Downshift and get the balance right!

[Tracey Smith]

Hi all,

As you may already know, I am spearheading the UK's first National Downshifting Week and at the moment am in the middle of a countrywide tour doing radio, press etc to talk about it.

I am more usually found writing about downshifting and living a simpler life in a quiet corner somewhere and am not used to appointments, or laboured car journeys to get to them!

However, the trip has been an eye opener for sure. It seems there is an uprising against the rat-race as more and more folks strive to get the work and life balance right.

Dads ARE fed up not seeing their families and mums ARE tired of working and earning just enough to cover the childminder costs. Some folks are changing their habits to embrace a simpler life, with less spending and more 'quality' time together.

It has been inspiring for me, a lover of slow and all its delights, to hear from people discovering these things for the first time, who are clearly hungry to move on to the next step.

One day, I gave 3 live radio broadcasts before lunchtime, which was very exciting and a bit of a rush (not a 'dash' rush you understand) then spent a lazy hour in the park with a sarnie contemplating my toenails and purple tulips. Delightful.

You must get the balance right - work, play, Jack, dull, it all makes sense.

If you get a chance to look at www.DownshiftingWeek.com I would be delighted to hear what you think of it all.

As I am not near a computer for more than an hour or so here and there, my reply may be slow, but I will get there.

If you like the idea, please spread the word about the week - it's non-profits and I put it together because I am living the benefits of a simpler life and want to open the door for others.

Thanks...!

Tracey Smith
Creator
National Downshifting Week
www.DownshiftingWeek.com

[Wombat]

When are you coming to Aus?

Nev

[Andy Hamilton]

Glad to hear that it is all going well. Let us know if we can pick up any of your interviews on line.

[shiney]

Tracey has just returned to France to recuperate after two weeks of whizzing around the UK in a the tiniest of cars. You should have seen what she and my mother managed to pack into it. Everything but the kitchen sink.

She has been a very busy girl and will be reporting back here to tell you how she got on very soon.

[Chickenlady]

Glad to hear it went so well.

[Wombat]

I still want to know when she is coming here!

[shiney]

I reckon she would if she could!

It's a bit of a trip for sure.

[Wombat]

Reading through the last but one Grass Roots and I saw the first mention of the term "Downshifting" here!

Nev

[ina]

Where did all those interviews get to? This is the first I hear about Downshifting Week.
Maybe it's because I have downshifted already? I don't have a telly, only listen to Radio 4 (and not all day), and only get the Sunday Herald, which I usually manage to pick up the following Friday or Saturday, as I don't get the car out to go to the village just for a paper!

Great idea, though. Hope it catches on.

Ina