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Simpler Living - Ann Algie
France
Приєднався 20 лис 2011
I moved to France from the UK with my husband Tom in 2012. We wanted to life a simpler life, a life that felt congruent with our beliefs and thoughts about nature and the environment. We had an overall budget of £45,000. We left the UK in our 30 year old camper van, bought specially for the occasion, and with a view to possibly needing to live in it for a year or two. We travelled round France for 3 months before finding our small house and a 1/3 acre of land in Aveyron, south-west France for 33,000 euros. The house had a roof, but not much else. We spent the next 10 months turning it into a home while living in our van, learning to speak French and adjusting to a different culture. We have since bought more land and now have 2 acres in total, about half of this is woodland. We are currently re-building our very dilapidated barn. This channel is an honest account of our life here and encouragement for living happily during these challenging times!
Відео
You Are Not ALONE
Переглядів 10921 день тому
EVERYTHING is connected according to the science of Quantum Physics - this can be a comforting thought in times when we feel lonely.
A More Expansive View of LOVE
Переглядів 62Місяць тому
View love as an infinite resource to be shared with the world.
4 Ways To Meet People
Переглядів 409Місяць тому
Here are four practical things you can do to increase your chances of meeting people.
Simpler Living Channel Intro
Переглядів 322Місяць тому
A short introduction to my Channel 'Simpler Living' about life in France and living simply. The world can feel crazy, sad and out of control - take time out to watch my videos, connect, and discover there are different ways to live and experience the world. You may not be able to control external events but you can choose your response to them. Enjoy. X
Dealing with Rejection
Переглядів 2232 місяці тому
How to deal with rejection in your life. Remember it is not necessarily about you - we all have the right to make choices about what we do and don't do, who we see and who we don't see. This does not mean we are rejecting or being rejected. We are simply choosing.
Starting Conversations with Strangers
Переглядів 1012 місяці тому
A few simple steps you can take to open a conversation and make those first steps towards connecting with others.
Digital Detox
Переглядів 932 місяці тому
Try taking a short break from screens/technology and use the time to do something else you want to do. It's good to regain control now and again and to remember that you are in charge - not the devices.
An Interview with the Crime Fiction Author S R White
Переглядів 2192 місяці тому
A rare opportunity to listen to the international bestselling author S R White talk about his writing career, how he got started, his route to getting published, what kept him going after 800 rejections and lots of great tips for writers of all genres. Steve generously agreed to take part in this interview during a holiday visiting friends in Aveyron, France in August 2024. Timestamps 00:38 - H...
Declutter: Start Small
Переглядів 1092 місяці тому
Feeling overwhelmed by 'stuff' - start with something small - like a drawer and do a little bit each day or week.
Learn a new skill - Boost Your Brain.
Переглядів 802 місяці тому
A bit of good news - our brains have the ability to keep on adapting and learning throughout our lives. Learning a new skill helps this process. Link to Jim Kwik brain exercises. ua-cam.com/video/KVm5QuXSxxA/v-deo.htmlsi=IPEqjJyGFbFeznln
Savings Jar Challenge
Переглядів 1163 місяці тому
Start saving today with The Savings Jar Challenge. Why saving is an important habit to develop - even if you have only a small amount of money.
Managing Change
Переглядів 913 місяці тому
Why do we find change so difficult. Here I suggest learning to accept change in our lives and to think of it as neither good or bad - it is a neutral force that may in time lead to worse or better things, but really it is just a tweak in the tapestry of life taking us in a slightly different direction.
Take a Different Perspective
Переглядів 1353 місяці тому
Next time you have a bad experience with a neighbour, friend, stranger in a shop or a driver, try viewing the incident from their perspective and see if it helps. It's not always an easy thing to do but it can help us to feel less 'got at'. Usually people are not attacking us personally. They are just having a bad day for some other reason. It isn't always about US. Learning to let things pass ...
Try Fasting
Переглядів 2553 місяці тому
Fasting is really good for your mitochondria - the little powerhouses inside your cells that give you energy. It has many other health benefits too. This video encourages you to consider missing a meal from time to time to give your body a chance to focus on healing.
Use Quotes to Inspire and Support Yourself
Переглядів 1155 місяців тому
Use Quotes to Inspire and Support Yourself
"My First 130km Solo Hike in France: Inspiring You to Take Your First Step."
Переглядів 494Рік тому
"My First 130km Solo Hike in France: Inspiring You to Take Your First Step."
A tasty tale of how apple crumble was first introduced into France and living a simpler life.
Переглядів 357Рік тому
A tasty tale of how apple crumble was first introduced into France and living a simpler life.
A.I. Unleashed: Raising the question of our response?
Переглядів 111Рік тому
A.I. Unleashed: Raising the question of our response?
