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For many years I spent an hour every morning drinking my coffee and reading the local newspaper. It felt like putting on a reliable set of comfy clothes that always felt good. In my efforts to live more simply and creation-friendly, I have abandoned this once-tailored ritual and am enjoying less mind clutter, house clutter, and consumerism clutter.

Here are some of my reasons for saying no to newspapers as I make baby steps to greater lifestyle simplicity...daily choices that fit my current shape:

• The news is scary. It is so depressing to read all the sensationalism and horrible things that are happening in the world, my city, or my neighborhood. I used to read the local "police scanner" as if it would make us safer. It just provoked unnecessary worry. If you need to keep up with current events, read parts of the news on-line.
• I used to think I needed the paper in order to clip coupons. Most coupons are for cleaning supplies that are unhealthy and not environmentally conscious or for over-priced processed packaged food that isn't healthy either. These coupons are a temptation to try something new that is needless and doesn't truly help us out financially.
• I thought I needed the newspaper in order to receive grocery store flyers. I would use the flyers to find the "loss leaders" in order to save money on the big sale items of that week. Not only is this emotionally exhausting but it is a waste of time, gas, and energy. Pick a quality local grocery store and stick with it. Every store puts their items on sale in 6 week cycles so when your favorites go on sale, stock up on them then. This saves time, money, and energy along with gaining a greater sense of community as you get to know the store manager, butcher, deli worker, baker, checkers, and baggers.
  
• No newspaper means no trees cut down, no stacks to recycle, and no daily clutter to deal with and store.
  
• It means more money in your budget by not having that subscription expense.
  
• You can always read the classifieds of your local paper on-line if you want to buy something or find yard sales.
• Find out local movie showings on-line.
• Find the nightly TV schedule on-line. I now watch way less TV because I am not checking the newspaper in the morning out of curiosity to see what's on that night.
  
• I always wanted the Sunday paper so that I could examine all of the Target and department store sales. This just made me buy things that I really didn't need but justified because of the sale. You will buy less, save more, and be more content without the barrage of choices and temptations for more stuff. Less stuff means less clutter which means less cleaning which means more time for better living simply! The best things in life are free!
• My kids aren't now exposed to all the "gimmes". They used to go through all the flyers like I did to make lists of all the things they wanted. They would spend Sunday afternoon begging me for things. Now they don't know those things exist and there is greater contentment and creativity with what they already have.

There certainly isn't a right or wrong in this. I may subscribe again one day if it begins to fit into my values again. Good newspapers can be inspiring, educational, and even fun. But in this season, it just doesn't fit. I now enjoy my coffee with my journal, a book, or a quiet conversation with my husband. That suits me well and is the perfect "style" for the shape of my current lifestyle.

What fits you?