Well I’ve officially made it past the 6 month mark….that is 6 months with none of the following:
new clothes
magazines
new jewelry
new make up or facial creams etc
new CD’s or music
new books
new things for the home
In essence, for the last 6 months I’ve bought nothing but food and my bus pass. It has meant not replacing things like a broken pair of shoes that can’t be fixed, or my favourite facial cream. But in truth it hasn’t been hard, I’ve simply removed temptation. I’ve stopped window shopping, stopped going to shopping centres or Oxford Street. I walk past shops with shoes, I’ve stopped going to markets that sell stuff and instead focused on markets that sell food. Of course not reading magazines I’m really not “up” on the latest home or personal accessories, in truth that makes it much easier.
I don’t feel like this has been a hard journey, I feel like it has been a necessary one. How many things do we really need? I have sheets for my bed, a comforter, 2 lovely pillows. I have a pan, cutlery, 4 plates, 3 mugs and 4 cups. I have a nice, but admittedly sparse, wardrobe. I have 2 working pairs of shoes. I have far too many bags (although I’m getting rid of some each month by donating them!), several nice necklaces, a bottle of perfume that has enough left for another couple of months. So really, I’m rich. I may not be as rich monetarily as the celebrities that grace the cover of magazines, but I have everything I need and therefore everything I want.
When I started downshifting, I knew it would mean making changes. I didn’t anticipate what those changes would be when I began my journey. I didn’t anticipate how I’d find the changes, or what they would mean to be. The reality is, they mean a great deal to me, they mean I’ve learned from past mistakes, I’ve gained self control when it comes to consumerism, I’ve been able to say no to advertising and I’m following a simpler, more wholesome path. I still have a fair way to go. When I read blogs like Soule Mama, my heart shines and I know that while I sit in my London pad having mentally downshifted, I’m still on a life long journey that I hope one day allows me to physically downshift. But for now, I take comfort in finally learning how to just say no! And it feels oh so good :0)
Your focus has really paid off. You sound thankful, peaceful and contented. Who could ask for more?
By: rtc on October 8, 2008
at 10:18 pm
You’ve come so incredibly far, further than most of us ‘downshifters’ put together.
I have to admit that I have bought stuff but ONLY stuff I’ve felt I needed rather than merely wanted and almost all of it’s been second-hand. At the same time I’ve got rid of other stuff that I don’t need and was just cluttering my life unnecessarily.
By: Sharon J on October 8, 2008
at 10:19 pm
That is very impressive. I have to agree, if you just don’t go shopping it is a lot less tempting…magazines are definitely a downfall of mine, especially if I am going on a journey. I have so many unread books on my shelves, but yet the celeb stories get me every time!
I think you should replace your face cream though – your skin will thank you for it later!
By: My Eco Self on October 8, 2008
at 10:24 pm
PS You have inspired me – I am going to look in my cupboards and then make a meal plan and a list for next week’s food. I already get an organic vegetable box so I should be able to rustle up meals without buying much extra.
By: My Eco Self on October 8, 2008
at 10:26 pm
I am so incredibly proud. Am linking this by the way, and I’m thinking of doing something like that to myself too
By: Fabulously Broke on October 8, 2008
at 11:27 pm
Congratulations FT!! That’s an amazing accomplishment that few people would even attempt and fewer would succeed. You have incredible focus and resolve. I am really looking forward to you next “Goals Revisited” posting. It has been uplifting each month to see how far you have come–less than 3 months ago you were still paying off debt! Look how far your downshifting journey has brought you!
Way to go!!!!!
By: margot1257 on October 9, 2008
at 3:18 am
Hi there-very well done indeed!! You are so focused and look where it has got you! I need some of your willpower to rub off on me, haha!!
By: sharon rose on October 9, 2008
at 9:13 am
Well done ft..very inspiring
By: Laura on October 9, 2008
at 9:52 am
This is fantastic!!!! It takes a LOT of focus & will power. Good for you!!! You have accomplished a lot, you should be proud!
By: frugal dreamer on October 9, 2008
at 1:16 pm
Well done! You sound so much happier as well. I think the freedom you have gained from “stuff” is wonderful.
By: Catz on October 9, 2008
at 2:41 pm
fabulous. so well done. i am so glad you are reaping rewards in peace&well being for all your work. i know i say this all the time, but you are an inspiration!
By: neimanmarxist on October 9, 2008
at 3:13 pm
That’s awesome! Good for you! You’re so right, how much things do we really need? I’m so done with trying to keep up with the Jones’.
Are there any consignment shops in your neighbourhood? If your purses are in good condition, you might be able to make yourself a little bit of cash.
By: Pleasant Girl on October 9, 2008
at 4:46 pm
Well done – you are an inspiration!
By: apieceofwood on October 9, 2008
at 7:18 pm
Definitely a gold star for you!!
I see all those young girls in the shops (yes, I am there occasionally, but these days it’s mainly for tights – how do I get through those so quickly? I always ladder mine!) and it makes me really sad for them that their life is so focussed on the material excess. Having said that, I’ve been there so I can see how easy it is.
J x
By: Jade on October 9, 2008
at 7:40 pm
Excellent..you’re so inspiring
By: laura on October 9, 2008
at 8:00 pm
Well done! Enough is as good as a feast as they say!
I try not to buy a lot of new clothes and haven’t bought new, new jewellery for ages. Its far too easy to spend, spend, spend. (bad enough buying secondhand)
Thats one thing I like about buying secondhand (besides not paying full price)you are recycling things that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
You have a great blog, keep up the good work
By: sharie on October 9, 2008
at 11:39 pm
I’m impressed that you managed to last six months without having to repurchase new items! I would have broken down and gotten more facial cream stat. Did you substitute something else for it?
As to – “new things for the home” this is my own personal Achilles. I always want to buy stuff to decorate a home I do not have. :/
By: Anny on October 10, 2008
at 8:22 pm
Hello. I couldn’t find an email address on your blog so would you email me please . I want to ask you something. Thanks!
Rhonda Jean
By: rhonda jean on October 10, 2008
at 9:23 pm
[...] of window shopping! I was very impressed by Notes from the Frugal Trenches. She’s gone six months without shopping. Nice [...]
By: Weekend Reads | My Daily Dollars on October 11, 2008
at 2:21 pm
wow you are such an inspiration for all of us!
By: koko on October 13, 2008
at 5:19 pm
[...] of the UK (South East) I knew I would never get ahead. I was also about £2089 in debt. It has been 6 months of no buying, something which has been a wonderful experience and apart from a few well chosen Christmas [...]
By: Financial Path - 6 paychecks later! « Notes From The Frugal Trenches - A Downshifting Journey on October 26, 2008
at 6:59 pm