In a world of infinite information and constant stimulation, it can be easy to float through life instead of piloting it where I want. Cutting through the discord and evaluating what really matters will create a simpler life– a life that lets me decide where my time and attention will be spent without shutting myself away from the world.

We live in fast and exciting times. Modern technology makes so many things possible that could not have even dreamed of 20 years ago. Living a simpler life doesn’t mean that I have to give up the amenities of the 21st century. I don’t have to become a monk (although I can). I don’t have to throw away my T.V. and turn off the internet (but some choose to do so). Living a simpler life can be done in many ways and I hope to explore what that might mean through this blog.

The beautiful aspect of the simpler life is that it means something different to each person. For some, it may be similar to Thoreau’s experience at Walden Pond– limited technology and surrounded by nature. However, for most of us it is unreasonable to strive for that level of asceticism when our lives, jobs, and families are all demanding our responsibility. Instead, I can strive to simplify my life to focus on what I truly value. For Thoreau, that meant living with sparse possessions in a cabin he built with himself. For the busy professional it may mean figuring out a way to finish the day’s work early so she can spend time with her family. Or write the next great novel. Or read a book. The key is that living the simpler life is different for every person.

I hope to use this website as a tool for uncovering what it means to live the simpler life for me, for the student, the teacher, the grandpa, the unemployed, the mother of five and everyone in between.

who am I?

My name is Sam Spurlin and I am a 23 year old college graduate living in southeast Michigan. I graduated from Bowling Green State University in May 2009 with a degree in secondary social studies education. After months of searching for a job with no luck, I ended up living at home with my parents and four younger brothers. My main source of income now is substitute teaching.

I am also the head coach of the University of Detroit Mercy club ice hockey team. 2009-2010 was our inaugural season competing in the ACHA (D3). I grew up playing hockey and played at very elite levels all the way through high school. Upon graduating from high school I played club hockey at BGSU. I am currently concluding my first year as a head coach. I also volunteered as an assistant coach with the Auburn Hills Avondale Yellowjackets (my alma mater and former team).

I have always been interested in organizing and order ever since I was a kid. I used to love taking all of my hockey cards out and organizing them in different ways. I distinctly remember spending hours inputting them into a spreadsheet. I was a cool kid, obviously. My sophomore year of college I started reading blogs like Zen Habits and became more and more interested in the simplicity/minimalism movement. Since then, I’ve reduced my possessions dramatically and tried to live a more examined life. This blog is the main product of that effort.

The other places you can find me on the internet are Facebook, Twitter, Google Buzz, Last.fm, my personal blog, and my teaching blog. I’m always interested in hearing from my readers so please don’t hesitate to contact me through one of these services or by emailing me at samspurlin AT gmail DOT com.

Please note, I no longer directly attribute affiliate links within my writing. I’ve written about my stance on this, but basically I don’t want to break up the flow of an article by trying to look pious and noble. I will not screw you over by linking to anything shady, ever. My greatest resource is the trust I’ve built up with my readers and I will not lose that in an effort to make a quick buck. If you click on a link that takes you to a product, whether that be a book, ebook, or something else; you can feel confident knowing I fully endorse it. If you purchase something after clicking on a link at this site, I will make anywhere from a couple cents to a couple dollars. It is the main way I support myself and can continue to put the time and effort into this blog that I do.