Sustainable Lifestyle

Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle?

What does that really mean? I see several possibilities, but here are a few takes on this.

First, recycle, reuse. I was raised by a mother who went through the great depression. She reused everything possible. Cottage cheese containers became her plasticware. Mason jars were glasses. She washed and reused plastic baggies. She cut up old t-shirts to make rags. We wore hand-me-downs and got new clothes and shoes only for school and only when absolutely needed. Our house was nice and serviceable, and she worked hard to keep it tidy. Granted, we were a one income family. She had five children and her full-time job was the raising them. So many more things I can name, but to the point.

We now live in a “throw away” society. I saw a post about no one having CDs, DVDs, VHSs anymore. I do. Why throw them out when I have the means to still play them and they bring me joy?

I have, in many ways, done the same as my mom. Sometimes, I go a little overboard and buy wants along with needs. But sustaining what we have is important – being thankful for it all.

Secondly, a sustainable lifestyle has to do with not just what we have, but how we live, who we are. How do we sustain who we are? In a nutshell, carefully.

We are changed by who we hang out with. Want to have a healthy sustainable lifestyle? Be super careful about your choice of friends. Don’t hang with people who lead you down paths you know will hurt you. Don’t hang with the crowd that ultimately leads to destruction. Be careful ears what you hear, eyes what you see, mind what you think.

Instead, hang with those that bring you joy, and lift you up when you fall. Those who aid you in times of weakness, love you enough to tell you when you’ve blown it, and help you through it. These friends will help keep your lifestyle sustainable.

Lastly, keep your spiritual lifestyle sustainable by reading God’s Word and attending a Bible believing church. Cultivate your inner life with God through prayer and meditation. Clothe yourself with compassion and humility. Practice kindness. This may sound preachy to some, but my life has been changed for the good because of these things.

Happenstances may bring laughter and happiness. But Jesus brings lasting, immeasurable joy. Live your best sustainable lifestyle. Blessings!