Welcome to 2023, a year quickly being marred by bickering on Capitol Hill, a frightening episode on Monday Night Football, and more revelations about the U.S. Government trying to suppress speech on Twitter.
Damn. I thought we all wanted peace on earth, good will toward men?! Looks like we’ll all have to rely on ourselves for that.
The question is, “How?”.
There’s an old adage, “Less is more.”
Fewer words make your point more clearly.
Less makeup is almost always better than more.
And less food and drink generally leaves one feeling more healthy.
So I’ve been considering acquiring less stuff, scheduling fewer commitments, and simplifying my life.
I’m sure I’m not alone. Because let’s face it: amidst the culture wars, the political fights, and the financial chaos, an escape hatch sounds pretty good.
Over the past few years I’ve noticed an elevated attraction to the “simple life,” which I’m sure means different things to different people.
But let me give you a few examples:
HGTV shows like “Fixer Upper” and “Home Town” attract significant audiences even though they’re based in Waco, Texas and Laurel, Mississippi, respectively. What’s not to like about small towns without traffic, noise pollution, and “Defund The Police” campaigns.
The shows revolve around wholesome couples whose goals are to beautify, rebuild, renovate and rejuvenate homes. It’s a simple yet satisfying objective. And there’s the subplot: they are raising their kids in homes surrounded by lots of land, baby goats, flowers, and warm weather. Where do I sign up??
Another example: the hugely popular “Great British Baking Show,” one of my favorites. Set on location in the beautiful English countryside, the object of the show is to whittle a group of talented bakers down to one champion. And viewers are treated to humor, creativity, and stunning baked goods from a wonderfully diverse group of contestants. Again, simple yet satisfying.
And what about the hit show “Ted Lasso”? It’s impossible to watch this series and NOT smile. No matter how goofy the plot, I find myself happy at the end of every episode. No violence, no crime solving, no intense medical drama, and no preaching politics. Just fun.
And one final exhibit: country music. What could be more American?
Let me present the first verse of, “What My World Spins Around,” by Jordan Davis — sitting at the top of the iHeart Country Music Charts as I write this:
I love a first cast when the water's glass and the line starts to run
Or that first sip of a cold beer when the working week's done
I love the twilight in the morning 'fore the day wakes up
With the windows down on the first ride in a paid-up truck
Simple. Relatable. Nothing complicated. Like so many country songs, the lyrics hit home because they touch the part of us that craves a simple life: casting that first line on the water… starting the weekend with a cold beverage… seeing the sky at the dawn’s early light… and overflowing with pride after paying for that newly acquired vehicle (even if it’s pre-owned).
I get it — not everyone likes country music. But my 17-year-old son listens to it (when he’s not cranking rap music or The Smiths). And my theory is that he wants a break from the noise, the stress of school, and the clutter surrounding every teenager with a phone. He wants to believe there is simplicity out there somewhere.
And after years of strongly disliking country music, I’ve found myself appreciating the genre, too. Simple themes, love of country, no political nonsense, and often a lot of fun.
Life is complicated. Taking a break, imagining how simple it could be, putting aside all our wants and focusing only on our needs, provides a respite.
We don’t need a vacation to rest. We only need a place in our minds that allows us to absorb the beauty right in front of us. Our kids. The moon. Good coffee. Good wine. A cleaned-out closet. Your dog’s smile.
Since leaving the NFL sidelines, I am pleasantly amazed by how invested I am in my daughter’s high school basketball games… my son’s baseball team… my trips to the dog park with my labradoodle… my nightly conversations with my husband… cleaning my house… connecting with my friends… my mental health.
It feels good.
I’m not yearning for more right now. I’m yearning for less. Frankly, it’s more seductive.
And less may be more in 2023.
https://youtu.be/3T3AvgCQK-4
Hears Another View.
EnJoy !
https://youtu.be/6BH-Rxd-NBo
Thanx Michele !
Singin' In The Rain, Reigns Sane !