It is so hard for people to get their heads round the idea that paring away the clutter that weighs us down is a very different thing than miserable deprivation.

There is enormous liberation in opting out of mainstream culture and working out what is simple habit and what actually nourishes our lives.

I think a lot of people find it threatening. I know I don’t play well when my addictions are pointed out – why did I keep buying soya ice-cream from H&B even AFTER the tonsillitis went away? Because… it was there. I’m getting better at noticing it and becoming less reactionary about it, which is a relief. Habits are tough to overcome – especially when we refuse to accept that we have any, or that we’ve been anything but 100% rational and independent in our choices. It is very hard to accept just how easily influenced we are.

I had the bizarre experience of being complimented on a new skirt and top a while ago. My parents thought I looked “really smart – and such lovely colours on you”. I said I’d been surprised when I found them, that they were just the right colour, size and fit, and at such a low price. They instantly pricked up their ears and were attentive. I said, “Under £7 from the Help The Aged shop!” Suddenly, the interest and approval were withdrawn, only to be replaced with eye-rolling and sighs. If I’d got them on sale at M&S for £25, they’d have been delighted; that I got them at a charity shop for under £7 was cause for exasperation. Same clothes, for pity’s sake, just a different mind-set.

And my parents brought me up saying things like, “There’s nothing wrong with second hand!” and “Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves”.

The further out I get from the mainstream, the odder it looks, and the more chances I’m given to look at my unhealthy habits of thought and deed. So much of our lives is undigestible filler, and we have a chance to opt for healthier, tastier, more nourishing fare as our tastebuds regain their health. There are so many treats waiting for me to just get a little more over myself and find them!

BTW, may I plug the Samaritans? Local branches often really, really need people to help run fundraising (such as shops or one-off fundraising projects), do administrative work (such as accounting, secretarial work, mailing lists, branch statistics, ensuring that equipment is up to date and in good working order), and publicity. Your local branch may or may not have a Friends of [Local] Samaritans group, but they may want one to raise funds. These “support volunteers” don’t have to do the emotional support work of “listening volunteers” (though you can do both), but ALL volunteers are really appreciated – I’ve been doing support volunteering for about 18 months, and the “listening volunteers” keep talking about how support volunteers make their work possible.