Why a lifestyle of Happy Simply?
Mainly because it is very rich in people, family, community, friends, experiences, interactions, nature and social justice. For me it is not about sacrifices but about a higher quality of lifestyle where real things matter like – walking, talking, washing, gardening, helping, etc. I would say it feels like a more pure life where priorities are not working to earn so much and buy/have so much (and no time to enjoy any of the ‘things’). Western culture lives in time poverty and often people are slaves to debt.
I think this Happy Simply lifestyle model gives people a chance to take on aspects of life that will keep debt away, enhance quality of life and be better for society and our environment (and ultimately ourselves!).
My trade is as a teacher but I have been lucky to travel, volunteer, learn, teach and work for the past 14 years in over 60 countries and have seen the best examples of life and lifestyles there are, and for me, the simpler the better – with a few mod cons and convinces (how do you think I am writing this!).
My aim for this project and blog is to share with others the perceptions, thoughts and actions that have lead me to embrace more of the sophistication of simplicity. As a passionate educator I am excited to share any learning I might have and put it on the table for others to see what is out there and maybe adopt an aspect or idea or two.
Essentially Happy Simply is:
- A simple 10m square dwelling
- Renewable energy (off the grid)
- Rainwater capture and storage for water needs
- Bio-compostable toilet
- Edible garden
- Walking, cycling and public transport
- Volunteering in the local community
Happy. Simply.
d’Arcy.
Happy Simply – a sustainable lifestyle model & education project 
You’re an amazing person 😉
Thanks Lela but I think we do what we do and we are all just as important and insignificant as each other. We all play our role in life and some get more recognised than others and I don’t really understand why that happens… but thank you all the same 😉
Lovely 😉
This, is my dream! Well done you for making it happen! I’m on my way to do it in March when I move to NZ with my boyfriend. We’re going for a year(my family live over there) to see if it’s the right choice for us! 🙂
Very cool! Be sure to get in touch with Javi and Mireia who were the designers and builders for the Happy, simply home and they are based at Awhi Farms doing amazing things http://www.awhifarm.com
Also make sure you visit the Happy, simply home in Paekakariki and spend a night or two! Just get in touch with me or Nicola (the caretaker when I am not there, which is most of the time) happysimplyhome@gmail.com
Cheers, d’Arcy.
Thanks for your response! That sounds great, I appreciate the links. It would be great to spend a night in the Happy, simply home. I will speak to my man about it and get in touch when we know more specifically what dates we will be free. Thanks, Jessie
Now if only more people could see what you have seen and appreciate your perspective. So glad you have a blog to share 🙂
Thanks so much for the comment. It is nice to share and live and learn from others and I have to say all of my experiences and perspectives are certainly not my own – they have come from the wonderful people I have been fortunate to interact with and learn from…
Cheers, d’Arcy.
This is an incredible model to live by! We are just starting out on living more sustainable lives and you are providing a great example to follow! 🙂
Thanks folks! the Happy, simply – a sustainable lifestyle model and education project is just how I love to live and for people to pick and choose the little bits and pieces that appeal to them and their lives so it is nice there are some ideas there that seem to fit 🙂
All the best and it is a very rich thing to do to aim for simplicity, humility and connectedness…
Cheers, d’Arcy.
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Very inspiring, I think this will challenge the consumer-mad culture. I had no hope for retirement, now I do; I can now think of buying a home, a Tiny Home, and retire in Newfoundland.
Lovely to hear Leda! At the second happy simply home we had many retiring aged folks come and see how a happy simple life can be an affordable and enriching blueprint for latter years.
Personally I’m not waiting till then! 🙂
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