If you’re really serious about simplifying your life and not having stress don’t get married and don’t have children and don’t go to church. Go live with that guy that lives on the sidewalk by Will’s Pit Stop.

Neal and I are all about this (although it doesn’t necessarily equate to giving up TV or movies since Neal could not live without those!)! I think the ideas that you pose are good, and I’ve been working on some similar endeavors for the last month or so. For example, I have a new rule that I don’t turn on the computer in the morning until I’ve done some exercise, scripture study and prayer, and had breakfast. I first tried to actually limit internet time, etc. but I realized that the only sure-fire way to make myself do it was to keep the computer completely off–otherwise it was too easy to slip. Since I started these new practices, I’ve felt more fulfilled and done more service for others.

Neal and I actually discuss this topic a lot and I think Elder Oak’s “Good, Better, Best” is also instructive. Although I am all in favor of altering some of these little habits, and I do think they can pay big dividends, I also worry that we sometimes won’t make some of the big changes that would pay even greater dividends. Our societal mantra involves doing it all and that that is fulfilling and productive, but we don’t speak of the dark secret: it is impossible to do it all, even all the “good” things. We have to make some hard choices, give up some things that would be really wonderful and life-enhancing, and only in making those choices do we decide and manifest who we really are. I have rambled on a bit, when what Neal would say is, “People are dumb. They do too many things.”

And by all means, keep eating…and don’t be that guy by Will’s Pit Stop.

Interesting. I did something similar for several weeks after I heard Elder Bednar’s talk. Overall it was a beneficial exercise that I would recommend to others–especially people who think they don’t have any free time. As far as giving up eating, blogging and dating….I wouldn’t recommend that unless you are trying to be an extremist–which I would avoid. According to one book I’m currently reading, although people with extreme views are often some of the most happy individuals in the country, they are also some of the greatest contributors to the general unhappiness of their fellowman because their extreme views affect everyone adversely (see Arthur Brooks’ “Gross National Happiness”). I would try to avoid that. Especially if you’re considering running for governor. If however you do not intend to take public office, receive a regular paycheck, or want to severely limit your social opportunities, you could move to Walden Pond for 2 years. Or, you could simply read Thoreau’s “Walden”. Whatever you decide, I hope your experiment goes well!

I strolled over here through your link on your facebook [limited] profile, which I stumbled on through a friend of a friend who mentioned your name in passing! (That wasn’t very simplified, now was it? )
I love all of the above mentioned talks, and needed a good reminder of them! I am really interested in this blog, as this topic of simplification has been interesting to me for a while. Earlier this spring while strolling in Sugarhouse I found myself in this small local hidden gem of a bookstore and bought a book called “Simplify Your Life” by Elaine St. James. I think my version I purchased is an old print, but still functional nonetheless. Obviously, simplifying life was on my brain. While no one needs a book to guide them necessarily, it’s full of some interesting ideas for simplifying and enjoying life. I flip it open every now and then and try to incorporate something new, especially when a major life change happens so as to be conducive to a fresh start. I recommend it as a “coffee table” book (minus the coffee), and for some great ideas. If you’d like to borrow it sometime even, I’m sure I could get it to you through our mutual friend, Seretta.
Take care, and I look forward to reading more of your blogs.