A big part of this journey has been finding ways to simplify my lifestyle...primarily by sorting through my belongings and getting rid of a lot of things. Though to most simplifying your life means simply getting rid of excess, in this case it also means getting rid of things that you love, but are a bit too extravagant. For example, I have many necklaces and pairs of earrings that I love, but many of them are a bit "showy" and would draw too much attention, so I will be getting rid of them. Now granted it's not a huge deal...they weren't expensive and don't hold any kind of sentimental value to me...but darn it they're cute!
I'm not terribly distraught over getting rid of some of my more "funky" or "blinged-out" belongings, but this new concept is seriously putting a kink in one of my favorite hobbies...shopping! Those who know me well, know that I love to shop. I don't necessarily have to make a purchase to enjoy the shopping experience (though it does make it a tad more enjoyable). Now, at first glace it seems that this concept would certainly not keep me from window shopping, after all it is free and does not go against any sort of rules. The problem with window shopping is that I find myself no longer even desiring the items I see.
I went to a small boutique the other day and it had exactly the kind of items I would normally like. The clothes were exactly my style/taste, all the accessories were exactly the kind that I like to wear, and the purses were absolutely adorable. Normally in a shop like this I would spend a long time looking at each item, contemplating what I would use it for/wear it with, trying items on, pairing things together for complete looks, and then maybe purchase 1 or 2 items that I thought would go with the majority of my current wardrobe. Not so the case this time. As I've been reflecting on what I will keep and use and what I will be getting rid of, I have somehow changed my perception. I found myself looking at things that I normally would have immediately wanted and instead deciding that it was unnecessary and would not be conducive to a "simple" lifestyle.
While I am excited about this changing mindset and especially the idea that I am growing I can't help but realize....I NEED A NEW HOBBY!
Maybe you can just start shopping to buy people gifts. Like start Christmas shopping now. That way you get the joy of picking things out and buying them and you know that someone else will enjoy them even though you can't!
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