How did I miss the other corner cupboard in the kitchen... LOL
The second corner cupboard give up the bootie
You have to promise me not to laugh as you read list of 'crap' I culled out of the corner cupboard. It just makes me cringe when I realise the time, money and (worse) energetic space this 'stuff' has absorbed.
Firstly I have to say, who thought a corner kitchen cupboard was a good idea? Come on!! These silly spaces become the hiding place for all those things we rarely use.
I know I stash things there we hardly use. So when I opened it up to have a quick peek I started laughing at the 'collection of consumer crap' I purchased when clearly possessed by something other than sanity.
It gives me such pause to consider the impact of this spell we are under and how it impacts our relationships, our wallets, and our environment. We have got ourselves in a tangle.
This many not seem like a big deal and you are right, it's not. However the awareness this brings, the new viewing platform, the disconnection from the 'juice' of shopping, the re-focus back to truly important matters like family, connections, creative endeavours and rest, has set me on a new path. This aligns perfectly to the redefinition of self that has been in action for many years. The end game here for me is to live the full expression of myself and to reduce the distractions that I have falsely seen as important.
I hope this somehow inspires you.
Cheers from Deb (no longer cornered by the kitchen cupboard)
What went out - 8 items
Ok... you ready?
- 1 salad spinner (because of course we all need one of them as our hands simply can't do as good a job)
- Three plastic fridge trays (because you can't throw them out because they are just such great quality and I may need them one century soon)
- A plastic breakfast cereal container (come on Deb, you don't use plastic and you don't eat commercial cereal)
- A wooden knife block (everyone needs a second one, just in case right?!!)
- An aluminium kettle (oh dear...stop laughing... as if!!)
- And the best for last... a very fancy, must have one, glass and plastic herb saver (because every herb will fit NOT and it just is gorgeous)
What came in - 0 items
Yay
INSIGHTS
(1) Corner kitchen cupboards should be banned
(2) I see the world different because I challenge my view of the status quo
TOTAL: OUT - 932 IN - 116
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
Another box in the office down... and a few more insights I didn't see coming.
What has us keep those darn business cards?
Let me just paint a picture for you...
We had a pile of business cards which we'd never referenced (about 150 of them), we put them into a lovely bamboo box (open at the top) and put this inside a plastic storage container. This is hilarious! These cards have cluttered our lives for years and provided absolutely no value. Stop laughing.. LOL.
Today I separated them into cards Jerry's collected and those I had brought home.
And out of my 68 cards only six of them were numbers I needed. So into the iPhone they went. It was that easy.
Why did it take us so long to do this?
I know I have shuffled those darn business cards around for years with all good intentions. But why had I not cleared these out earlier? When I reflect on this I realise it was my story about 'not enough time'. The time story was just bullshit. The truth is I simple didn't have what I have today... a dedication to clear the 'stuff' one small step at a time and stop bringing in the spoils of a consumerism culture.
In the past I would look at this 'stuff' and just put it off for another day. When I look at the amount of time, money and wasted space this simple example has taken I realise how stupid this consumerism scam is. And what's worse is, it is a scam I am pulling on myself.
It's getting clearer and clearer every day. The shift I thought we were going to have on this 365 day challenge is only the tip of the iceberg.
Cheers from Deb (would you like my business card)
What went out - 99 items
5 files of crap (papers, receipts etc), 11 coasters, 68 business cards, 13 paint swatches, 1 plate and 1 strainer.
What came in - 0 items
Sitting back with a cocktail in my hand...pass the olives.
INSIGHTS
(1) Our stories of 'need' are not real
(2) It takes will (a relentless dedication to the truth) to make a shift
TOTAL: OUT - 907 IN - 116
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
We are fully back into the swing of it again.
More DVDs arrive!!
We got a package in the mail last night. It was another DVD for Jerry. We definitely need to find a solution for the media. We are looking at two options: (1) get them all on a media server and then clear the hardcopies out of the house or (2) put them into these cool sleeves and store them in a draw. The solution will arrive when we are ready. No rush right now.
