The Year of Living Minimally – Week Forty-seven

Martha Reynolds The Year of Living Minimally June 15, 2018June 13, 2018 1 Minute

There’s an early episode of “Mad Men,” when Betty is speaking with her brother, reminiscing about how much their father hated small talk (“Remember how he’d fine us?”)

Part of living more mindfully is cutting out the excess, whether that means clearing out a closet, a cupboard, a drawer, or all the excess noise and information we’re barraged with constantly.

As an introvert (yes, I am), I get anxious in casual social situations where small talk rules. Because you generally don’t want to discuss heavy subjects with strangers, you end up trapped in small talk.

When is the last time you truly felt calm? Quiet? At peace? Do you hike in the woods? Walk by yourself on the beach? Read without ambient noise? I’ve been cherishing my quiet time lately, and while I do stay connected – to the news, to friends, to my readers, certainly with my husband, there’s beauty in quiet – no TV, no radio, no social media.

Even if you can only find 15 minutes today, seek it out. 🧡

Published by Martha Reynolds

I am the bestselling author of nine novels, including the Swiss Chocolate trilogy and VILLA DEL SOL, which won the 2018 Book Award in Literary Fiction from the Independent Publishers of New England. My newest series includes the books A JINGLE VALLEY WEDDING, APRIL IN GALWAY, and ALL’S WELL IN JINGLE VALLEY. Find my books online at Amazon, locally at Stillwater Books (Pawtucket, Rhode Island) and Ink Fish Books (Warren, Rhode Island). View all posts by Martha Reynolds

Published June 15, 2018June 13, 2018

6 thoughts on “The Year of Living Minimally – Week Forty-seven”

Allison says:

June 15, 2018 at 3:58 pm

This is something I’ve been focusing on lately – or trying to. I always feel like I need to be listening to podcasts so I can mark them as “played”. Or watch shows so I can move to the next on my list. Or read books because I didn’t have time to earlier in the day. Or listen to music because otherwise it’s quiet. I’m trying to slow down and enjoy the silence, and let myself space out or play with my kid (which means it’s not quiet, haha, but you give a little and get a little!)

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1. Martha Reynolds says:
  
  June 15, 2018 at 5:16 pm
  
  You’re an inspiration, Allison!
  
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Connie Ciampanelli says:

June 15, 2018 at 11:20 am

“Quiet” is my favorite word. “Peace” a close second, if not tied for first.
I’m with you.

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1. Martha Reynolds says:
  
  June 15, 2018 at 5:16 pm
  
  Thanks, Connie. You and I both love our music, but silence is balm at times.
  
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Denise Hammond says:

June 15, 2018 at 9:06 am

I love quiet. When Charlie is not here and I am not watching TV, it is blissfully quiet. I also hate small talk which is why I think folks think I am cold and uncaring.

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1. Martha Reynolds says:
  
  June 15, 2018 at 9:26 am
  
  And isn’t that their fault for thinking that, Denise?! We’ve become so accustomed to trivial conversation. I love quiet, too.
  
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