Many people spend time judging those that live a simple life.

It’s okay. We all do it. We judge things we don’t understand. But…a simple life is not a burden, it’s a blessing.

Brett Wilson, mega millionaire from the show Dragon’s Den couldn’t have put it more eloquently in advice to his son:

If you want to have a happy and easy life, have simple needs

Those are not his exact words, but you get the sentiment. Creating a simple life is about creating a life you can enjoy without too many things getting in the way. When you complicate your life you have to spend time dealing with the complication.

Here’s an example:

Person A maintains 2 cars, a 3000 square foot house with a hefty mortgage and eats out every lunch and several times a week because they don’t have the energy to cook. To maintain that house and the job for it, they have to have a full wardrobe and various communication gadgets.

1. car costs – $25,000 each over 5 years or $500 monthly
2. car maintenance and insurance – $500 monthly
3. mortgage & insurance costs – $2500 monthly
4. eating out – $500
5. wardrobe & extras – $500
6. gadgets & communication – $500

Okay, that’s $5000 and it doesn’t even cover a full budget. It’s not an unreasonable estimate.

Person B doesn’t maintain a car, instead they go use Autoshare and work from home several days a week. They bring lunch and entertain guests at their 950 square foot house, which they rent. They maintain a minimum casual wardrobe with used items at about and control their gadgets to internet, skype and a cellphone.

1. transportation – $200
2. entertainment – $200
3. housing – $1500
4. wardrobe – $50
5. communication – $150

Okay, that’s about $2100 a month. A big difference. Person B has simplified their life and their needs. They are probably much less stressed and have a better chance of saving money and earning equity than person A. Person A is likely going into debt further each month!

Who would you say has a life that is a burden? Probably person A. Oh, and the carbon footprint of person B is substantially lower than Person B. They are making a difference in the world by the lifestyle they choose.

So, before you think simplifying your needs and cutting costs is a burden – think twice. Simplifying is very liberating. It buys you time and energy, something missing in society today!

if you liked this post, take a gander at these ones!

• Downsizing Your Personal Life
• environmental burden of online media
• the first stepping stones to change
• 20 Simple Ways to Reduce Climate Change – Blog Action Day 2009
• 8 reminders to help simplify your life