I walked around my house and looked at all the things I own. Looked inside my wardrobe to see the clothes and shoes spilling out of it. The cosmetics, the jewellery, the fridge full of food that goes to waste. The immense, vast amount of stuff. Have I really tried to buy my happiness? Have I gone into debt so that I can own more things? The simple answer is yes.
I could try to blame the media, advertising or a keeping up with the Jones's syndrome but realistically, none of that matters. What matters is that I've realised that I don't actually need any of these items to be happy. I crave a simple life where I'm not a slave to my material wants but nourishing my needs instead.
So hence The Six Month Project was born.
What is this project? It's a lesson in consumerism and my path to becoming a better person. How do I propose to do that? By not buying anything unnecessary. For those of you who know me will know that I believe beautiful shoes and shiny nylon (especially if it's sparkly) clothing was necessary. Going out for dinner, take-away food, lunches, snacks, pretty objects, clothing galore, beauty products, kitchen gadgets, alcohol (this part is really going to hurt), television are all unessential things that I do not need to live a full, creative and happy life.
I'm wanting to change my whole life style based on the idea to consume less, grow more. Both in my garden and as a person. Sounds like some tree hugging hippy shit right? If that's what it is, then this idea is something that resonates strongly with me. I'm hoping that by being brutal and not purchasing a single unnecessary thing for six months, that when this project has come to an end, I'll think about what I'm purchasing and if it's really needed.
The official start date of this project is 15/01/2014. Tomorrow. I am completely unprepared but somehow ready.
The television will be turned off and the ariel disconnected. This doesn't mean we won't still use it, just not for television. Like everything else, there will be rules.
The Rules
1. No television - we may watch DVD's that we already own/have borrowed from a friend. Gaming consoles may also be used but for no more than 4 hours per week.
2. No purchasing new games, DVD's or television series.
3. ABC iView may be watched (also included in the 4 hours) to catch up on news/current events.
4. Computers will still be used to a limited amount. The internet is an essential of everyday life, however must be in limited amounts. No sitting in front of a computer for hours.
5. No pre-made meals, take away, dinners, lunches are to be purchased. The exception to this is if we are invited to a special occasion at a restaurant/cafe.
6. No purchasing of shoes, clothing, accessories. There is no exception to this rule.
7. Any gifts given must be handmade or an item which we already own. No new purchases.
8. No luxury items to be purchased, this includes expensive shampoo/body-wash. Also includes luxury food items and alcohol. We are members of a wine club and 6 bottles of wine are delivered every 3 months and we may drink what's in our cellar. Unless there is a special event hosted at our house, no other alcohol is to be bought.
8. Music and books are an essential part of life and as such, a budget of $50.00 per month is available.
9. No unessential cosmetics. I work in a semi-corporate environment which requires a certain level of appearance. Foundation, mascara, moisturiser and facial cleansers may be purchased. No other items.
10. Make it rather than buy it.
We may implement more rules along the way but this is the basis to work from.
Essentially, this is blog my diary. It's my way of remembering great recipes, documenting creative processes, working around the struggles with not having everything I want (aka spoilt brat syndrome/first world problems), learning the difference between want and need, crafting, fashion, learning how to gain some fitness in my life, garden stuff/growing things, disasters/wins. Essentially just my everyday life.
Tonight, we go out and feast. Tomorrow, shit gets real.
I could try to blame the media, advertising or a keeping up with the Jones's syndrome but realistically, none of that matters. What matters is that I've realised that I don't actually need any of these items to be happy. I crave a simple life where I'm not a slave to my material wants but nourishing my needs instead.
So hence The Six Month Project was born.
What is this project? It's a lesson in consumerism and my path to becoming a better person. How do I propose to do that? By not buying anything unnecessary. For those of you who know me will know that I believe beautiful shoes and shiny nylon (especially if it's sparkly) clothing was necessary. Going out for dinner, take-away food, lunches, snacks, pretty objects, clothing galore, beauty products, kitchen gadgets, alcohol (this part is really going to hurt), television are all unessential things that I do not need to live a full, creative and happy life.
I'm wanting to change my whole life style based on the idea to consume less, grow more. Both in my garden and as a person. Sounds like some tree hugging hippy shit right? If that's what it is, then this idea is something that resonates strongly with me. I'm hoping that by being brutal and not purchasing a single unnecessary thing for six months, that when this project has come to an end, I'll think about what I'm purchasing and if it's really needed.
The official start date of this project is 15/01/2014. Tomorrow. I am completely unprepared but somehow ready.
The television will be turned off and the ariel disconnected. This doesn't mean we won't still use it, just not for television. Like everything else, there will be rules.
The Rules
1. No television - we may watch DVD's that we already own/have borrowed from a friend. Gaming consoles may also be used but for no more than 4 hours per week.
2. No purchasing new games, DVD's or television series.
3. ABC iView may be watched (also included in the 4 hours) to catch up on news/current events.
4. Computers will still be used to a limited amount. The internet is an essential of everyday life, however must be in limited amounts. No sitting in front of a computer for hours.
5. No pre-made meals, take away, dinners, lunches are to be purchased. The exception to this is if we are invited to a special occasion at a restaurant/cafe.
6. No purchasing of shoes, clothing, accessories. There is no exception to this rule.
7. Any gifts given must be handmade or an item which we already own. No new purchases.
8. No luxury items to be purchased, this includes expensive shampoo/body-wash. Also includes luxury food items and alcohol. We are members of a wine club and 6 bottles of wine are delivered every 3 months and we may drink what's in our cellar. Unless there is a special event hosted at our house, no other alcohol is to be bought.
8. Music and books are an essential part of life and as such, a budget of $50.00 per month is available.
9. No unessential cosmetics. I work in a semi-corporate environment which requires a certain level of appearance. Foundation, mascara, moisturiser and facial cleansers may be purchased. No other items.
10. Make it rather than buy it.
We may implement more rules along the way but this is the basis to work from.
Essentially, this is blog my diary. It's my way of remembering great recipes, documenting creative processes, working around the struggles with not having everything I want (aka spoilt brat syndrome/first world problems), learning the difference between want and need, crafting, fashion, learning how to gain some fitness in my life, garden stuff/growing things, disasters/wins. Essentially just my everyday life.
Tonight, we go out and feast. Tomorrow, shit gets real.
