Margin

The latest book I have been reading is Margin by Dr Richard Swenson (there is a link at the bottom of this post). It describes how modern life and "progress" have meant that we have no margins in our lives.

These are not just financial margins but also margins for our lifestyle, relationships, spirit and our physical bodies. It contains some of the best advice that I have come across, and it will be changing the way I plan and think about life. If you feel that you have no margin in your life, I recommend picking up a copy; it is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read.

Here is an excerpt that provides a summary of how we can increase our margin in life…

"Possessions and Finances

• Cultivate contentment, desire less.
• Resist covetousness.
• Resist consumerism.
• Wage war against advertisements.
• Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
• De-accumulate.
• Develop the habit of giving away.
• Share possessions.
• Offer the use of your possessions—don't make others ask.
• Develop a network of exchange.
• Avoid overindulging—for example, toys, food, movie viewing, etc.
• Avoid impulse buying.
• Don't buy anything if the time and money spent on it compete with family, service, and God.
• Avoid debt if possible.
• Don't buy now, pay later.
• Avoid credit cards if they are a problem.
• Reject fashion, especially fads.
• De-emphasize respectability.
• Simplify your wardrobe—give away excess.
• Learn how to make do with a lower income instead of needing a higher one.

Pace and Atmosphere

• Slow down.
• Do not exhaust your emotional bank account.
• Lie fallow.
• Say no.
• Enjoy peaceful music.
• Control/restrict/eliminate television watching; surfing the net. Get a remote control and turn off advertisements.

Relationships

• Cultivate a closeness with God.
• Schedule "simple" dates with your spouse.
• Teach your children.
• Enjoy family field trips.
• Practice regular hospitality.
• Help each other, emphasize service.
• Encourage others.
• "Always speak the truth and you'll never be concerned with your memory."
• Don't judge.
• Learn to enjoy solitude.

Appreciation

• Send cards of encouragement and appreciation when others are not expecting it.
• Be grateful for things large and small.
• Emphasize a joyful life.
• Appreciate creation.

Spiritual Life

• Make the Word central.
• Meditate, memorize.
• Pray.
• Encourage simple worship.

Activities

• Make your commitments simple.
• Don't overwork.
• Fast periodically from media, food, people.
• Elevate reading, go to the library.
• Simplify Christmas.
• Write down those things you need to remember and forget everything else.

Nutrition and Exercise

• Exercise.
• Bike or walk.
• Make your recreation active rather than passive.
• Develop healthy sleep habits.
• Avoid overeating.
• Frequent a co-op.
• Whenever possible, buy food directly from those who grow it.
• Garden."

Taken from: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1576836827/