Time to tackle the stationery
I'm not sure if you are like me but I love stationery. I think it may be the girls equivalent to Bunnings (Home Hardware etc).
I haven't bought much in the last many years but I just love it. I have some boxes in the office (3rd bedroom) that have bibs and bobs in them. I think tonight I might do a box. Perhaps if I do a box a night I can cull this stuff. To be honest I haven't used the things in those boxes for years and years... in fact I don't really remember what is in there.
The good news is I don't buy it anymore...but what is the fascination? Why do quality papers, gorgeous pens, highlighters, tabs, binders, stickers, notepads, etc appeal so much? What is this cellular juice that runs through my body when I am in Office Works?
Bizarre!!
I think I am going to explore this a little. Next time I am near an Office Works store I am going to go in and walk around and see what is going on. Discover what it is that has me get all worked up about this STUFF. It's so odd because it is not like I use it all or need it all. Basically I know I get by with a couple of pens and a notebook. Interesting hey?
Cheers from Deb (o-PEN to change)
What came in - 1 items
A DVD - an oldie but a goodie
What went out - 6 items
Sammi to the rescue. She went through her DVDs and 6 went out. She rocks!
INSIGHTS
(1) I use a small percentage of the STUFF we have
(2) There is something other than 'need' driving decisions
TOTAL: OUT - 806 IN - 116
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
A couple of social events in a row, ok 6 in a row, and BAM I am knocked off my centre. Speaks volumes.
What takes us from our purpose?
We all have honest desires, passions and goals in life. They can be driven from various parts of our character. Regardless of the outcome we get the opportunity to grow.
In my way of seeing life, two parts of us are participating at any given time. There is our true nature, our heart, our higher self...then there is our wounded self which bases its view on experiences of the past.
Knowing this exists in all of us makes it easy to understand self and others.
I like to experiment in life. I like to take on small challenges and see what they reveal. This blog about jumping off the consumerism train is providing the best vehicle to the next level of growth.
Personal insights are the elixir of life. They feed us and enable us to continue along the path of the unknown. Developing personal trust in self and something outside of self expands the playing field of life. Game on people!
Oh NO!! an Op Shop!!!
We walked up the street in Glebe on Sunday morning to pick up some sour dough bread from our favourite baker. Funnily enough we walk past our favourite Op Shop too. LOL... we are hopeless. We didn't even take a second to decide whether we should go in our not. We just colluded beautifully and in we went.
I had a browse however was very aware of the heightened intensity of my experience. My heart was racing, my vision was completely scanning the store for silk, shoes, and treasure of various kinds. It was fascinating.
It's exciting. Not knowing what I may find, what gem I may uncover, what pair of Italian leather, one of a kind, never been worn before high heel shoes I may find on the top shelf!!! OMG... this is so exciting I need a lie down!!!
What is this? Is it something filling me up because life is so empty? Nah! Is it a need to spend money? Maybe. Is it a need to not miss out on something? Getting warmer. Is it a need to have something new which somehow brings a false sense of joy? Hotter. Is it...
Oh dear... interesting hey? It didn't take me long to realise I had just fallen off the wagon and the Indians were surrounding me.
Being honest with myself was a bit difficult. Accepting that this isn't true to do, yet here I am in the store, wasn't easy. I felt disappointed for about a minute until I realised I was aware, that I was able to make a choice now... and so I did.
So I changed my tactic. I stopped shopping for me and I changed my focus to looking for others. I looked at the silk ties for Jerry for work, I looked at the jewellery for my friends and lo and behold I found a great necklace for someone special. I paid $10 for it and know they will love it. It goes away into the box of Xmas presents. I know she will love it and use it and so it won't be considered clutter.
