Posted by Lending Club :: February 16, 2009 @ 6:08 am

The widespread and extended power outages in New Hampshire during early December reminded me of the joy of losing power as a child. In a great example of doing more with less, losing power always sparked our creativity and led to fun memories.

One of the reasons why losing power was fun was that it was rare. It also helped when it didn't last long. After a few hours, the novelty starts to wear off. But for those first few hours, the experience was great. Getting out candles, playing board games, and doing without modern conveniences was hardly a sacrifice. There were even times when power was restored quickly, before we'd grown tired of the experience, and we'd keep the lights and electronics turned off to finish our games.

In those dark hours without power, life seemed simpler and indeed it was. When you are forced to do without, you quickly realize that you can easily survive without. It can be difficult to force the issue with certain conveniences, but many provide the opportunity themselves. Laptops die, cell phones lose service, and holidays prevent the mail carrier from delivering your latest Netflix selection. In those cases, and many others, we get a glimpse of life without a perceived necessity.

Despite our fears, we always survive. If you'd like to simplify your life, force the issue. Give yourself a day without electronics, power, or some other modern convenience that is complicating your life. At worst, you'll learn something about yourself. More likely, you'll realize that many of life's necessities are thinly veiled luxuries.

What activities would you do as a child when the power went out?