Hello. I've really enjoyed myself today. Watched some more of Scots videos, did you like his artwork? I've been working on a flowery decorative ornamental thingy, I did my walk, and made this video. So there you go, two videos in one day.
Thanks for watching, and we'll meet up again tomorrow.
Toodle pip
Hosting Our Craft Group Christmas Break-Up 🎄
2 hours ago
I totally agree with what you said on your video Ilona.It's only I think since I turned 50 that I really made a conscious effort with myself to do what made me happy.I enjoy being with my dogs and walking and meeting different people and hearing about their lives and learning various things I may find useful in my life.I want to ponder life and spend time looking and thinking-not cooking and cleaning x
ReplyDeleteSuch well balanced sentiments Ilona. I love your philosophy.
ReplyDeleteYou've hit the nail on the head Ilona - "be at peace with yourself". People would be a lot happier and content if they'd just concentrate on their own lives and not treat life as one big competition.
ReplyDeleteWe celebrate Christmas in our house but the idea of commercial shopping stopped a very long time ago I make the Christmas gifts I want to send. If people want to reciprocate that's their choice I have no expectations. This year I partook in a few surveys and earnt some vouchers which will COMFORTABLY pay for a gentle, quiet, low key season. Occasionally I may go to a free fireworks display but not done so for a few years. I live in a community which affords me company as and when I want with a craft group and a monthly film thrown in. This is at a very nominal cost. There is also a "free library" people donate and return books they have read or donated. Like you I try and recycle as much as possible before its tossed out and only do this when very well worn. Like you a good walk helps clear the head. Gone is the comercial fueled woman . I have enough whay do I need more.Keep on plugging Ilona you do it so well
ReplyDeleteYou made me cry!! Loved the video. Glad your life turned out as you planned.
ReplyDeleteOhhh,i do know what you mean Ilona.with watching your video,We have all been there,at 15, thinking we know it all...I was working as a Go Go dancer at that age....I wont say no more......but your video should should be shown to schools.But will they listen?...sadly not...no more than what some of us did years ago.Thing is now,...get your self,in a mess?..and the authorities will sort you out with a nice furnished flat or house.I know,i have seen some of them,every thing down to tea towels,washing machines,saucepans...the lot!!.When i got married...i started off with..nothing,apart from what my Mam and Dad helped us with and 12 toweling nappies and a boiling bucket..That was my washing machine.Kids these days havent got a clue!!!!,Debi,xx
ReplyDeleteA Go Go dancer Debi-I bet you've got some good stories x
DeleteThanks Ilona, this was a good post. Also thanks for all the effort you put into your blog, I have read it most days for about six years.
ReplyDeleteCheers Vicky.
Thanks for reading, Vicky.
DeleteThanks Illona, I really needed to hear something like that today. Sadly I'm not 18 I am 49. I hope it's not to late but then better late than never.
ReplyDeleteNever too late, Lisa. You have many years ahead of you, use that time wisely and set your sights on where you want to be. Good luck.
DeleteGreat advice. It would be beneficial to the younger crowd if some of this was taught in high school. But I'm sure the majority of people don't feel this way. Too many focus on having more stuff. From an early age (about 24), I knew what I wanted and worked toward that goal. There were plenty of people who made fun of me but, at 65, I'm so happy I ignored those negative people. Love the life I've had and how I'm currently living. Everyone should follow their own dream. Patty Mc
ReplyDeleteThank you for this Ilona. I have read and enjoyed your blog for some years now but never commented. I have only recently worked out that being at peace with yourself and living as you would chose to is the best way forward. I am 43 years old now and spent my 20s and 30s desperately trying to fit in and beating myself up when life didn't pan out how I expected it too. It really is a hiding to no where. I grew up in a generation where we were expected to have it all so its really wonderful to read your blog and realise that its just self generated pressure and it really doesn't matter. Thanks Ilona
ReplyDeleteWell said Ilona.
