Lifestyle of The Minimalist?

My wife and I spent a couple of weekends working around the house on junk removal. We moved into our house quickly and really didn’t have the time to sort through items. We’ve accumulated over thirty years and it was time to seek the help of a waste removal service.

I’ve read a lot recently about writers who become minimalists. Minimalists are people who sell or do away with nearly everything they own. This allows the freedom to relocate, travel and reduce living costs dramatically. Less distraction equals increased focus on what matters in your art or life!

Lifestyle of the Minimalist

·        No vehicle, car payment, insurance, gas, upkeep and repairs.

·        No house payment, insurance, upkeep, services, appliances and taxes.

·        No TV and monthly cable costs.

·        No excessive waste of resources.

·        Wages become less a factor.

As you can see this eliminates some of the largest expenses during a lifetime. Instead try renting a small apartment with minimal furnishings or travel the world. A laptop could be used for entertainment, reading and writing. Minimalistic living sounds simple, especially if you’re single, young and want to experience life.

Would this lifestyle work for us? Only if we had several storage sheds to keep many of our possessions from our childhoods, hobbies, activities, books, and music. It’s nice to know if things become desperate, instead of feeling like we're trapped; we have the ability to become instantly mobile. This actually opens many new possibilities for experiencing the fulfillment of life.

Wait a minute. Oh yeah, all the critters, what would become of them? I guess we will have to wait a few more years.

Those with the Least Toys Aren’t Broke

I’ve worked around several people who retired early (and wealthy) just from driving a motor scooter, riding buses or walking to work and shop. We always thought of those folks as odd. I now know they saw the world differently and their goals were successful.

Those folks were early stage minimalists, never caring to follow the pack or keep up with their friends and neighbors. Their reward was early retirement and freedom from saving money.

The new lifestyle is an alternative to work or travel, go wherever you want, whenever you feel the urge. No strings, nothing holding you back-just a huge world in front of you! Interesting concept.

One Man’s Junk…

The folks offering junk removal are making a good business in recent years due to scrap metal prices and home foreclosures. Trash removal was once thought of as a dirty business. In recent years it has become quite lucrative.Today's waste management services aren't like Sanford and Son. 

I must admit there is a certain feeling of power throwing away junk into a waste container. The house is more organized, I can find my way through the basement and it was invigorating to separate yourself from things with no real value. Clothing and items of any value can be donated or sold on eBay. Scrap materials can be sold. Perhaps a new side business could be started with some increased knowledge and a truck.

Keeping up with the Jones’s (they’re broke too)

It’s ironic how we follow the crowd and attempt to keep up with the Jones’s. We become so ingrained in our lifestyle never noticing the forest through the trees! Spending money and living broke. 

Hoarding?

During the process I found it easier to relate how a hoarder must feel with an insurmountable task of sorting, decisions, stress and guilt. Not an easy job!

We figured we are getting older and why keep objects never used? If we want to become minimalists or move, the next step will be less cumbersome!

So roll up your sleeves, go through closets, shelves, drawers and cubbyholes. See what treasures you can find. Discover what you could give to someone in need. The rest of the objects are placeholders, occupiers of free space, most commonly known as junk!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Passion of Politics!



Photo used courtesy of: Beverly&Pack.

If only people were as passionate about making a difference as we are in making political choices. How much control do you have after an election? Not as much as deciding on a choice. Economics plays out one way or another and the political system in place (depending on your choice) appears to be another race (sprint or crawl) to the bottom.

 

Lobbyist and special interest groups control the agenda of the election term.

We don’t.

Political blogs or rants receive more attention than a common blog, but I have to ask why? I generally abstain from political writing for a number of reasons.

The constant heated debates between political parties, bickering between one politician and another has shed some light on the possibilities of why we are so passionate concerning candidates.

·        It’s easy to have an opinion with a limited amount of choices.

·        The odds of winning or losing with your vote of candidates become slim.

·        Everyone believes they’re an expert.

·        If our political choice wins we believe everything is ok and if we lose, we spend four years blaming someone else.

·        We generally have no personal outcome, commitment or sacrifice involved.

The Meaningful Alternative

Far better to spend our time and energy doing something truly meaningful such as:

·        Feeding the hungry.

·        Helping the homeless.

·        Saving a  child from disease or prostitution.

What a true difference we could create in OUR society.

The world would be a better place today, tomorrow and four years from now!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

What Really Matters?

Stuff that Doesn’t Matter

·        Last week’s football game.

·        Last week’s weather forecast.

