Simplicity by Sunny

I’ve been receiving some lovely emails from SBS readers.  While my ego does enlarge after hearing that my posts are appreciated (I’m human, after all), I’m also humbled.  I’m reminded that what brings me happiness, and what brings me pain, are the same things that bring you happiness and pain, too.  I’m made aware that the world doesn’t revolve around me, it revolves around us.  We’re in this crazy ride together and I’m glad to be riding the crazy bus with all of you.

I’ve also been reading many complaints about technology.  The Internet. Texts.  Facebook.  The ways we’re manipulated by Smartphones and e-mail is an often discussed topic.  Digital sabbaticals abound.  We supposedly suffer at the mercy of technology by losing our connection to real life.

I recognize the benefits I, myself, receive when I disconnect.  Time I spend in nature (or in the bathtub) rejuvenates me.  Dinners I share with in-the-flesh friends nourishes my spirit and my tummy.  On the very same hand, though, I give thanks to technology.

I’ve always known that I’m odd.  There are a plethora of things about me that make me weird.  After discovering the world of blogs, I realize there are many of us eccentric folks who scatter the world.  I’ve found peace in this discovery.  I’ve found a sense of connection that would never exist if not for technology.  Online forums.  YouTube.  If not for miss minimalist, RowdyKittens, becoming minimalist, zen habits…  If not for my own blog.

I’ve been blogging for almost two years and during this time of revealing myself freely through the online written word (albeit anonymously) I’ve learned how to be more open and honest with those I meet in person, too.  Being part of my online community, surrounded by like-minded friends, has given me a ridiculous amount of courage to enter the real world, unafraid of what makes me different.

When I sold my stereo on Craigslist, which I wrote about at the beginning of my blog here, I found myself uncomfortable with the buyer’s strange glances at my empty apartment.  I told him that I was moving to Uganda to become a missionary.  (I don’t know why I didn’t say something more believable.  What pops out of my mouth can never be predicted ).  That was me then.  In contrast, I recently had a coffee date with a new co-worker, and five minutes into our lattes I said, “It’s only fair to tell you upfront that I’m a crazy person who, among other strange things, lives without furniture.”

“Well,” she said, giving it thought for a moment.  “It’s better than living without clothes, right?”

As the evening progressed, she shared herself easily with me, after I’d shared easily with her.  We had four lattes that night before heading home, having solidified a friendship. 

This new friendship is one example of how I must thank you, dear reader, because you – your support, your kind words, your friendship – have given me more than I can ever give you.  You let me be myself here, which allows me to be myself out there, too.  Which means that life’s pretty great, thanks to you.  There’s nothing better than getting to be who you are… all the time.

My blog, and the use of technology, has given me friends, revelations, and self-confidence.  I’m thankful to technology and the way it brings us all together.

My blog has brought me into contact with a young woman from Portugal, whose English is written elegantly and warmly.  She’s sent me photographs of Lisbon.  How wonderful it is to learn about life across the ocean!  Glimpsing something that can’t be seen at Wikipedia.  Reading her emails is a treat. 

There’s Amy, the sweetest redhead I’ve ever met.  She contacted me through my blog shortly before spending last summer interning in Denver.  A year later I’m blessed to have her as my friend.  A friend I admire for her spunk.  She relocated to Washington state a few months ago and, during her road trip west, she went camping in the middle of desolate Wyoming, surrounded by gorgeous foliage.  I’d worry about bears and mountain men, but not her.  I’m pretty sure that girl can do anything.  Each time she accomplishes something, I think, “Wow, she did the seemingly impossible, so I bet I can, too.”

And there’s Kel, who mentioned his love for the Kindle in a comment a few posts back.  “No electronic books for me!”  I proclaimed.  But my curiosity was piqued and, in the space of one day, I’d uploaded the Kindle for PC app and read an entire e-book in one sitting.  Now I’m convinced.  I need a Kindle.

Of course, there’s Bradon, too, who moved to Denver a few weeks ago from Texas.  On a hot Saturday in Boulder he kept me company, reminding me how important bare feet and chilly creeks are.

Without technology, I’d not have Amy’s adventures to hear about – and take great pleasure in.  I’d not have pictures from Portugal.  Or Kindle lust.  Or your comments to learn from and respond to.  Most important, without technology, I wouldn’t be this person I am today.

It’s with great sincerity that I offer you all my greatest thanks.

This blog wasn’t created of my own volition.  The most fabulous things in my life rarely are.  My friend A.W. suggested it.   Because of her, I’ve found an outlet that’s made me appreciate myself exactly as I am.  A hobby that’s given me friends, a sense of community, and countless happy hours of typing away.  A.W., I don’t think I’ve ever told you properly, so here goes – “Thank you!”   

This isn’t my blog as much as it is our blog.  I reserve the right, of course, to share my stories because it’s in my nature to monopolize a conversation.  But that’s how I like to think of SBS – a conversation.  A little corner of the Internet that’s our home, albeit minimally decorated.  A place to explore living simply, living minimally, and (best of all) living eccentrically.  So, I ask for your help.  If there’s anything you want me to write about, please leave a comment or send me an email at ColoradoSunny@live.com.  I don’t have all the answers, but together we might figure a little something out.