Comments on: I Gave My Car Away!

By: Loretta - Enjoy Leading

Loretta - Enjoy Leading — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:58:25 +0000

This is great to read.
We live on Waiheke Island NZ and are on the cusp of letting go our car. Bikes, buses, ferries and walking. We have a 9 yr old and a 14 yr old, so yet to hear what they think about the decision!

Cars speed up our world and make us miss the birds, trees and air on our face.

Not sure about winter though??

By: Marci | Liberating Choices

Marci | Liberating Choices — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:28:58 +0000

We only had one car for over 10 years, since my husband has a patrol car to use to get to/from work. It’s sometimes inconvenient but it works for us.

For me, the biggest way I simplify is to not have my kids in activities every night of the week. In fact, once a week is plenty for me. They have great imaginations and seem to be thriving and learning even without all the “extras.” There is a constant pull to do more for our kids, and a looming worry that they will be behind. Well, my kids are doing just fine reading free books from the library and making their own plays/books out of what they learn. I’m not saying this is better, it just works for me and our family.

By: Annie

Annie — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:52:25 +0000

Congrats on this huge step! We have a van but are seriously considering eliminating it. It is the only vehicle we own, so we are looking at scooters and other options to go to the grocery and other places in our small town.

So proud of you!

By: Noel

Noel — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:36:44 +0000

Hi Tess, I understand how emotional it can be to let go of your car. I love my car a lot too and I doubt I can ever make such decision. Having to say that, you’re really brave, bravo! I haven’t make any drastic change to simplify my life yet but I learned to simplify my mind recently – worry less, regret less. It feels really good.

By: Jt Clough | Big Island Dog

Jt Clough | Big Island Dog — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 08:24:25 +0000

Yet another thing we share. When we moved to Hawaii I sold my 4 Runner. I loved my 4 Runner, but my husband also has a 4 Runner. We had them when we met!

As for the list, Rowdy Kittens, Leo and Courtney… we are the same on that too! Love them, aspire to them and to most people I am much like them, but not quite to that degree. Though I will say only having one of everything and A LOT less of it, makes me super happy. Who knows. Maybe someday I’ll end up with only 33 pieces of clothing! I do only have 7 pairs of shoes. Before I left San Diego I had 150. Not kidding! Ridiculous. So I’m getting there. Aspiring to it.

One car is part of it. I like it. Enjoy the one less insurance bill.

Aloha Wags!

By: Sydney Wood

Sydney Wood — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:59:38 +0000

Good for you! I rarely use my car. I run, walk, bike, cross country ski to work (5.5 km one way). Great way to wake up before and after work. I run the most because it gives me the best workout.

By: Steve Rice

Steve Rice — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:34:38 +0000

That’s awesome, Tess. I may be moving to the NYC area in the coming months and definitely plan to let go of my car if that happens. I think it’s such a good feeling when we realize we don’t “need” all the stuff we have become accustomed to. It frees us somehow…and in your case, you were able to fill the needs of someone else in a wonderful giving way. How wonderful for your granddaughter not to have a car payment or threat of extra debt over her head during this uncertain economic situation.

Great post!

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:53:04 +0000

Hi Tess,

I’m from Detroit, where cars (used to be) changed yearly like out-dated handbags. Over the years, I’ve given in to my hub’s passion for British motor cars as his one true weakness. But I scoot around suburbia in a Subaru…so simple. More and more, I look for opportunities to go by bike to the library, post office, shops and campus. There’s so much more to see, hear and smell when you’re not in a car. Thanks for sharing your chance to “recycle and reuse” by keeping your Beetle in the family.

Cheers, Deb

By: Patricia of Patricias Wisdom

Patricia of Patricias Wisdom — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:31:49 +0000

I gave my car to daughter #2 the new school media specialist/librarian in August. We still carry the insurance though. She thinks she is going to live without a car in the new year. She does live in the city, but just trying to do laundry alone without a washer or dryer and she may need a vehicle…

Tomorrow is the second day we have had a conflict of scheduling for our remaining office car. My partner usually bikes everywhere…but 60 miles down the freeway in this rain is not possible right now. I have a medical appointment, but I can walk in the rain in about 45 minutes.

We raised 3 kids and worked with only one car. For awhile we had a van for camping and bike hauling and carpool. But usually just a small efficient car, and we rented for specialty trips and needs.
We have lived 35 years with flexible voluntary simplicity – our lives are rich…
nice sharing of some good words…lucky granddaughter and what a license plate

By: Tess

Tess — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:02:33 +0000

Winsomebella,
Growth is always liberating. It’s easy to fall into a rut but not so easy to get out. Let me know if you need any help;)