Jen Jardin Avatar
I love to write, muse about life, take pictures, and share my experiences with others. This blog is for people who struggle to make sense of themselves, struggle with ADHD, or even just want to look a little deeper into how we relate to ourselves and each other.

Hope you find something to think on.
With love, Jen

Ghosts in The Attic

I miss simpler times

Back when I was growing up, books were one of my biggest sources of entertainment. I loved to read. Not especially fiction books, but I wanted to read about historical events, peoples opinions, ideas, etc.

I love the idea of reading. I own hundreds of books. I once worked at a niche bookstore. I am currently reading a book called Against the Machine, which is about the pushback against capitalism and a society flooded with the pressure to buy. I have to admit I agree.

We are watching greed and consumerism demolish the last strands of humanity we have left to grasp onto. What it means to be human is messy, it’s illogical, emotional, conflicting. We have a machine around us that runs on logic and precision. It plays to our senses and pressures us to buy more. We need more , we WANT more. It’s pleasure in a package and it’s just a click away.

But is it? Are we happier? We have all this stuff around us to supposedly bring happiness. And we are all VERY unhappy.

It’s like a bunch of distractions meant to confuse and placate us from the harsh realities of life.

So I am putting away my distractions and focusing on things that are fulfilling but require my effort. Reading, gardening, art.

I recommend everyone take time to go back to the things we used to do, read, connect with friends and neighbors, forge connections and build communities. Arm yourself with both knowledge and wisdom both of which can be found in books and in the wisdom of activities we have prided ourselves in doing for generations.

Jen Jardin
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5 responses to “I miss simpler times”

  1. K Mark Schofer Avatar
    K Mark Schofer

    You just struck home with mt beliefs. Capitalism is at the root of many an issue we currently encounter. I have an MBA and I am embarrassed by the ruins left behind buy the United States unfiltered use of this system. It brings out the worst in humans.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Jen Jardin Avatar
      Jen Jardin

      It’s honestly hard to watch especially now that I’m a parent. I remember growing up and having companies give away things or have customer appreciation events. Of course they were still companies and capitalists at heart but there were little touches that made us feel valued. My mom cherishes her Christmas glasses set she got from Arby’s or all places.
      We have watched shrinkflation, the death of company loyalty, the loss of ownership in the sense of subscription models, and the separating us from our money as quickly and efficiently as possible. It feels like a sponge being wrung out of every last drop. We have exported our version of greed to every corner of the globe and threatened isolation to those who didn’t receive it willingly. It’s a true shame.

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  2. Era Avatar
    Era

    I fully agree on going back to the things that felt right in the old days. There is waaaaay to much distraction in our every day life that we don’t need but it’s being pushed on us.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. kwholley63 Avatar
    kwholley63

    I love to read myself. I have a very big list and usually buy 15-20 books to start the year as my list and keep a running list of “to buy” I think it is one of the more important things people can do even if it is just a little bit every week.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Jen Jardin Avatar
      Jen Jardin

      I am the same. Sometimes I look at Reddit posts of books people really seem to like and add those to my list. And I’m much more apt to buy books now than use Audible since the whole question of who actually owns the content once it’s paid for.
      Reading is so important and we as a people have really suffered from the lack of complex reading tasks like books instead of short form content. Our reading comprehension has not only suffered in the sense of lack of understanding big words but a loss of the ability to understand concepts that a written piece is trying to teach us.
      Everyone can benefit from slowing down and reading a bit more.

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