We've moved, we've downsized, I've donated, sold, traded. I am happy with what we have. But I constantly want MORE...NEW...BETTER. Why? If I showed you pictures of my children's closet and dressers you might faint, but yet I still find new that I have to have for them. I see things and I want them. Not because I need them, but purely desiring to have them. Anything from a new Gymboree outfit for Téa, to new cloth diapers, to a new shirt/shoes/pants for me, or what about a new candle or frame or gadget.
The concept of living on THE COMPACT came to my attention for the first time about 6 or so months ago. According to http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/, THE COMPACT, is to 1) to go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of U.S. consumer culture, to resist global corporatism, and to support local businesses, farms, etc; 2) to reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er); 3) to simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact).
I was intrigued, intrigued enough to go out to the garage where my husband was playing music and tell him of my new plan. He laughed. Maybe I didn't explain it good enough, maybe he knew how much I liked going shopping, maybe he didn't want to give up buying new things for himself, maybe he just thought I was NUTS. Well I didn't go on THE COMPACT that day, nor the next, but I did stop shopping at WalMart for a month or so.
But while I was walking through Target the other day, my baby attached to me in the Ergo, I found myself, saying OOOHH, AAAHHH, I need, I want, that would be great for... Then remembering I had just downsized my family of six and our belongings to fit into our 1000sq ft house. (Not a simple task, but doable!) I think how much simpler life would be if I didn't even give myself the option to buy new. Then I think about Christmas, what would we give, would our family and friends be angry that they didn't receive the item or items they desired because we weren't buying NEW? Should I care?
Really this BLOG is my mind talking, racing actually. Thanks for listening.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
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2 comments:
I have the same thoughts - and got the same reaction when I first discovered The Compact and presented it to (a very incredulous and slightly sarcastic) Ed, LOL! I find myself having the same kind of internal dialogue about "stuff" and feeling like my life - or myself - would be somehow better if I were newer or shinier. But, it'll never satisfy me and I'll continue to crave more. Stinkin' sinful nature! But at least we have Jesus to fulfill our hearts. :o) I'm right there with ya, Steph, and kudos on the downsize!
I think The Compact is a bit further than I'd take it, but I do think it's a good idea in general to stop buying "new" things all the time, KWIM? Or just go for a period of time without buying ANYTHING. We're actually doing an "homemade or second-hand" Christmas this year (mostly courtesy of our student budget LOL), but it's actually been more fun being able to make all our gifts instead of just go in a store, buy something, and be done.
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