·        Last week’s news.

·        Last week’s favorite television show.

Something that Does Matter

·        Why you finish.

·        What you read.

·        How you treat others.

·        Who you are.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Government Cure?



Document photo used courtesy of: roberhuffstutter.

While reading Wisdom Meets Passion: WhenGenerations Collide and Collaborate written by Dan Miller and Jarad Angaza, I came upon an interesting piece of information. There are people living in the United States, who for three or four generations have been living on government welfare programs.

Obviously, the system has failed us a long time ago.

I have sympathy for those who've lost a job, family or home. What I oppose is how a system designed to temporarily help those in need actually keeps people “stuck” in the system.

 

The current setup provides no hope, inspiration or incentive to improve their lives or become employable.

Free Ride

While attending school, each quarter I noticed a trend. I would see the arrival of many new students receiving classes and books paid for by state and government subsidization. In most cases, the students slowly dropped out of class. I recall several women bringing their babies to class.

It irked me to no end that most had no interest in learning or obtaining a degree for free.  I repeat- for Free! Wasting tax payer’s money, each semester, year after year!

Those folks didn’t have ambition to study or drag themselves to class. They didn’t seem to understand the purpose for attending class or care. Those that attended beyond a week or two couldn’t bother to do their homework assignments. A majority would withdraw or be absent during our first scheduled test.

The colleges are making a nice income from the subsidizations. In truth it’s just another free ride for some folks. I actually believe in some cases those “entitled students” thought someone would hand them a degree just for showing up. It was as if they were isolated from the world.

Why? Because our system has taught them that there is no requirement, no cost, and in most cases no hope. Set back, enjoy the ride, everybody owes you something because the state and government have been paying you for injustices for generations.

Socialism is Alive and Well in America.

We’ve successfully taught entitlement to scores of U.S. citizens. Too earn their trust, buy their vote; we’ve keep generation’s dependant on assistance, while believing the Federal Government is looking after their best interests. In truth it has served to keep those folks trapped within their poor existence.

Due to the fact that the system hasn’t given you whatever it is you want the choice is to blame someone. Become angry, resentful and filled with hate. Blame everyone, the rich, the middle class and anyone else who doesn’t reward you with entitlements.

Mandatory Testing

We should have drug testing mandatory for anyone seeking welfare. There must be an indoctrination or introductory class for students (required to attend with guidelines established and met) prior to subsidized educational funding. Let’s not waste our time, their time or precious funding courtesy of the U.S. tax payers.

The Government Cure?

If you have no desire or passion to apply yourself or do the work, no amount of subsidized money will correct your problem. No magic wand will touch your mind and make something happen. No government or state can cure your problem.

It isn’t where you live or what you’ve lacked. It doesn’t matter at all in today’s world. We have choices available to us more than any other previous generation.

Many people have overcome (physical, psychological and emotional) obstacles in life to better themselves. Some of us have to work harder or longer than others in order to achieve results.

The truth is change begins within you!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Leader or Gatekeeper?

Photo used courtesy of:ndanger.

When you first became a manager or supervisor did you feel special? Perhaps you thought you were recognized because of your intelligence, problem solving skills or leadership abilities.

 

I hate to disappoint you. In all likeliness it was due to your ability to submit yourself to company loyalty. You weren’t necessarily the best candidate due to your skill set or work history.

 

Gatekeepers are chosen to protect the company at all costs- nothing more. The minute your loyalty is in question, you’re position is history.

 

Being a Gatekeeper is similar to a being a member of a cult. You become a member of the mysterious inner circle of protection within the hallowed halls of the company. This typical well paid position has its roots in the manufacturing era.

 

Times have changed, however; many companies are still operating in the past. Those businesses will continue to struggle until they change management styles.

 

Leaders serve their people and customers. Gatekeepers serve the company.

 

You are either one or the other. Do not confuse the difference.

 

It is impossible to confuse the outcome!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/
 

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

 

 

Book Review- Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate.

Last week, I received the new book co-written by author and life coach Dan Miller and his son, Jarad Angaza entitled- Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate.

Dan Miller is the best-selling author of No More Dreaded Monday’s and 48 Days to the Work You Love. Dan Miller has two websites offering community assistance, classes and podcasts at 48days.com and 48days.net.  Jarad Angaza is the president and co-founder of KEZA, an ethical fashion label in East Africa.

Special Prize

I purchased the book with a pledge on a special offer through indigogo.com. The book arrived quickly and the shipping envelope had a label with a special instructions to call a specific phone number “before doing anything else.”

