Simpler Times

Perhaps it's because I'm getting older, or maybe it's my dismay over everything transpiring in the world today, but I find myself daydreaming more often of days gone by. Times that came long before me. I imagine a simpler life free of the trappings of our so-called advancements, and the negativity bombarding us every day.

I am not naïve enough to think that life was easy two hundred years ago. Their daily life was filled with hard work; much of it physical labor tending to farmland and animals. It was necessary in order to provide for their families. They survived extremely harsh winters, and weak growing seasons that only produced enough to barely get through the next winter. It could be a very hard life at times, but I'm certain most felt it was a good life.

Children were allowed to be children, but were disciplined and expected to help with daily chores. They were taught responsibility, and respect for their parents and other adults. There were no distractions from televisions, or any other electronic devices for that matter. They went to school, helped out at home, and played outside.

Adults lifted their eyes and looked at each other when they communicated. They actually talked and listened to what each had to say. Maybe they didn't always agree, but they usually found a way to work things out. Given the time, and quiet moments, most things can be talked through.

Every year I watch as things seem to deteriorate more and more. Even though I believe the good generally outweighs the bad, each "advancement" appears to put a larger wedge between people. If we spend most of our time looking at a screen, and not at each other, how can we give our children a sense of family and community. For this reason, and many more, I long for simpler times.

Sometimes I daydream of having land in the country, with homes to accommodate us, our children and grandchildren. Space free of distractions; not to isolate them, but to ensure they know there is another way to live without constant noise and stress. A simpler life; a place to grow food, raise animals, and for them to learn how to provide for themselves.

In the words of John Lennon......

You may say that I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope some day you'll join us

And the world will be as one

Perhaps I am a dreamer, but my dream is a worthy one.