"The impulse frequently arises in me to squeeze another this or another that into the moment. Just this phone call, just stopping off here on my way there. Never mind that it might be in the opposite direction.
I've learned to identify this impulse and distrust it. I work hard at saying no to it. . . . Voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in a day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, acquiring less so I can have more. . . . Slowing down everything is a big part of this. Telling my mind and body to stay put with my daughter rather than answering the phone, not reacting to the inner impulse to call someone who "needs calling" right in that moment, choosing not to acquire new things on impulse, or even automatically answer the siren all of magazines or televisions or movies on the first ring are all ways to simplify one's life a little."