I recently started living a rather simpler life, without some of the mod cons I’ve been used to and have opted to read more, listen to music and talk to people. I know its sounds rather pretentious to shun the world of TV like this but it has actually been great. I have to admit, I do miss E4 sometimes (and the music channels) and I do watch a few things on the iplayer but one of the more surprising consequences of this simple life I have only just realised. I have no TV and don’t listen to the radio so I’m blissfully ignorant of what’s going on in the outside world. The real surprise is that I actually don’t mind. As someone that is interested in current affairs, politics and global living this is a bit strange.

I think in the past I have got rather hung up on doing the right thing, being informed, raising awareness and generally caring about the world. I try to live a moral and ethic life but perhaps I take it a little too far. I’m really proud of my ethical attitudes and the way I’ve tried to shun consumerism but I feel guilty when I fall off the wagon and buy something from the high street that has probably been made by children earning a pittance and maybe I shouldn’t feel so guilty all the time. Perhaps its time to loosen my grip a little and cut myself some slack. I mean, I doubt if the founders of Oxfam beat themselves up if they buy non-fairtrade coffee once in a while. Surely doing my best is ok?

Combining the two things together is rather liberating. I’m no longer feeling anxious about the bad stuff that happens in the world (as I don’t know what’s going on, except Haiti of course) and I’m not suffering from my ethical guilt if I so much as stray into the Primark. So now, I’m living in my own little world where my only concerns are what to have for dinner! And to be honest, it’s refreshing! I know it sounds very self involved and somewhat selfish but perhaps it’s not such a bad thing to look after myself for a while and concentrate on my own happiness rather than fretting about the rest of the world.

Don’t get me wrong, I know bad stuff happens but I’ve taken to not thinking about it and concentrating on living in my own little happy bubble, blissfully ignorant of the bullies and bigots of the world. Whilst away for the weekend with some friends, I told them of my new philosophy and one said she likes the happy bubble Holly so I think I’m going to stick with it for a while. Well, until an issue arises that I just can’t ignore!

29 Jan 2010 14:55

clare
fisher

Hi Holly,
What a wonderful thought. I received an email once with a footer saying 'enjoy life, live it simply' and it is very true.

I actually work for Oxfam in the Head office and I have to admit I do feel a little guilty when going into work with a new purchase from the highstreet but my weakness is topshop. We are all only human after all though (I'm talking everyone here not just us oxfamers!)

I can safely say we do always buy fairtrade tea and coffee though!! :-)

29 Jan 2010 15:32
Holly Foat	Hi Clare, It's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels guilty! I have to report that the happy bubble was temporarily burst today as I've come across another animal welfare issue that has got my goat! I just have to remember to keep it in proportion!

05 Feb 2010 11:22

Katalin
Karlovszky

Hi Holly!

I feel like writing to you a hearty recommendation you may like.
It is all about creating global peace through individual peace , or I can also say creating a crystal palace of bliss that always reflects the light instead of the bubble that may burst.
you may visit : www.dhyanapeetam.org or youtube LifeBlissFoundation channel
I wish you find it helpful ! ( upcoming related event soon in London)
bests
Katalin

08 Feb 2010 13:16

Emma
Jamieson

I have to agree Holly. I've never had computer games, or a console, I don't watch any TV preferring box sets of series that I consider worthwhile and for news I read a good old-fashioned paper (try doing a crossword on a computer!), listen to BBC world service or some of the good political blogs. I don't miss telly at all. Radio is fascinating, and definitely higher in quality than the dirge on telly. And when you need a friend, pick up the phone or meet for coffee! Who needs facebook!

09 Feb 2010 11:05

Holly
Foat

Thanks Katalin & Emma. Just a quick update. I read the metro on the train this morning and it looks like I really haven’t been missing out on anything! The only glimmer of information I extracted from the quality free press is that Ikea has a rug that might suit my lounge! I wonder if ‘news’ and TV wasn’t so obsessed with celebrities and shopping then perhaps us TV-free people might feel like we’re missing out!

12 Feb 2010 10:06
clare fisher	Can I also just add that last night's 10,o'clock news decided to discuss a Peter Andre and Katie price spat over a story on Nelson Mandela!!!! what's happening!!

20 Feb 2010 23:36
Holly Foat	Well, it looks like the BBC have picked up on my happy bubble lifestyle and made a quiz show called 'the bubble' in which they lock three celebrities up for a week without TV, newspapers, internet or phones! Now if only I could get paid for being in my bubble...

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