhatsit, but it's been true for a long time. My focus has been on things that will suffer the fallout of bad economy to either a) make my life easier through it all or b) hold value to eventually be able to do (a).

I keep evaluating just about every part and piece that surrounds me on a daily basis and will continue forever I hope. This feels a ton better as I shed stuff and have less to worry about, but the real freedom comes with knowing I won't have to do the dance every day to keep finding replacements.

That's enough for this bout, but I'll be back with some other "shedding" stories and tales of my preparation for the long road ahead. Keep a light on for me, because I may be stopping by soon.

Out

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