It’s Time To Amish Slow Down :)
We made our move from the suburbs to the country over 17 years ago. This rural area was a different world to me. Old backcountry roads, mom and pop stores and horse and Amish buggies out and about.
I just loved driving past Amish homes and seeing the children outside playing, always barefoot. Even the mothers were barefoot. How wonderful it would be to live a life where I could be barefoot[spacer height=”20px”]
every[spacer height=”20px”]
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Now, It is safe to say that I have grown accustomed to living close to both Amish and Mennonite communities. However, it wasn’t until over a year ago that we became friends with an Amish family and my eyes were truly opened.[spacer height=”20px”]
It’s no secret I admire the Amish. It just amazes me that in the midst of our world of gadgets and technology there exists a community of people that live their daily lives without any modern conveniences. I am not just talking about microwaves, computers or cell phones. I am talking about the basics. They refuse to own all electricity, automobiles or any tool or device that runs on electricity.[spacer height=”20px”]
Just think about that for a minute. Living every day without even the simplest tools at your fingertips.[spacer height=”20px”]
Washers, dryers, dishwashers, toasters, irons, blow-dryers, lights, telephones, margarita makers (oops, how did that get in there), vacuums, TV’s, radios, and even COFFEE MAKERS! I really cannot imagine getting through my day without even one of the above items let alone all of them.[spacer height=”20px”]
I believe it is safe to say the Amish do not shy away from hard work. Tell me, can you imagine doing laundry by hand? What about getting from point A to point B with a horse and buggy? Then there is meal prep….without electricity! No more whipping up dinner in 20 minutes. Meal planning would be a necessity, not a luxury.[spacer height=”20px”]
I know it helps not having any distractions such as the internet or TV to call their attention away dozens of times a day. I guess being accustomed to things taking a while to complete would keep quite a bit of stress out of their lives.[spacer height=”20px”]
Who can be stressed when they are living at a much slower pace than the rest of us? Yes, a barefoot pace. After all, we are just goal-focused and money-hungry Englishers.[spacer height=”20px”]
When we met Paul and his family he was hired to build the first addition on our shed that would become our barn. I watched them in awe. They didn’t sit around chatting throughout the day. They worked hard and efficiently.
When it came time to cut the wood for our siding they used a saw that was powered by a chainsaw motor. It was then I learned the Amish are a very ingenious group.[spacer height=”20px”]
The addition on our barn was up in just a few days. When they were forced to stop due to rain, Paul informed me I would not be charged for them to sit around…even though they sat and waited for it to stop several hours. A more honest group of men I could not have asked for.[spacer height=”20px”]
The Amish are no slackers either. I was told once of a roofing crew of Amish men that literally ran grabbing supplies throughout the day to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. No wonder they are able to erect large barns in a single day![spacer height=”20px”]
So as I sit here on my laptop with my cell phone close by (heaven help me if I miss a text!), the radio is playing oldies in the kitchen and a load of laundry is in the wash I can’t help but think if I would get more done without the electricity and it’s many distractions or less?[spacer height=”20px”]
Oh, how I long to walk barefoot. :)[spacer height=”20px”]
Maybe, just maybe, it is time to make a change. :)[spacer height=”20px”]
Want to learn more about the Amish? You can read all of my Simple Living posts here!
Want to get rid of the clutter and simplify your life? Sign up for my Declutter and Simplify your Life class here.
Life would be so much simpler wouldn’t it? Sometimes I have to remind myself to step away from the computer and put down the phone. I’m sure it would take major time to adjust but it would be nice not to have those distractions.
{big hugs}
~ Ashley
Hi Ashley!
I can only imagine how much I could get done in a day without the TV, computer, or my cell phone. But then everything would take twice as long without a washing machine, dishwasher, and a microwave! haha 🙂
{big hugs right back!}
Tracy Lynn
I think this is why I dream of having an off-grid cabin in the NC mtns. Being able to fully be present with family in nature would be heavenly!
Hi Kari!
Yes that truly would be heaven. I used to watch Little House on the Prairie and I longed to be Laura 🙂 haha, silly but they always looked so happy as a family. I hope you are able to do it some day!
🙂
Tracy Lynn