About a year ago, I started reading Amish fiction. It is one of those things, I Googled "best Chinese food in the South Bay" and ended up driving to my local library to get a library card and a book called An Amish Kitchen. When the internet is involved, these things tend to happen. And no, I didn't eat Chinese food that night.
Before I continue, no, I am not considering becoming Amish. There are aspects of the Amish faith and lifestyle that I do not agree with at all. Specifically, it is a very strict culture with strict punishments, and the concept of shunning especially breaks my heart. But for the most part, the literature avoids these harsh topics and focuses on the positive aspects of the Amish. The stories are all very Hallmark-movie-esque, and everyone lives happily ever after. Over the past year I have read dozens of Amish books and novellas, and I can't get enough!
So, what is it that I love so much about these Amish stories? The simplicity, and the values. The idea that there is work to be done, and everyone does their part. The idea that it is not important who is better or who has more. The idea that family is the most important thing on this earth. The idea that things will work out as long as we stay focused and honest and take care of one another.
These are all values that seem to be lost in the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Working in the Silicon Valley, it seems like money is God. Work is life. Things and cars and clothes are how you prove you are better than others. Oh, and being better than everyone else is the most important thing on this earth. There is deception, there are office politics, there is competition.
These Amish tales are encouragement for me. They help me put things into perspective. They remind me about what really matters in life when I am feeling lost and sub-par in my own daily life. The stories make me feel like it is ok to want to be a stay at home mom someday, because family and a home for that family are priorities. The Amish live a lifestyle in which love, faith, and survival are more important than fame or possessions, the way life should be.
Honestly, I could care less about the latest gadget. While I do use modern technology because it exists, the internet and my smart phone are not why I am here on earth. They don't matter. What matters is health, happiness, and love.
To me, an Amish outlook is just the basics. It is only what matters, and nothing that doesn't. I think it has helped me on and off over the last year to embrace the Amish outlook when things are stressful. I stop and think, what is affecting me? Does it really matter? If the answer is no, I deal with it and move on. I'd rather not waste too much energy on the superficial so that I have enough energy for what really matters to me.
Maybe Amish fiction is not for everyone, but I do think the simplicity and the values of the Amish lifestyle can benefit anyone. I am just thankful for finding encouragement in such a random place.
XO
Before I continue, no, I am not considering becoming Amish. There are aspects of the Amish faith and lifestyle that I do not agree with at all. Specifically, it is a very strict culture with strict punishments, and the concept of shunning especially breaks my heart. But for the most part, the literature avoids these harsh topics and focuses on the positive aspects of the Amish. The stories are all very Hallmark-movie-esque, and everyone lives happily ever after. Over the past year I have read dozens of Amish books and novellas, and I can't get enough!
So, what is it that I love so much about these Amish stories? The simplicity, and the values. The idea that there is work to be done, and everyone does their part. The idea that it is not important who is better or who has more. The idea that family is the most important thing on this earth. The idea that things will work out as long as we stay focused and honest and take care of one another.
These are all values that seem to be lost in the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Working in the Silicon Valley, it seems like money is God. Work is life. Things and cars and clothes are how you prove you are better than others. Oh, and being better than everyone else is the most important thing on this earth. There is deception, there are office politics, there is competition.
These Amish tales are encouragement for me. They help me put things into perspective. They remind me about what really matters in life when I am feeling lost and sub-par in my own daily life. The stories make me feel like it is ok to want to be a stay at home mom someday, because family and a home for that family are priorities. The Amish live a lifestyle in which love, faith, and survival are more important than fame or possessions, the way life should be.
Honestly, I could care less about the latest gadget. While I do use modern technology because it exists, the internet and my smart phone are not why I am here on earth. They don't matter. What matters is health, happiness, and love.
To me, an Amish outlook is just the basics. It is only what matters, and nothing that doesn't. I think it has helped me on and off over the last year to embrace the Amish outlook when things are stressful. I stop and think, what is affecting me? Does it really matter? If the answer is no, I deal with it and move on. I'd rather not waste too much energy on the superficial so that I have enough energy for what really matters to me.
Maybe Amish fiction is not for everyone, but I do think the simplicity and the values of the Amish lifestyle can benefit anyone. I am just thankful for finding encouragement in such a random place.
XO
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