Is this a successful outcome? Hmmm don't know. But what I do know is I had a great opportunity to see my 'addiction' in action. AND how easily Jerry and I collude around consumerism. I also discovered that I don't NEED anything. There was nothing I really needed from that visit. This was a great discovery of reality.
This blog and my commitment to myself to sail this journey for a year is paying me back big time. I expect by the end of the year I won't recognise myself... a common experience over the last 15 years.
Cheers from Deb (still learning on the path)
What came in - 3 items
Op Shop buys: Jerry: 1 shirt and 1 tie / Deb: 1 necklace (Xmas pressie for someone special)
What went out - 3 items
A picture frame I have had for over 20 years and never used, a pair of shoes and a set of paper tabs.
Woohoo!!! We have hit 800 gone-ski items.
INSIGHTS
(1) No matter what we think, say or do, we have the opportunity to learn.
(2) I don't need any 'stuff'
TOTAL: OUT - 800 IN - 115
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
Oh dear... possibly a tsunami level of inward flow at the Jackson house.
You Won't Believe What Came Into The House This Weekend
I enjoyed a lazy morning in bed reading a book... actually, I read through to 1pm and then had a little sleep. Loved it! Meanwhile hubby went off to enjoy his passion at the local DVD store which was closing down... sign of the times hey? It was an opportunity for him to pick up some classics missing from his collection. INCOMING WARNING!!
I didn't realise what this meant until I saw the pile. 36 DVDs made there way into the house. Oh boy!! It started a conversation about moving all the DVDs to an online medium. This would enable us to get ALL the DVDs out of the house. Jerry was saying this was not as easy as it sounds. Time to research me thinks.
In the mean time we may have come up with an interim solution. The issue with the amount of DVDs we have is the space they take up. We have a little home and 300+ DVDs take up quite a lot of space. It may be more than this... have to count them.
The solution we are going to try is to put each DVD in a sleeve and keep the cover art with the sleeve. We will convert a drawers into a DVD storage system like they do at the DVD stores. It will take up so much less space. Don't know exactly how this will work however the end result will be the bulky plastic cases will be gone-ski . One option is something called Discsox. It appears they are high quality sleeves just for this purpose. I will let you know how we go.
This will enable us to take the (somewhat ugly) cabinet out of the lounge room. This will clear the space in readiness for the lounge room makeover we have planned.
What came in - 36
36 DVDs - classics
What went out - 1 items
1 top I don't wear
INSIGHTS
(1) Finding a solution to the things you cherish is fun to do
(2) Piracy creates the need to protect from theft yet hampers all users making copies of items they have purchased. A strange industry.
TOTAL: OUT - 797 IN - 112
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
A quick one today... nothing really to report.
Device Distraction Disorder
I coined this phrase at work when holding meetings and watching people on their devices. I call attention to it as I point to my laptop, my personal iPhone 5 and my work iPhone 6 plus. We all laugh, but the truth is this distraction is disconnecting us from being present.
Distractions are a way to escape the discomforts of life. TV, alcohol, social media etc are all obvious ones. Being aware is the key. Like anything we do in life, awareness helps us navigate with intention.
Which brings me to todays 'Hans Christian Anderson' moment. Where does all the old tech go? In a box in our cupboard of course! You know the box. The one with the cords, old iPhones, broken (just in case) ear-buds, storage devices no one has readers for, floppy discs (no, really?!), and other stuff we don't know what it's used for. Have you got one of those?
Any-who... (change of subject)
The last two nights have been social nights out for us. We loved it. Dinner with great friends, a farewell to a colleague after work and staying in the city overnight results in no gone-ski items for two days. Does this bother me... nah!
We will get back to it.
Have a brilliant day
Cheers from Deb (tired and looking forward to a sleep in)
What went out - 0 items
Zip (a-dee-do-dah)
What came in - 0 items
Naught (ty)
INSIGHTS
(1) No matter how committed you are, a night with friends, good food, fine wine and a sleep over cannot be overlooked as a spectacular excuse not to gone-ski items.