So lucky!
Good job... how long did u cook it for...
Thanks. About 30 mins or so. 👍
@simplerliving-annalgie thanks
Wise words !
😂 Thanks.
Ann, your videos are excellent and fascinating. Your comments are thought provoking. Can you tell your followers more about your lifestyle & background?
Thanks, yes the other videos on my channel are more about my lifestyle here in France. I haven't said much about my background though. I'll consider it. 🥰 This latest set of videos were made to support a book I've written for young men who feel disconnected from life and possibly themselves. I'm glad you enjoy them. 👍
Very good reminder about our relationships. One of my goals has been to let go of any long term grudges, bitterness and hurts. It's so time consuming. ❤
Thanks for commenting. What a great goal.👍🥰
I am lucky to live above a supermarket 😊
You are so right on this point Ann! Walking really does clear the head. We need to get our heads out of a rut. Put one's thinking onto a different track and be amazed at the sudden progress in our perceptions. Priorities can be reorganised as we walk, because as we walk we suddenly begin to see many 'unrelated' things from different perspectives. New connections & relationships start to become obvious!
Great comments thanks.❤
Gave watching tv 9 months ago rather watch youtube or listen to music dont ever miss tv feel better for it
I usually hug a tree whenever I feel lonely. Thank you
That's lovely. 🥰
A quantum of more inspirational and positive thinking for the day, from Ann! Do you also live in a tiny self-made house in the woods? Never underestimate the power of one's thoughts to reshape a life!
Thanks for commenting. Not quite a tiny house in the woods but close. 🥰👍 Have a lovely day.
thanks again Ann so true bless you
This is similar to the Buddhist meditation practice of Loving-Kindness. It can be expecially tricky when you include those people who may be slightly more difficult to think well of. But surprisingly quite cathartic!
Yes, there are lots of 'loving kindness' meditations on UA-cam. I may add one into the infos section. If anyone has a good one they can recommend that would be great. 🥰
One of the hardest things to come to terms with is the fact that we are all one - so sending love to those tricksy people can be a great way to make those bridges & connections
Yes, it can be challenging but I believe it does make a difference. Thanks for your comment.😊
Such refreshing common sense Ann! I recall Norman Vincent Peale's famous book "How to make friends & influence people", where he actually suggested the same key idea: sending flash thoughts & prayers out to anyone we encounter. Especially towards those who may be doing their best to make our lives difficult! And also out to passers by. Keep it up Ann. You are charming & modest.
Thanks for your lovely encouragement and comment. 😊 (Sending love - of course!🤣)
Yes really like Norman Vincent Peale and also Dale Carnegie’s books too. All practical positive stuff.
thank you most helpful
Good ideas. I’ve moved a lot over the years, and relied on school gate meetings and work colleagues. So as I’ve become older, kids left home, no longer working, it has been harder. But putting yourself out there does help
Thanks for commenting Alison. Yes our opportunities for meeting people changes over the years and depending on our life situations.
Thank you after being laid off during 2020 and shortly afterwards getting sick I spent a couple years close to home because I was sick. I'm better now and I'm nervous because I lost the work friends that I had and because I was working so much I didn't have time to make other kind of friends and I found myself in a place with no friends and actually scared because I got used to being alone for a couple of years. And I actually like it but on the other hand I know it's not healthy to continue down this path. So I've decided to try to get to know people again and found your video. Thank you very good advice. I almost feel like you made this video just for me
Thank you for your open and honest comment sharing how you feel. I'm glad you found my video helpful and I'm sure your comment will help others too. Good luck with your journey. 🥰
@@simplerliving-annalgie ❤️
Thank you darling
Thank you. Now I will get cracking with my green tomatoes.
Me too !😂
Covering your butter or margarine with a wet cloth will keep it nice and cool even in the summer. And this trick works for many things.
Great idea. Thanks.
I love the concise format of your videos and it's great that you are writing a book for young men. I think alot of them are really struggling at the moment, keep up the good work.
Thank you and I'm glad you enjoy them. 🥰 Yes, many of them are really struggling. Thanks for the encouragement.
Re-uploaded with improved sound. 🥰
Boiling the lids for ten minutes! You're making sure. Bacteria will die over 74 degrees C so a quick dip should do the trick. Salt is anti-bacterial too. Thanks for the recipe.😋
Thanks for the information. I think I was scared I'd be responsible for killing someone! 🤣
I spent many years in the military and I ironed my own uniforms most of the time; I didn't expect my wife to do it. I agree with you and only iron a shirt of pants on rare occasions.
Thank you, very helpful
Glad it helped. Have a good day.
You make an amazing point. I self insult sometimes. I am going to stop doing that.
Great - one of the best things you can do for yourself. Have a lovely day.
