On May first a few friends and I started a 365 day challenge to not buy any clothes. For 91 days I have not purchased any clothes. There were a few times that I was tempted. The bright yellow and orange exercise pants that were on sale really wanted to help me walk in the morning. But, I decided to cut off my ankle length black yoga pants at the knees and use what I already had.
We do have one save. A little coupon good for one item. I didn’t want to waste the coupon.
I don’t need clothes. My closet is full.
The day before the challenge I bought a new bra. The day after the challenge when I was at the store to buy laundry soup I wandered through women’s clothing out of habit. I didn’t buy any clothes but I bought a new pencil. Then I started to buy a new mechanical pencil everytime I went shopping.
Then I realized I shopped to feel better. If I was sad, I wanted to buy something. Pencils were less expensive than clothes, but I didn’t need a new pencil. I just wanted one. Spending money on myself made me feel valued.
Remember that very little is needed to make a happy life.
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Do you think you could not buy any clothes for one year? Could you be content with what is in your closet right now? Do you have enough pencils and lead to last a year?
The challenge is even making me think twice about anything else I go to buy and I consider the level of want and need. If I am still really tempted I consider whether it is good value for the price and whether it is something I will still want long-term.
Michelle – A 365 Day Be Content Challenge Member
You can start the challenge today, tomorrow or the day after.
Please join us at any time. I just like to start projects on a day that starts with the number 1, as it is easier to do the math when I add the days.
Today can be your day one. We have a small private facebook group to encourage each other. If you want to join us, please send your e-mail address to pamela@ipaintiwrite (dot) come, and I will add you to the group.
If you want to write about the challenge you can place a link to your web-site in the comments.
Do you have enough clothes and pencils to last a year?