(2) Note to self... SLEEP IN TOMRROW!!
TOTAL: OUT - 796 IN - 76
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
With the digital world changing how we get our information, storage becomes the new bookshelf.
What Books Do I Keep?
Today I was looking at our book cases. I love the look and feel of books. They add warmth to the home and each one holds wisdom and adventure. So what will this look like in 5 years time? What about in 20 years? Will we be all fully online for everything? Then what will happen to all the books in the world?
My thoughts around this involves the constant shifting of storage types. I mean one upon a time we recorded digital media on tape drives, then floppy drives, then CDs, DVDs and now hard drives. Will there come a day when my hard drive will no longer be read by the device and programs I have. Then what? We are already looking at recorded media at our house that is likely not to be read. I have videos of me playing touch football 20 years ago that may no longer play.
Books on the other hand last as long as the paper (based on weather conditions etc). Stories in those books enable us to know cultures, people and events. The cultures we know little about are the ones that have not recorded their stories.
This tells me how little we really know. Makes me see the power of intuition and the travel across all time and space we can do by sitting in stillness to connect with that which we don't know.
So what will we do with our books? I don't know.
For now, I ended up finding 4 books I bought when pregnant that showed you how to unleash your child's genius. They are amazing books. One in particular came from the US and cost (wait for it) $140 to ship. The book was only $15. (clearly I am not over that!!)
From these books, I made a lot of props to support the stimulation of my gorgeous daughters genius. She was reading before she could speak.
So now it is time to get rid of them and the props. I will definitely be putting these on the 'for sale' pile.
As for the rest of the books... not sure what we are going to do with them. Time will tell.
Cheers from Deb (perplexed by the info storage challenges of the future)
What went out - 4 items
Books
What came in - 0 items
Nothing again... (big fat silly smile)
INSIGHTS
(1) The world is in a constant state of flux... changing with it enables growth
(2) It is not the book itself, it is the insights one gets when reading them, that creates value
TOTAL: OUT - 796 IN - 76
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
It only takes 5 minutes a day to get into the habit of clearing out the clutter.
Clearing out is the easy part
Stopping the incoming items is the hardest part. The idiom 'nature abhors a vacuum' explains the tension 'naturally' generated when we deem a space empty. It is about redefining the space.
Is it empty or is it open and clear? What does a clear, clean space mean to you? How does it feel? Where will you put the time you used to invest in moving, cleaning and dealing with the clutter? What passion have you got inside your heart that now can be explored?
A reduction of items coming in has meant a big difference to us. We use our time differently. We use our space differently. We appreciate our things so much more.
This journey is changing our lives in a lovely, slow and permanent way.
Have you been inspired? Share your experience here (my blog's facebook group)https://www.facebook.com/groups/427233054096059/
Cheers from Deb (soaking in gratitude)
What went out - 7 items
One pair of shoes and 6 pieces of clothing from Jerry's wardrobe (his choices)
What came in - 0 items
Nothing again...loving this.
INSIGHTS
(1) The definition of clear space impacts how you use it
(2) Stuff has no value what so ever. The way we use stuff makes it valuable.
TOTAL: OUT - 792 IN - 76
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
You have two choices. To sit and do nothing or to get up and do something.
How Simple Actions Can Create Great Change
I opened up one of the sides of my dresser where I stash my soft 'warmies' (pullovers etc). I'm not sure if doing this in summer is smart or really stoooopid. Any-who, a quick try on session and out go 10 items. It felt really good. Someone in need is going to really like these.
This is how the should I or shouldn't I thing went down...
I was sitting in my chair watching TV after a long day. I really didn't want to do anything! However my nagging gone-ski angel was continually tapping me on the shoulder to get up out of that there chair missy. Boy she is pushy sometimes (secretly glad but putting on a sad face anyway).
I realised I had a choice to either sit there or get up and do something. The later was not appealing but I knew it was the truest thing to do. So I dragged myself out of my comfy chair and walked into the bedroom and looked around for a place to investigate. Bam...there it was, my 'warmies'.