Very well said, and helpful to me.
Really glad it helped. Thank you for commenting and have a good day.
Brilliant thank you
You're very welcome
I could easily do without a fridge by just eating beans and sardines with spices and canned veggies... mushroom coffee tea and a few cookies and such. I would keep my cooler for beer, lemon juice, cheese, and eggs now and then. I do like to double wrap meats in tinfoil (in sauces) and boil for hours, so I'd have to use my cooler for that as well.
I love your house! I was fortunate enough to live in Provance near the mouth of the Rohn for a few months about twenty years ago and fell in love with the way of life there.
Thank you.🌻🌻
I’m going to try this tomorrow. Good idea. 👍🏻
Great 👍
Bringing the wet cloth to bed has something that has always worked for me! Great advice, thank you!
Excellent interview. I've been friends with Steve for over 20 years and it's wonderful to see someone who worked so hard for so long succeed like he has. He is so resilient with keen insight and great integrity. Also he is a lovely man.
What a lovely comment. I've only met him a couple of times but he's had quite an influence and I very much enjoyed listening to him. 🥰
Absolutely love your house, it looks so cozy. Also love the fact that you've been able to use materials that were already available to you, so rustic and beautiful.
Thank you! 😊
Loved this interview. I was fortunate to meet with you and Steve this week and I'm a huge fan of psychological crime. Even though lately I've struggled to concentrate on reading novels I'm very motivated by this interview to read more. I've just started reading Hermit and looking forward to getting to know the characters by reading the whole series.
That's great Janet. I don't think you'll be disappointed. 🥰👍
I try to keep up with the clutter in my house but my husband does his best to hang on to everything he owns. That green jumper is a great color on you. 😊
😂 I didn't mention my husband's 'workshop' on the video - too distressing.🤣 We can only be responsible for our own stuff I guess. I don't think we notice our own cos it feels relevant to what we're doing - I can tolerate my own mess far easier than someone else's. 🥰
Really enjoyed it, the inspiration for hermit was especially fascinating.
Glad you enjoyed it - he's an interesting guy. I was trying to make a 20 minute video, but everything he said seemed relevant so I decided to make it longer. Sometimes it's nice to sit with a cuppa and really listen to someone.🥰
Wonderful interview Ann. I watch and enjoy all your videos. Best thing I did this year was to subscribe to your channel. 😎 👍🏻
Aaahhh thank you - glad you enjoyed it. It's a different challenge to video someone else, but Steve made it very easy. 🥰
No TV here for 10 years too, but I have been thinking of getting one now. I wish tey would scrap the licence fee
Juggling, yes ! !. Taught myself 🎾🥎⚾️. Here’s a tip, practice over your bed. Good wishes on making life better.
Thanks, great tip too. I remember my son learning and all you could hear was thud, thud, as the balls hit the ground.🤣
I gave up watching tv 8 months ago can't be arsed watching it anymore its just a ornament now not going to watch it ever again I don't even miss it
Thanks for commenting Kevin. Hope you're enjoying your extra TV free time. I don't know how I'd find the time to watch now, although I do watch quite a bit of UA-cam. 🥰
Sounds like total nonsense to me. Why would you want to grow backwards! SMH
😂 I enjoy it and I care about the planet. Each to their own. 👍🥰
Always happy and smiling, you’re a very positive person and a great example for many 👍 and after watching a few of your videos, I can say a very honest and open person too 😊
You're very kind. Thank you. 🥰
Thanks for the very relaxing video - very thought provoking 😊
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for taking the time to comment.🥰
I know a woman who saved about €20 a week for a year and bought an electric bike costing €1000. 😊
Great video. I live in America where people feel they have to have a refrigerator. I unplugged mine 8 months ago and haven't regretted it. I waisted more food by having one. My dishwasher doesn't work anymore and I will not replace it. My dryer finally quit working and will not replace that either. My big family microwave also quit working. I replaced it with a much smaller one.These were all 20 yrs old and lasted a long time. But I decided not to have those items replaced. I am living a full and happy life without them.
Fantastic and thanks for sharing. I like to challenge the idea that we HAVE to have these things. It's fine to have them if you choose to do so, and we are all in different situations, but many of us don't need them, we've just been told we do. Have a lovely day.
In such a happy state chatting with us about this. Vegetarian helps.
I agree with 95% of this. I think maths is not your strongest skill. Perhaps the word you were looking for was all change is “neutral” rather than negative. But for a 4 minute (unedited?) off the cuff video, this was pretty good. Keep going. 😊
As a vegetarian do you eat beans- can or make from a bag?
Hi, yes I eat beans, usually canned cos I'm quite lazy. 😜🤣
@@simplerliving-annalgie Thanks for making your video!