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Nothing's Too Small to Make a Difference: Simple Things You Can Do to Change Your Life & the World Around You
Are you discouraged when there are only a few minutes left for your family after a day of drudgery at the office? Have you experienced a sense of emptiness after the thrill of buying that new SUV, lawn tractor, or designer ensemble wore off? Are you concerned that your kids are being recruited to the worst excesses of popular culture at an even younger age than you were?
Relax. That’s just your better nature calling.
Many people have the urge to be thoughtful stewards of time, money, resources, and the global environment, yet they feel powerless against the tide of advertising and social pressure that’s drowning them. Or they believe that consumerism is so far advanced that their efforts to change the culture would be inconsequential.
Is it too late to make a difference?
No, say Wanda Urbanska and Frank Levering, who believe that it is not too late to take back our lives and our culture. In 1986, they left their high-powered careers in Los Angeles to move to a family orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where they found that a more meaningful, less frenetic life—a simpler life—was there for the asking. Indeed, they discovered that they were not alone; across our nation, millions of American have embarked on the quest for a more meaningful life. The guiding principle of that quest is Every positive change, no matter how modest, has an impact.
In chapters covering time, money, work, the environment, child rearing, community life, health and food, and spiritual growth, the authors offer proven, practical advice on how to simplify and improve life. Not idle dreamers but the owners of a small business themselves, not armchair critics but doers and proud Americans who believe it’s important to work within the system, Urbanska and Levering point the way toward a future in which community, family, and spiritual and environmental health can reclaim their rightful positions alongside money as the pillars of a sustainable life.
Relax. That’s just your better nature calling.
Many people have the urge to be thoughtful stewards of time, money, resources, and the global environment, yet they feel powerless against the tide of advertising and social pressure that’s drowning them. Or they believe that consumerism is so far advanced that their efforts to change the culture would be inconsequential.
Is it too late to make a difference?
No, say Wanda Urbanska and Frank Levering, who believe that it is not too late to take back our lives and our culture. In 1986, they left their high-powered careers in Los Angeles to move to a family orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where they found that a more meaningful, less frenetic life—a simpler life—was there for the asking. Indeed, they discovered that they were not alone; across our nation, millions of American have embarked on the quest for a more meaningful life. The guiding principle of that quest is Every positive change, no matter how modest, has an impact.
In chapters covering time, money, work, the environment, child rearing, community life, health and food, and spiritual growth, the authors offer proven, practical advice on how to simplify and improve life. Not idle dreamers but the owners of a small business themselves, not armchair critics but doers and proud Americans who believe it’s important to work within the system, Urbanska and Levering point the way toward a future in which community, family, and spiritual and environmental health can reclaim their rightful positions alongside money as the pillars of a sustainable life.
- GenresNonfiction
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2004
1 person is currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 16, 2018
I love the encouragement to continue to find positive ways to lessen our carbon footprint, even though they may be small.
September 23, 2011
I so like the title of this book. Knowing it is about simplicity, the title almost says it all. Knowing this couple, the authors, is now divorced puts a bit of a different spin on the book. The type set is really small, which makes the book hard to read, I think. Much of what is written here I've read in other places but with better presentation. This book just didn't do much for me.
October 20, 2010
a lot of things could not apply- or was already doing - common sense stuff
but I did learn that recycling 1 alum. can saves enough power to run a tv for 3 hrs
Enjoyed the section on "active reflection"
but I did learn that recycling 1 alum. can saves enough power to run a tv for 3 hrs
Enjoyed the section on "active reflection"
Want to read
September 2, 2008Life
July 27, 2009
Inspiring and practical. I'll be rereading this one.
January 18, 2010
A very personal and useful guide to living the simple life. The authors are not preachy. I enjoyed this.
June 18, 2013
A joyful read - including many ideas that were new to me, referenced studies & articles in support of the authors' findings, & anecdotes that make you smile. Much to agree with here, recommended.
April 29, 2014
The book is 10 years old and some of the information is outdated, but if you can look past the granola-crunchiness of the tone, you'll find inspiration to live with less.
July 14, 2008
I love Wanda's show on PBS, inspiring us to simplify our lives.
July 12, 2010
Mostly a rah-rah, pep talk kind of book, and not much that's practical. I'd seen it all before...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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