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My Simpler Path

Details are hidden in the shadows

Jesse R. Barker
Full Frame
7 min readJan 8, 2025

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All photos are by author

As I grow older, the desire to simplify is becoming stronger. The ability to multitask is weaker and the patience for the unessential has waned. The noise from streaming TV, the overwhelming number of apps on my phone, and tiny dogs on airplanes! My parents did not have this life. Why should I?

Modern clutter is mentally exhausting. Not good for me, a bear of little brain. So, it’s time to unclutter. The physical effort is to empty that storage space, physically and mentally. Send the horded family furniture to the kids or antique stores. Goodwill is happy to get all those suits and dress shoes taking space in the closet. The goal is to keep it simple. All I need are jeans, REI pullover and a pair of good running shoes.

Running for life | photo by author

I want the same mental approach. Cut back on streaming channels, eliminate all those health apps on my phone, and most importantly, unbind from mental stress from things I cannot control. No more offering advice to politicians through the TV screen, fretting over cost of bananas, or giving unwanted (and probably incorrect) advice to the youngsters.

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Full Frame
Full Frame

Published in Full Frame

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Jesse R. Barker
Jesse R. Barker

Written by Jesse R. Barker

Retired these days but still working to improve myself. An avid photographer I am always learning to look at the world in new ways while telling a good story.

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