The package was like a box of Cracker Jacks. What would I hear or receive from calling the phone number? What would I discover inside the package? Like a child, my mind began to wonder.

Upon calling the number, I received a (fittingly) 48-second message from author Dan Miller thanking me for participating in the project along with an encouraging message. I’ve never seen anyone else offer this nice little gesture in regards towards anything I’ve ever purchased.

Inside the package was the UBUNTU medallion necklace designed by Jarad Angaza and Hannah Woodard at KEZA. Nepali refugees through Hope Rise (a Nashville, Tennessee based charity) assembled the necklaces. Hope Rise assists the Nepali refugees with integration into Nashville, Tennessee. Each of the beautiful medallions sold allows the refugees income and dignity.

I removed the autographed book from the envelope and the bright cover artwork immediately attracts your attention. As I opened the book, I noticed a couple more “little surprises.” Inside the front cover was a post card size promo photo of Dan and Jarad and a “Wisdom meets Passion” book marker (featuring additional dowloadable files). The added gifts show the genuine appreciation of the authors for the purchase through indigogo.com.

Added Stuff

Separate from the book, folks who joined the 48days.net group, Wisdom meets Passion- were able to download a couple of free eBooks, to go along with the hard cover version of the book. It’s safe to say Dan and his son, Jarad understand the power of added value to a customer. Thank you Dan and Jarad!

The Review

Once I started to read this extra-ordinary book, it was difficult to put down. Of all the books I’ve read this year it is easily my favorite- hands down.

The wisdom and passion of Dan and Jared is immense throughout every chapter. The motivation and hope gained through reading Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate is inspiring, gratifying and immeasurable.

Dan’s view of wisdom and passion is traditionally based ideology, so the older folks (like me) can easily relate too. While Jared’s view is on the edge, off the cuff and raw, perhaps relating better with a younger audience or a different cultural mindset.

Together, their views present quite different ways to arrive at a similar path for success. Separately, Dan and Jarad’s methods stand on their own merits and remind us that not everything is accomplished the same way, while breaking down- what really matters in life.

I have waited several years for a new book from Dan Miller and I can honestly say this is his best work yet! The message is joyful and resonates with words of wisdom and passion. This is a book I will repeatedly read and study.

Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate is the book you must read if you’re serious about changing your life or the world you live in.

I highly recommend it!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.
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The Alternative to Being Average



Photo used courtesy of: cliff1066â„¢)

The end of the Industrial age has already brought many changes in the way we do business. The problem is most employers and employees haven’t grasped the change in direction.

Many companies are still run as if they are factories and many employees are being treated the same as if they are factory workers. Worse yet, many of the employees have preconceived notions so ingrained into their brain; they don’t know the rules have changed.

The Race to the Bottom

From the first day of school; compliance, fitting in, and being average were drilled into our heads. Everyone used a #2 pencil; sat in a straight row, bells rang to signify the beginning or end of class, and we raised our hand to ask or answer a question. Formulated measures were used to teach compliance to the masses.

In order to produce more factories and sell more products we were taught that purchasing items would buy happiness. Mass television, radio marketing, and peer pressure were some of the ways used to get us to buy into the idea. Corporations became extremely wealthy. Unions prospered and employees earned a comfortable living style. Everyone was happy, waiting for the gold watch and retirement pension.

Then the unthinkable happened. Someone decided they could manufacture stuff cheaper. Factories moved overseas, many closed or were bought out and relocated. It was always about manufacturing something cheaper and faster. It always will be. That is what produced the Industrial age and it is the reason we can’t compete now. It’s a race to the bottom.

End of the Industrial Era

So here we are. The Industrial age has run its course. Suddenly fitting in, being compliant, and following the manual created an entire group of average people that can be replaced at a moment’s notice, with more average employees. No job security. This is the same type of employee sought after for a fast food business job. Where’s the progression?

The Alternatives

1. Be creative, innovative, and unique.
2. Stand out and make yourself a valuable asset to your organization.
3. Stop trying to fit in, stop being average, and unleash the chains.
4. If the business you work for doesn’t allow you to make a difference, change jobs (Chances are the organization will go the way of the factories anyway.)
5. Start your own business, do something you’ve always dreamed of, become that someone you always wanted to be.
6. Be a leader, not a follower!

Take charge of your life today and do something meaningful that matters.

Your future is only as secure as you choose to make it!

 

Until We Meet Again,

 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!

 

www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.