Today is the last day of January...effectively, the day before 'the big day'...I have removed credit cards from my wallet (a small precautionary measure). This move alone fills me with a small sense of panic. I mean, what if I am out and about and suddenly 'need' something?? Or, what if there is some sort of emergency that absolutely necessitates a credit card transaction to save the day?? Suffice it to say that I am working on psyching myself up mentally for this next three months. Today I am observing, with a small dose of amusement, how I am mentally going through a checklist of 'stuff' that perhaps I 'need' and should therefore rush out and buy today, since as of tomorrow that will be a no-no....ah the tangled webs we weave....
Anyway, last night I did a google search to see how many other people out there may be doing the same thing as I am. Guess what? There are plenty. It seems I am not alone; nor am I on the 'cutting edge' of enlightened though (but I think I knew that already). This is a good thing. The more people that are sick of all of this consumption, the more the momentum to not mindlessly consume as much will build.
Switching to the practicalities of what I am doing, allow me to tell you about the 'rules and restrictions' that I am planning on following for the next three months. Many of my friends have inquired about what exactly 'stuff' refers to. One very concerned friend asked me if this ban included alcohol (ha ha)...no, it doesn't...but I don't drink much anyway, so it is not really an issue for me. By 'stuff' I am referring to all non-consumables (e.g. clothes, shoes, furnishings, housewares like dishes, etc.) and items that are consumable but are not absolutely necessary (e.g. shampoo, soap, deodorant, lipstick, etc.). The other thing I want to include here is downloadable music that I have to pay for (a-hem...I am sure we ALL pay for our downloaded music, right?). If I desperately want to add to the collection of 2867 songs already on my iPod, I will need to find 'alternate means'. But I am going to try to stay away from accumulating more music. So what is allowed? Food products are a go. Fuel for my car is a go. Pet food and treats are a go. Entertainment and gym memberships, etc., are a go. Even gifts for others are a go. And my monthly audio book download (which I DO pay for) will continue to be a go. A small pleasure. I think you get the picture. Basically, as I said in my last post, this is a personal challenge, the point of which is to see how it feels to try to be satisfied with less...or rather, with what already IS.
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Apparently I am not a blogger, it has taken me a minute to figure this out... not sure who I just emailed??? ANYWAY- I am proud of you! You have been talking about doing this for a while now, and you are getting to it. This shouldn't be as daunting as it might sound to people. Stay focused and out of the malls and all while go well!!! I do, however, think that soap IS a necessity-stock up today! :) Will check in for up dates- good luck xo-Sarah
ReplyDeleteI love it!! I will definitely be following along...I love your insight :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support ladies!
ReplyDeleteDana - found you through Stacey's FB status update. And, what a treat. Not only do I know more about you in the 10 minutes of reading than I have learned in all of our short meetings combined, but i am impressed with the goal you've set... for 2 reasons:
ReplyDelete1) the obvious, this will be good for you, us, the environment. My husband & I try (& succeed most weeks) to create one plastic grocery bag of garbage, as much compost as the backyard will hold, & no more recycling than necessitates putting it at the curb every 2nd or 3rd week (w/o all the free newpapers & flyers we would easily meet all the goals.) Even over Christmas we didn't put our garbage at the curb for 3 weeks. (Froze any turkey parts that would get nasty even after making soup & then put them out on garbage day.)
The reduction of our "footprint" by cycling & walking to our respective workplaces, shopping less, leaving packaging at the store - asking that we get the "good" price on 6 muffins even if we don't buy them in a plastic tray - not only to reduce waste, but so we can walk to get groceries without a expedition backpack feels good, for sure.
Still, fall into the new boots trap from time to time. ;-)
2) I completed my 100th everyday blog post (usually 600 to 1000 freakin' words) and know just how long 3 months can be!
As a fellow maximizer who just cruised craigslist for the elusive exquisite deal on a food processor, I know you will be tempted, but I'm sure you'll prevail.
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