This is a blog about changing my life. I am starting today. And I am going to document my story. My plan is to simplify; reduce my footprint, decrease my consumption, increase my positive impact on the world, and increase my appreciation of nature and beauty.

I am, and really always have been, a consumeristic glutton. I am addicted to a lifestyle that is unsustainable. By that I mean, it is impossible for this earth to support 6.8 billion people in a lifestyle that is similar to mine.

I believe it is in the best interest of industry and government for us to be placated consumers. As long as we are working hard and buying lots of stuff, and we believe that it is that stuff that makes us happy, we will be stuck on this merry-go-round. I think somewhere inside I understood that, but I was afraid. And I didn’t think I could make a difference.

But I am realizing that I can make a difference. What if I didn’t have to work this job? What if I could bring my living expenses down to a place that allows me to have more free time? What if I could put my energy toward something that really matters? Like teaching people to grow their own food? And like encouraging people to drive their cars less.  Or getting people off of their sofas and onto their bicycles? I think I have the ability to make a difference, even in some small way.

Each of the posts within this blog will take one problem with my lifestyle, analyze it, and then find a way I can change it to bring my lifestyle more in-line with the goals expressed herein. It really isn’t my intention to change the world, only myself. This journal is only to document my progress through this journey so my friends and family members know why I am acting so different than before

 

So here goes – the life of Valarie Gibbs Van Antwerp Rider analyzed, dissected, and re-purposed before your very eyes. Scary!

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pig by Ceiling and Girl riding a bike by Matei D.  from Flickr via Creative Commons license.