I realised I had about 6 of the same kind of zip up pullovers (not really a pullover then are they...LOL). And some of them were just tired, not worn any more and needed to go out. Gone-ski!
The item shown in the picture is going up for sale as it is brand new but I've never worn it. Should add to our holiday fund nicely.
What went out - 10 items
Various pullovers - this makes up for yesterday (snicker)
What came in - 1 items
I bought a ceramic pot for an indoor plant that needs some loving
INSIGHTS
(1) Having others vote on whether to toss something helps a lot
(2) You can only wear one thing at a time
TOTAL: OUT - 785 IN - 76
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
A quick look in my pile of jeans and pants and I find 3 gone-ski items.
Being tired and late causes consumer fever
Yesterday we had an appointment in North Sydney that finished at 7:30 pm. Jerry had to get up at 3 am for a film shoot and we were still 2 hours from home with no dinner in sight. Consumer alert!
We caught a cab to the station looking for a quick bite to eat...and there it was, an Italian restaurant with our name all over it. Both of us were tired, hungry and over the day. The perfect recipe for impulse consumerism.
We enjoy a pizza, a salad and a couple of glasses of wine. $60 later we were on our way home to bed.
How do I feel about that? Well, mixed feelings but the most important thing is it shines a light on our 'late to bed habits' and 'poor planning'. This is something within our control and good to see so clearly.
One of Steven Covey's 7 habits (of Highly Effective People) is 'sharpen the saw'. This means take the time to set yourself up for success. Prepare your tools, plan well, organise and action that which is important. It's a bit like painting, all the work and value is in the preparation...the painting is the icing on the cake.
We need to plan better, sleep more and look after our overall needs consciously.
This journey gives so much more to the whole of our lives than expected.
Cheers from Deb (the garlic breath adventurer)
What went out - 3 items
Pants that need to be set free...bye, bye.
What came in - 0 items
Doing a happy dance.
INSIGHTS
(1) Our home made pizzas are way better than a hurried Italian on a Thursday night
(2) Down time is as important than action. Doing either half hearted will hold you back
TOTAL: OUT - 781 IN - 68
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
When you do a little every day towards a choice in life, things shift permanently.
More space equals more connection
It is incredible to me how this small change have made such a big difference. Last night I was in our daughter's room as she was doing homework. The room felt different. It had more space in it for her to express herself. It looked cleaner even though she was busy with things here and there. It was inviting. It was actually the first time she had done her homework in her room...and the first time I had gone in and worked along side her.
I notice we are using the house differently. When an area is free from clutter it's much more inviting.
I don't know where this will end. Actually as I write this I realise it will never end... like anything we change, it keeps morphing and shifting as we continue to grow into our true expression of self. And as we discover more of ourselves and life, we lift our sights even further on our true (higher) self.
Hope your journey is evolving through your choices and actions...and not through circumstances.
When we are clear on our choices in life AND when we take action towards those choices, shift happens. Small daily actions become massive leaps in achieving an outcome. Ask any author, artist, sports person, academic, etc. You cannot 'cram' life. It just doesn't work that way. And no matter what circumstances occur, how far they bump you off the path, knowing the path and continuing to walk it is all you need to do. The moment you let circumstances guide you, you are at the mercy of everyone else's journey, not yours.
The trick is to be relentlessly dedicated to your choices, your outcome. You will be surprised at how quickly life shifts.. and your heart will start to blossom.
Cheers from Deb (a ponderer of life)
What went out - 1 items
Another loiterer in my wardrobe (what was I thinking...LOL)
What came in - 1 items
Can opener (had to replace our broken, silly billy one)
INSIGHTS
(1) Even the smallest, most modest of homes can be transformed by clean space
(2) Nothing beats spending time with those you love
TOTAL: OUT - 776 IN - 68
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
Why do we keep things we don't use?