ReplyDeleteHiya. So, I'm nearing 55 and have just been made redundant! ! My last day at work is the end of this month. It's my kick up the backside to "take a breath ". I've never followed the crowd and have sometimes been labelled as weird. But that OK lol. I also have a tendency to speak my mind cos I think my opinion counts (although sometimes it's not received well). So, I shall continue to follow your Blog do my own thing and permanently live the frugal life that most folk frown upon. Keep your blogs and video's coming in "Get you ".Thank you stay well xx
ReplyDeleteHi Bb-I too have noticed that some people seem to be a bit "put out"or frown upon me if I don't aspire to their values.They seem as though they take it as a personal snub if I don't try to copy them.It is sometimes as though they are desperate to fill a void in their lives x
DeleteWe changed our lifestyle about 10 years ago, retirement for hubby was getting closer and we needed to change before we had less money. We stopped going to town, to buy stuff which we did not need but the shops wanted us to buy. We have over the years used up our huge wardrobe of clothes. We are now debt free, so our reduced income goes further. You are correct it is now all about us, we do buy presents, but at a cost we can afford. But we hate going to town with the Christmas rush, so we are almost finished, plus I can sew so I make things. Opening our eyes to the commercial world in which we live was the best thing we have done in ages. Good video
ReplyDeleteWell done on your debt freedom journey. I applaud your organisational skills.
DeleteWise words indeed! SueM
ReplyDeleteI love the "attitude of gratitude" message. I'm going to suggest it to the local pastor as a sermon topic. I wish our local high school would engage someone like you to speak with the next generation. You rock! Hugs from Barbara (Canada)
ReplyDeleteIt would make a great sermon. Be thankful for what you already have.
DeleteLove this video We are planning to retire to the seaside in 18months time after supporting our daughter through university. She will finish next year then time for her to leave home and off we go.
ReplyDeleteGood times ahead for you, Sally. I wish you well, your dreams will become reality. Exciting.
DeleteWise words Ilona and yes I am now going to follow my dream hopefully to a little bungalow in the country overlooking fields not to the seaside where I always wanted to go but circumstances would not allow so I will settle to my second choice away from the hustle and bustle of a city life for the remaining years.
ReplyDeleteHazel c uk
Great Blog Ilona. Always thought provoking. Enough is plenty is a mantra I agree with. The simple life and making do and mending brings me happiness. Sharon
ReplyDeleteGreat video Ilona. The world has changed a lot since I was young in the late 60's/early 70's. I think people were happy with a lot less in those days, or maybe they weren't so flooded with consumerism by the media etc. I never remember anyone wearing "designer" clothes for example, apart from film stars and the royal family. It was quite common for Mums to make their children's clothes. Christmas is just insane these days - it is so silly to get into debt over it and perfectly possible to have a nice time without spending loads. As I've got older I think I am becoming happier with who I am - I've had some big ups and downs in my life but I now realise that's just how life is. I've got regrets, I wish I'd had a better paid career which would have left me with a better pension at the end of the day, but I don't lose sleep over it, I've just adapted to a different way of living. In many ways I am very lucky - I don't have kids, have never married and have no family left now, but I do have a lot of freedom and whilst I'm active I want to keep as busy and engaged with life as possible. A lot of my friends are looking after older husbands, in laws, and grandchildren almost full time - I don't envy them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with alll the comments and loved the video - time is so much more precious than money - I've worked for some vile money obsessed MDs in my time and I'm glad to be away from them - my hubby is 65 and I'm 59 when he got his pension I said that's it and I live on very little but the freedom is amazing. I love to walk , do the charity shops I know all the shop prices and steer clear of commercialism as much as possible. My only dream would be to live in the countryside but I can't have that so why worry. Keep us all inspired with your wise head Ilona and we will all be fine supporting one another.
ReplyDeleteWhat an honest video! I used to love a well-heeled lifestyle until illness at 39-followed by unemployment at 42-followed by further illness, has forced me into a budget lifestyle with no job.Funnily enough though, I think this has made me a 'nicer' person at 54, who is more appreciative of what & who I now have in my life - and way less of a materialistic snob! I'm far off being at peace with myself, but I am working at it. I love your gems of wisom; you are a great example of someone who is content with their lot in life.
ReplyDeleteGreat video!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a beautiful lady, Ilona. You have such wonderful skin too. It really shows that a healthy lifestyle does more for your skin than £100 cream full of chemicals!