I was thinking of this grand idea and had determined that I would start in January - ya know a New Years Resolution. Then I thought why wait. The realization came to me and I knew I had to do something about it.
The Realization: I have too much stuff; seriously I have enough cardigans for a season of Mr. Rogers.
Now I've known this for quite awhile. I live in this realm of absolutely loving clothes, shoes, accessories, books, towels, candles, big rings, scarfs and the like but feeling guilty. I normally don't feel guilt when I buy something, but when I cannot figure out what to wear in the morning because there is so much - the guilt sets in. I also have a dislike of materialism and realize I am a prime culprit. I strongly believe in my head stuff doesn't matter. I even read a ton of literature about living unencumbered by 'stuff'. One of my top 5 favorite books ever is Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. He doesn't let 'stuff' consume him, and its rather beautiful. (You'll probably see some quotes in later posts but someone has my book right now). I read his book and highlight, say Amen, and resolve to change. Then put me in a store and I think I need another tennis ball size ring, or Target tee (because I didn't have that particular shade of salmon).
I believe stuff doesn't matter so much, that I've even thought how cool it would be to have like 2 outfits that you just wear over and over again - to take a stand. Then I realize that is rooted in me wanting to be perceived as cool and heroic. But I do hate how I can't walk out of Target without a seasonal dish towel, a pair of colorful flats, or a cardigan. I hate that I have to continually buy clothes hangers because I obtain more than I give. I've finally realized how much 'stuff' has a hold on me, and I'm going to make a change.
The Change: Stop buying 'stuff'
I've given up buying at a few points in my life (only 2 points actually). First, was back in college (4 years ago - wow). I had a fantastic/costly study abroad experience in Venice but ran into issues on the return flight home. Basically I threw my ticket away, so when I got to the airport I had to buy a new plane ticket (not cheap). Well I definitely didn't have the money at all, so I had to put it on the padres credit card. I HATE being in debt so I resolved to myself that I would not buy myself anything besides food until the debt was paid. I succeeded in flying colors and got the debt paid off in a couple months. I even made a trip to the outlet mall with a friend and managed to withstand a rack of $1 jewelry. The second time was more recent, only 6 months ago or so. I got the opportunity to spend most of June in Peru and was incredibly convicted by the conditions. A friend and I decided to not buy anything for July. It was no problem as a month just flies right by. The real problem is that these two incidents didn't stick. I'm no where closer to being severed from my stuffs hold than I was before.
Originally my idea was to do this for a year, *shudder* which is why I wanted to start in January. I still want to do this for more than just a month but what better month to start than in December. Of all months - this one is the least about me.
The stipulations (because if I don't write them down, I will reason with myself and make exceptions): No clothes, shoes, home decorations. I am allowed food, booze, and entertainment (shows, movies, games). Books are still on the fence. Basically anything materialistic is out of question.
*Note: I have not bought anything in the past two days.
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