Why does it feel so fulfilling to get back to basics? Maybe it’s because we are constantly bombarded with messages that aren’t congruent. We can sometimes wonder – are we the ones that are crazy for believing in fundamentals that have been deemed to be true, seemingly forever, but what some now call “disinformation”?

Last week we looked back in history and revisited a time where hard physical work was the norm, yet people still took time to enjoy the simple fundamentals of life. Also, last week we experienced five of the important basics. See if you can pick them out.

It started when distant relatives, whom we had never met, came from North Dakota to visit. (Thanks, Darlene and Emil). When we met in person, it was as if we had known each other for years. We each shared pictures of our common ancestors. (Why is it that no one ever smiled in those old pictures?)

We got renewed appreciation for what those ancestors had to overcome just to survive daily life. Life today may be easier physically; however, it seems like we have now lost touch with what once was called, ‘common sense’ fundamentals, the basics of life. We agreed with the importance of faith, which seemed to be a common thread throughout hundreds of years.

Later in the week a neighbor (thanks, Bonnie) had set up a time for neighbors to meet outside every other week for a few hours just to talk and get more acquainted. We sat in a big circle on lawn chairs and shared thoughts, experiences, memories, and wonderful stories. Again, it was a chance to forget about the frustrations of the world and just enjoy the company of others.

Next, we saw a recipe from Alexandra’s Kitchen online, a Lemon Blueberry Dutch Skillet dish – looked delicious and easy. It included eggs, flour, blueberries, grated lemon zest, along with other ingredients. It was to be baked in an old- fashioned iron skillet. Do you have one of those? Our parents did, but we didn’t – until we were able to get one the next day. (Those iron skillets have some weight to them!) We eagerly started to put the recipe together when we realized that it called for a teaspoon of vanilla. Oh, oh, we had no vanilla. However, vanilla scarcity was solved by calling our generous neighbor. (Thanks, Liz!) It was a yummy food experience.

The week ended by being thankful for faith. We heard an amazing sermon about where to find hope in a troubled world. Hint – the bottom line was, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul.” Mark 8:36. We felt truly blessed. As we reflected on why we felt that way, we realized it was because we were getting back to basics and appreciating core values. John Major puts it this way, “It is time to return to those core values, time to get back to basics: to self-discipline and respect for the law, to consideration for others, to accepting responsibility for yourself and your family, and not shuffling it off on other people and the state.” Not always easy, but doesn’t that sound refreshing in these times!

Talking about basics, legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers, was a stickler for his players understanding the basics. Let’s look at the background leading up to a quote for which he’s famous. In 1960, the Packers’ season ended in a heartbreaking loss in the 4^th quarter of the NFL Championship game, after blowing a lead.

The next year, when players came to training camp, they expected to learn some new, creative ways to win in the new season. Instead, Lombardi held up a football, and said his famous quote, “Gentlemen, this is a football!” Then the team went back to the fundamentals of blocking, tackling, running, throwing, and catching. Lombardi never lost a playoff game again!

This last week it felt good to experience the fundamentals of sharing our faith, fellowship with family and friends and enjoying food cooked on an old-fashioned iron skillet. These 5 fundamentals of faith, family, friends, food, and fun = fulfillment!

What about you? Are you finding yourself confused or frustrated by what is going on in the world today? If so, you’re not alone! We encourage you to identify and live the fundamental values and basics that are most important to you. Say thanks for faith and for those who help you on your journey. Then live with joy! Each day is a gift! We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Chanhassen MN residents, Doug and Lynn Nodland are success coaches and owners of The Balance Center in Excelsior. Contact them at WeCare@TheBalanceCenter.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2023 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.