One doesn't have to be a news junkie to be able to conclude that, as a society, simplicity - leading a simple life and having simple tastes - is oftentimes implicitly discouraged.
In ads, social media posts, articles, books, magazines, TV shows, and movies, we are inundated with stories and photos of individuals and couples who have done All the Things, like having very lucrative careers, eating at all the nicest restaurants, traveling across the globe to exotic places, having the fastest cars and the most stylish wardrobes, etc. And some of them even manage to do all of that and have a family, too!
I'm not knocking anyone for having that type of lifestyle or one similar to it. In fact, on some level, I admire their zest for life and their ability to be able to multitask and compartmentalize and get full enjoyment out of it. But I confess it is not for me.
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When I was younger, I did a fair amount of traveling. Went to Europe. Went up north to places like New York City, and as far out west as Texas.
And every single time, though the experiences were great and while being exposed to the different foods, cultures, etc. was enriching, within a couple of days after the trips started, all I could think of was how I couldn't wait to get back home to the save haven of my house, my kitchen, my bedroom, where my creature comforts were close at hand and where I could shut the world out with one draw of the curtains.
Besides, living in North Carolina, I've always felt like we have the best of both worlds: beautiful beaches on the coast and majestic mountains in western NC, with a healthy sprinkling of iconic places to visit in between. Pretty much all of these places are good for weekend trips, which gives you plenty of time enjoy and take it all in before returning to your humble abode after 48 hours or so.
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In restaurants, I'm similarly non-adventurous, being pretty much a meat-and-potatoes person. My dad used to laugh at me because when we'd go to a really nice fish restaurant, I'd almost always order a chicken sandwich and baked potato. And when I go out to eat Chinese food with friends, I pretty much stick with the chicken/shrimp plate with white rice. No egg roll. Chicken and rice are two of my favorite foods, so that's pretty much a no-brainer. Nothing more exotic or involved than that.
Suggestions to "try something different" are almost always met with the same response: every time I do that, I'm wishing I stuck with my tried and true favorites. :)
When it comes to fashion and cars, all I need are some good, worn-in tees and flannel shirts, faded blue jeans, and a used four-door vehicle, as long as it's in good running condition (though I admit to having a soft spot for leather boots and pretty much any type of motorcycle).
One of the many great things about America is our freedom to choose which type of lifestyle suits us best as individuals, and having the option to tweak it as needed. I will always treasure getting to know people from all walks of life, learning about the journeys they've been on, etc.
But while the trends all lean towards being fast-paced and living the high life, just give me a warm home, some soft sheets, a fridge stocked with vanilla ice cream and fried chicken, a notebook to write my thoughts in, the occasional sand between my toes, and a place to give mom her "purrito" every night, and I'll be good to go.
