JANUARY LOW-BUY
Let’s be real- I love shopping. I swear it’s my gatherer instincts trying to be known, though instead of looking for ripe berries I’m looking for ripe deals. Problem is, I really don’t need to be gathering any more stuff in my life.
A few years ago I started hearing about Minimalism, the world met Marie Condo, and we all began to realize our lives were cluttered. I’ve been half-heartedly trying to minimize my possessions ever since and this year I really want to make some permanent changes to benefit my future self. One of my 2021-2024 goals is to travel more and improve our financial position. Marcus thankfully, is not a big fan of shopping so I really only have to contend with myself on this.
What I don’t need to be doing in 2021
The main root of this goal is to be more intentional. I really want to travel and be financially independent and I’ll be knee-capping myself on those goals if I spend my money on things I don’t actually need. So-Intention. I don’t plan to deprive myself or wear my clothes until you can see through them, but I do want to only bring things into my life that will serve me well. If I am looking for a new pair of jeans, which admittedly I was and also admittedly I have already purchased, I want to make sure I am buying them because they are the right item for my life and not because I bought them on a whim. I want the things around me to be truly useful, not wasteful. I want the space around me to be filled with things I enjoy, not things I annoyingly have to dust every month.
I want the intention in my purchases to extend beyond just the need in my own life. I have really been thinking more about how my actions play out in the world as well. Where I shop, the items I choose and the companies I support are all things I want to take into account when I am shopping. I’m sure most people are aware of the amount of waste and the environmental impact our item hoarding can lead to. With that as another pillar to my goal, I want to spend adequate time researching products and companies that I will do business with. I’ll be voting with my wallet. I want to support businesses that hold the same ideals of intention that I am trying to create with myself.
Secondary to not bringing in more things, I also want to let go of what I already have if it isn’t doing anything for me. Thankfully I’ve been on this train for a few years and I’ve been able to part with many things already, but I do still have room for improvement.
Lastly, I want to tell you a little secret. I am a food hoarder. I think I know where this issue arose from, and I’m working on it. In January I decided to do a low-buy on groceries as well in an effort to clear out forgotten foods from our pantry and freezer. I don’t like waste so this effort is more focused on eating up the things we have been avoiding or consistently forgetting we have. So far it’s going well! I also hope this encourages me to shop for more produce in the coming weeks as we go to the store again and avoid the sweets and processed goods we don’t tend to really eat anyway.
January Purchases:
2 pairs of leggings-Amazon $40 with Christmas gift money
1 pair of jeans, 1 black cotton dress, 1 black leather cross-body purse- Everlane $181 with Christmas gift money
3 pairs shoes- 2 Birkenstock sandals, 1 Chacos sandals- purchased with gift card and Christmas money
5 tank tops- $20 from Target
January Declutter
Many items of clothing- 8 sweaters, 2 pants, 1 scarf, etc- mostly donated
Shoes- UGG booties- sold on Marketplace
Old Puzzles- sold on Marketplace
Christmas decor- tree skirt, ornaments, tree topper- donated
Mirror from old condo
