It all started when I read the book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. This book has truly changed my life. In just a few days--three to be exact, I turn 41. For weeks, I've been mulling over in my mind what I want to do for myself this year. As you know, if you read my blog, on last year I wrote 40 letters in 40 days to 40 people that had an impact on my life in some way. The response I received was heart warming for myself as well as the recipients. In turning 41 in less than 3 days I have decided to become a minimalist thereby placing a ban on myself. Yes, I said it. I have an issue with shopping, let's be honest--I'm a shopaholic. My name is Tanisha and I'm a shopaholic. Raise your hand if you're with me...don't be shy. No judgements here.
In addition to the book by Kondo, I came across the blog--Blonde on a Budget. Her story gave me the idea to start a year-long shopping ban. I decided to start on my birthday. What better present to give myself than that of financial freedom and clarity. I am not in debt like Cait. I am able to pay all my bills at the end of each month and don't live above my means. However, I would like to strengthen my emergency fund and work towards paying off my car in three years.
I am not living an extravagant lifestyle, per se. I see it as simply consuming more than I need. There are stacks of books on my shelves I’ve never read, outfits in my closet I’ve only worn once or not at all, shoes I've never worn, bottles of unused nail polish, and what looks to be like life-long supply of pens (I have a slight obsession with fine writing instruments).
Being in my 40s means being more responsible with my money and taking care of my health. I am at a point of thinking about retirement and wanting to make certain I am doing all I can so when the time comes I am able to live comfortably. It is all about growth and in order to grow one must...CHANGE--my favorite six-letter word. In this blog I've talked about turning back to natural and being comfortable in my own skin. Well, now is the time to be who I know I was destined to be and I can't focus on that if I'm busy spending my time shopping and focused on material things. I don't want to keep wasting money on clutter that will fill my home, especially at the expense of my other life and financial goals.
This ban will definitely be a challenge, no question. But I have faced challenges before from fasting for 10 days to becoming a pescetarian for one year. It seems all my challenges have been about food...I love to eat. Shopping and food--you have me (you had me). I will focus on food in a later blog but just know it is coming
Tidying
The first steps I have taken come from Kondo where I followed her guidelines for tidying. I took one weekend to follow her mantra of, "If it doesn't spark joy" then is must go. I went through clothes, shoes, purses, cosmetics, files and household items. The only rule I didn't follow was the one around books. I couldn't bring myself to throw away books.
Here are my totals:
Clothes (includes purses and shoes) = 15 large garbage bags
Office/files = 3 large garbage bags
Cosmetics = 2 large garbage bags
Household items = 2 large garbage bags
My next community project will aid in my tidying books by creating Little Libraries across town. This endeavor will allow me to get rid of books all the while increasing literacy in my community.
After I finished the book I was so excited that I was sharing my journey with anyone that would listen. I even had Rod join me in tidying his closet. I looked up one day and he was going through his clothes. Knowing that I had inspired him to make changes had me doing summersaults (in my mind) around the house. The best part is he did it without my asking him to do so.
Before I could donate my items to local charities, Teri and Brandy decided to pay me a visit to take a few items off my hands. Below you will see pictures from their haul.
The Rules
The rules for the shopping ban are fairly simple. I am only allowed to shop for necessities, such as groceries, toiletries, basic cosmetics (but only after I run out), cleaning supplies, gift for others and a few items I identified before I started (I will share the approved shopping list later). I am NOT allowed to shop for things like clothes, shoes, accessories, nail polish, books/magazines, notebooks, candles, household items, home decor or electronics.
Additionally, I added eating out because I currently eat out for lunch every day and about three times a week for dinner. I will allow myself to eat out for dinner on special occasions only (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) I have created an "Approved Shopping List" for things I had planned or will be in need of before the ban is lifted. For my birthday, I am going to open a "shopping ban" account so I can save all the money I am not spending on eating out, shopping, and any items sold during my declutter.
Books may seem to be a tough deal for me as it would be for any bookworm, but in reality I won't have a hard time because unfortunately I have enough books on my shelves that I haven't read and some that I need to reread. I believe in rereading books because as you grow and mature you see things differently and learn something different. Not being allowed to purchase books will actually assuage my guilt of buying books knowing I have stacks already in line waiting on me.
Another catalyst for this change was a book I recently finished, Find Me Unafraid: Love, Loss, and Hope in an African Slum by Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner. After reading Kennedy's story and his perspective on life, unless you don't have an ounce of compassion, it is impossible not to be moved by this story. Reflection of my life was in order...What legacy will I leave? What is my purpose? What am I doing to give back to my community? How am I using my talents?
In the book Kennedy was appalled when he came to the States and saw the waste in our country. How can you not? Think about how much we take for granted. My goal at the end of this journey is to be not only more fiscally sound but a better person as well.
As always, thank you for reading and stay tuned.
aWordfromSmith
 |
| Empty shoe boxes and more hangers |
 |
| Piles of clothes |
 |
| Just a fraction of Teri's stack to try on |
 |
| Another stack |
 |
| Total haul = 3 bags |
 |
| Peace out to my old stuff |
 |
| Brandy and her haul= 4 bags |
