When I proudly graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, I was so eager to go out and make a difference in the world and help protect the planet! Oh, how naïve I was! Turns out that at the time, there were not many jobs available in my field. (Why didn’t anybody tell me that, before I took out all those student loans!?)
So, I looked for ways in my personal life to have a low impact on the planet and live simply. I used natural personal care and home products. I spent quality time with a few close friends in my classes. I recycled religiously (I still do that, actually). I spent a lot of time outdoors, enjoying nature. I did everything possible to save energy and water, and I used public transit to get around the city.
Then I moved around the country a few times, and now I realize that each time, I lost a bit of myself. I recently realized that I’ve become disassociated from my passions, caught up in more, and have a general dissatisfaction with life and a lack of purpose. It dawned on me that I need to get my life back in alignment with my values.
I am about as far away from my field of interest and desired lifestyle as I can get. My Case Manager job in a Federal Halfway House is okay, and can be rewarding, but I don’t really love it, and it’s not what I imagined myself doing. I’ve acquired so much stuff, it’s ridiculous. My home needs some serious decluttering and organizing, I need to slow down and get outside more, and I don’t have a social life. I drive a Ram truck that’s terrible for the environment. (Sorry, but I will not give up my truck! I just need to do everything else possible in my life to offset it.)
Over the years, I’ve “dabbled” in various interests, only to have life catch up to me and lose interest. (Or more likely, energy.) I was, for a short period, a member of our current city’s sustainability board and the secretary of our local chapter of the Electric Auto Association. I even went to a few meditation and yoga classes.
My husband and I bought a home off-grid in Arizona. We are solar-powered, and for a time I was very diligent about conservation and stayed mindful of my actions. However, I’ve become lazy and run the clothes dryer and dishwasher rather than hanging clothes out and doing dishes by hand, and due to using full size (and full energy-use) appliances, we run our backup generator (hello, gasoline bill) more often than I’d like. And let’s not talk about the debt we racked up while hardly noticing, spending frivolously.
Lately I’ve been reading more and more about the kind of life I truly want to live. I have read more blogs and books on mindfulness, living frugally, simple living, decluttering, and sustainable living than you would believe. I want to live an extraordinary life full of meaningful moments, healthy living, living well but frugally, and environmental consciousness.
I decided that while I work my way back to my own extraordinary life, I would share my interests with the world using yet another of my passions: writing. At the same time, it occurred to me that writing could even help me rediscover my passions. I hope that you will join me in my extraordinary life journey!
Me, In a Nutshell
Name: Jo Starr
Occupation: Case Manager for justice-involved individuals and Aspiring Blogger
Hometown: Sledge, Mississippi
Current Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona
Age: 50-something
Relationship: married to Rich for 27 years (!!!!)
“Kids”: Currently only 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 5 chickens (fresh eggs, anyone?)
Favorite non-alcoholic drink: White Chocolate Mocha with 2 extra espresso shots
Favorite food: Pizza with Pineapple and Black Olives (I’m pescatarian, but fish doesn’t go on pizza)
Favorite hobby: reading and writing