For years, I have felt something extremely familiar about this simple lifestyle.
Specific things, such as raising chickens, are new experiences. Plus, South Carolina is far away from where we were raised.
Then I realized! Simple living reminds me of childhood time with my grandparents.
The Silent Generation (born 1925-42) today comprises roughly 20 million adults in their 70s and 80s.
The Generation Gap
I remember always being told that my grandparents did certain things because they grew up in the depression. They always stored a lot of food, grew fruit/vegetables, and had very disciplined routines. However, the realization of this impact did not become clear until I was an adult.
Characteristics of the Silent Generation include: “waste not want not attitude,” simplicity, patience, and demand for quality.
The baby boomer generation had opportunities to make political statements and more money to innovate the way we experience life. These lifestyle changes left most of the simplistic elements behind for a quicker more complex world.
This loss resulted in an empty space in our hearts for the basic simple aspects of food, home, and life in general that the silent generation mastered.
Simple Living Tips from “The Silent Generation”
Keep the same grocery list – simple way to stick to a budget
Throw away the unused – simple way to keep things clean
Always get dressed – simple way to be prepared at all times
Surround yourself with your favorite color – simple way to keep your mood positive
We are now trying to find a more balanced simplified life because our ancestors and elders gave us valuable tools to work with – now it’s our responsibility to leverage that and build from it to enhance the experience of the generations to come.
What tips from previous generations are helping you shape the future? Share in the comments!