I’m taking a break from my weekly video series to work on my kickstarter video. I thought I would share a book I recently read with you. I
guess it has something to do with being in my 30’s and putting a huge emphasis on balance and
simplicity, but this book resonated with me. It’s called Notes From A Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World by Tsh Oxenreider.
The author of the book writes about simplicity in certain areas of her life. She uses examples from her own life, raising three children, dabbling in homeschooling and her role as an entrepreneur. I could relate to her being a mom of three young children and working from home running a small business. It was a quick read and I saved several quotes to go back from time to time. Here are a few tips and/or quotes I took away from the book:
- Rotate my weekly meal plans every other week to make it easier on myself. Duh! Why didn’t I think of that?
- “The problem with doing everything is that you have no time for doing nothing” by blogger Myquilyn Smith.LOVE THIS! I heard a speaker this year who coached a bunch of us moms on how to say “NO” It’s a beautiful word to learn to say!
- The author learned from another author about having a tangible symbol (they both had a rock) in her office that represented working with intention–knowing that your gifts and limits, callings and opportunities sometimes need a “no” and being at peace understanding the difference.
- “Your home is the most significant place during your kids’ childhood. The power of influence by having your kids home—making space for them to explore books, open-ended toys and the outdoors instead of filling them with a schedule full of classes or sports–one at a time is fine. Giving them the gift of free time so they can unhurriedly learn about themselves and the world around them.” I loved this because I struggle with feeling like I need my kids signed up in a bunch of things because that’s what their friends are doing.
- The author noted research that supported the positive effect having books in your home for children to read can have on their reading abilities early on. I have witnessed this with my daughter. We keep books everywhere in our home, even in the car, so she has access to learning. We don’t force it upon her, they are there for her to explore at her own leisure. Her love for books happened early on and so did her ability to read independently. Now, each child is very different so we will see what happens with our other children!
There was a great story about a fisherman that the author shared. I found a version of this same story out in internet land to share with you.
The businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The businessman complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied only a little while.
The businessman then asked why he didn’t stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The businessman then asked, but what do you do with the rest of your time? The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos; I have a full and busy life, señor.”
The businessman scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and I could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats; eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the processor and eventually open your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City where you would run your expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But señor, how long will this all take?” To which the businessman replied, “15-20 years.” “But what then, señor?” The businessman laughed and said, “That’s the best part! When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.” “Millions, señor? Then what?” The businessman said, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”
The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, “Isn’t that what I’m doing right now?”
-Author Unknown