It’s been two years since I made this leap into the writing world. Two years since I left a semi-lucrative career to follow this heart-dream. But the decision wasn't made without considerable deliberation. Before I quit, my husband and I sat down and looked at our budget. It would be tight, but if we made a few adjustments, we could make this dream happen. It was going to be a tougher adjustment for my children, who as a teen and college student, liked the little extras my job provided.

Of course, I think all writers hope that eventually our writing will make us money--that our time is an investment in a future offering us payment for what we love. For many writers, quitting a day job isn’t an option. They squeeze in their writing in the early mornings or late into the night or over a lunch break. I salute their dedication to the dream. They’ve chosen to incorporate their passion rather than sacrifice it.

But, for me, learning to simplify my life, eliminate the clutter—both materially and mentally—has been a huge gift. More than just a gift to my psyche, I believe it’s been a gift to my writing. Not being so focused on all the things I think I need or want—less concerned with a new car, nice things for my home, new techy toys—has uncluttered my heart and relieved me of pressure to make my writing strictly into a product I can sell. 

But I’m not completely altruistic; I’d still love to see my work pay eventually and open doors for other opportunities in my life. But removing the immediate fiscal need, and instead viewing money as a reward for the journey, has allowed me to focus much more purely on my writing and developing the skill.

To make change work work, however, we had to make a few adjustments--many of them reaping an unexpected benefit of stepping off the world's expectations and pace and slowing down enough to appreciate and savor life.

A few of our intentional changes include:

1. I shop mostly in second hand stores. Not only can I still find cute clothing at low prices, but I feel a sense of satisfaction that I’m helping recycle clothing or support a charity through a sponsored shop.
2. I go without fancy electronics. This one is easier for me than my kids. I don’t have a need or, really, a desire for a “smart phone”. (Although I think the phone companies are going to force that choice on me soon.) I need a functional laptop with minimal memory. My guilty pleasure is the Kindle my mom bought me, and I may have to replace that when it dies.
3. I don’t go out to eat much. Not only is dining out not budget-friendly, it’s often not a health-friendly option either. Besides I can make margaritas and lattes cheaper at home.
4. We take budget-minded family vacations. I have a new passion for finding a cute, clean Mom & Pop hotel with character rather than staying in the swanky chain kind. I pack healthy lunches and breakfasts and we dine out sparingly, savoring special meals in a restaurant. (My waistline thanks me too.)
5. When I feel a need to treat myself, I take gleeful pleasure in the small things: cheap notebooks and a new pack of pens, a new pair of socks, a coffee out with my daughter, a pretty nail polish.
6. We eliminated satellite television. This was a bit of an adjustment; without satellite we only get the free stations as our mountain reception allows. That’s all right. We subscribed to one of those online television and movie options, a much cheaper alternative sans any commercials, and I don't watch near as much mindless TV.
7. I let the gym membership go. I already own a bike, kayak, x-country skis, a pair of jogging shoes and elliptical. Rather than dish out a monthly expense, I dusted off the toys I owned and use them.
8. I take advantage of the quiet mornings for daily mini-retreats. Now that my mornings aren’t dictated by a time clock, I’m free to meditate, read a craft book and focus my mind on my writing for the day. Sometimes I even soak in a hot bath. (Who needs a fancy spa for a retreat?)
9. If I need a writing get-away, I need look no further than the lake, mountains or rivers practically in my back yard. If I lived in an urban area, I would take advantage of large museums or libraries for inspiration and a change of scenery. Besides, nature fuels my sense of peace and creativity.
10. I let the vanity go. I no longer get my hair colored and have let it grow, reducing the frequency of haircuts. I like the long hair and am having fun seeing what color nature intended on my head. Never mind the streaks of silver here and there. It adds character, right? And everyone expects writers to have character.

What about you? Have you had to make adjustments for the writing life? Do you find simplifying your life peaceful and satisfying? What changes have you made for your passion?