How to Live Life Simply
The Philosophy of Barb Conrad, Retired Nurse, and Volunteer
A great way to live simply is to learn from others.
Barb Conrad, “Live life simply.”
Meet Barb Conrad, an Arizona State Park volunteer and retired nurse from the Tucson area.
Barb’s philosophy of life is, “Live life simply.”
I met Barb on a motorcycle adventure in Northern Arizona on June 1, 2023.
The Story
While on a long motorcycle, day ride through Northern Arizona, I found myself riding into Dead Horse State Park in Cottonwood.
I renewed my annual pass for Arizona State Parks before cruising into the park. Within two minutes, I pulled into a fantastic stand of tall, old trees and a series of cabins.
There was only one person in that part of the park. The trees were old and magnificent, shading all the cabins and most of the parking lot.
I took off my riding gear and wandered around.
I found Barb. She was cleaning the toilets.
I let her finish her duty before I approached her and introduced myself.
We talked for only a minute before asking her for a portrait would be okay.
For me, asking a stranger for a portrait and their “philosophy of life” is scary $#|+.
No wonder Henri Matisse, the famous painter, once said, “Creativity takes courage.”
Servant Heart
People who volunteer their time make a difference. That’s because any of us who volunteer our time and donate money become part of a solution.
What solution?
Not being part of the problem, first of all.
What problem?
Look around.
The world is full of problems because selfish, greedy, horny dunderheads think nothing of running over others.
Most of us choose to be part of the solution after we’ve become too big a part of the problem.
People who are part of the problem don’t know or ignore the Golden Rule, “Don’t be a selfish jerk. Treat others as you wish to be treated even if you can’t treat yourself well.”
Barb is retired from her nursing career and loves spending her time divided between Northern Arizona and the Tucson area.
Barb, “What’s your philosophy on life?”
“Oh … well … I’d say just live life simply. That’s all. Keep it simple.”
“Barb, that’s beautiful. Thank you. I’ll email you a copy of both the black and white and color images. After all, they’re yours!”
Barb lit up like a Christmas tree or whatever you light up to celebrate your God.
And she said, “Gee. Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“Barb, you’re welcome. Want to hear a confession?”
“Sure.”
“You helped me today by being approachable and kind. I get kind of nervous asking people for their image.”
Barb smiled. Then, we talked about her three dogs and other parts of her life that make her a saint.
We said goodbyes, and I promised to return and spend time renting one of the amazing cabins Barb takes care of when she’s there volunteering.
Barb, thanks for being you and part of the solution.
This image is part of my Servant Heart Book Project. Servant Heart is a collection of beautiful human beings who live with servant’s hearts. The book project is in the works. It is about the philosophy of life from everyday people who make a difference and become part of the solution. If you know someone who’d be a great fit for a portrait and their philosophy, please send them my way!