The next challenge is a WEEK LONG challenge. When decluttering it is important to take a step back and ask ourselves “Where did all of this stuff come from?” You don’t have an elf that brings things in your house when you aren’t looking and scatters them around. And before you say that your spouse or kiddos are the problem, remember that we are starting with ourselves and leading by example. Dare I say that perhaps YOU are contributing to the fullness of your house?!
I know it is hard to hear. But getting rid of all your stuff will only be a short term solution if we don’t take a look at our real spending. So lets try a SPENDING FAST.
Here is how a spending fast works:
1. Starting right NOW – don’t buy anything for one week.
2. No online or store shopping at all.
3. You may (please do!) pay previous commitments like your mortgage, utilities, etc.
4. Spend when you HAVE to – this would be if your gas tank is nearing empty and you can’t get to work. But NOT putting gas in your car for something that could be rescheduled or done closer to home. THIS IS NOT FOOD – WHAT? I am daring to say that you probably have ENOUGH food in your house for a week. Dig deep in that freezer and be creative. Plan your meals ahead of time so you are not tempted to go to a restaurant or swing through fast food.
5. Like any fast – the importance is not in what you give up, but what you gain. Are you having withdrawl symptoms? What do you want to buy? Is there a money leak in your house you didn’t recognize before. What are you doing with the time you may have spent shopping? What do you want more of in your life (that is not a THING)? What are you doing with the money you aren’t spending? This is a good time to reflect on your saving, tithing, and budgeting goals. Is this easy for you or is it a little bit harder than you thought?
FEEL FREE TO USE MY NAME AS AN EXCUSE – “I would love to go to the movies, but Bridgette won’t let me – maybe we could get a movie from the library and watch it at home.” Or “Date night at that new restaurant sounds fun, but Bridgette said it would be just as much fun to pack a picnic supper and sit in the Wal-mart parking lot watching the live version of “the people of Wal-mart.”” Or even “I know you want new sneakers today but Bridgette said you are going to have to wear the old ones for one more week.” Hey, whatever works.
As always, feel free to share your triumphs and achievements with the group. This challenge will be different for everyone, but we are all in this together.
That’s it, AMAZINGLY SIMPLE as always!
simply,
bridgette
AMAZINGLY SIMPLE 