It's too good to get rid of it... really?!
Let's explore this logic shall we? We get things and we can see they are beautifully made, good quality, etc. Yet for some reason it is not something we want, need or even like. You know the things I am talking about. That top your mum gave you, the dish you were given for your birthday, that ornament from your friend, that outfit your bought but never wear... the list goes on!
So what do we do?
Most of us keep them because of the sentimental value. Some can't get rid of them because "it's too good to get rid of it"... or "there's nothing wrong with it" or "but aunty Mary gave it to me". The list of reasons go on.
So how do we make the decision? What do we ask ourselves to enable the truest choice?
We could ask one simple question "If I didn't have this, would I buy it?" And if the answer is no, GONE-SKI!!
It's as simple as that. Isn't it? YES?....do I hear you say "but"? Explore your 'buts' there is gold in them there 'buts' folks.
The other side to this equation is of course to stop things coming in. This is a great opportunity to let your family and friends know not to buy you anything that will clog up your home
What if, giving it away helps both you and the person that gets it?
By taking the things out of your home / life that are not there by your choice, you clear the space, you enable other things to be welcomed, you don't carry that 'must, should, have to' energy, you detach from the consumerism story and you find a new sense of freedom.
By giving these things away other people benefit. And it is even better if they are quality items, that are loved etc. Why not make someone else's day by donating these things to people who actually WANT them?
By helping yourself, you help another. Perfect!!
Cheers from Deb (looking beyond the dilemmas)
INSIGHTS
(1) Holding onto items that don't add value to our lives, clogs our flow
(2) People in need would be so joyous to receive items we hoard
What went out - 5 items
3 of my tops, 2 of Jerry's old (too good to get rid of...) sports coats...LOL
What came in - 0 items
Loving this equation...feeling it too
TOTAL: OUT - 775 IN - 67
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
Yesterday presented many opportunities to fall off the non-consumerism wagon.
We simply ask "what's true to do?"
Due to the uncertainty of the day, we packed an extra set of clothes so we could attend a friends child's funeral without constraints. As it turned out we ended up with a handful of my fabulous work mates at a hotel in the city.
A couple of beers later decision number 1 why don't we grab a hotel and stay over night? We talked about it and decided to jump the 7:15 train and get home for an early night.
Then on the train ride home decision number 2 do you want to get Mexican? We rationalised (a lot!!!) and decided the left over pasta was a better option.
I think we saved around $200... all because we didn't allow impulse to drive our decisions.
It is such a fine line. A few beers, a romantic notion of a hotel room, a sleep in etc. Too easy to say yes to. This time last year we would have definitely said yes to this. Now with our new focus, a dash of awareness and a clear intention, we are on our way to shifting many dysfunctional parts of our lives.
I am so proud of our decisions. I love our journey together.
Cheers from Deb (darn chuffed)
What went out - 5 items
1 pair of jeans, a top, a dress, and 2 gorgeous quality, but out of date sport coats (Jerry's).
What came in - 0 items
Nothing again...yay!!
INSIGHTS
(1) It is easy to say yes when you collude with your partner after two beers....LOL
(2) There's no place like home... thanks Dorothy
TOTAL: OUT - 770 IN - 67
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
I was soaking in the day relaxing after a fairly emotional day (for one reason or another). This involved a bushwalk, getting through the washing, and doing some graphic design.
I forgot to do my gone-ski duties
I was so tired, so relaxed and got a little lost in 'The Block' (TV show), that I TOTALLY forgot about finding some items to get rid of.
As I commenced writing today I was shocked that I hadn't done it. I was so disappointed and then I laughed at my reaction. So what, right!? We both know 'nothing really matters'... that it is only our relationship to what matters that gives us any grief.
The way we react is interesting and a gift if we are brave enough to look at it. For some this would be considered a failure and they would give up. Some would not tell you the truth just make something up to save face. Some would beat themselves up continually and rationalise it till they got a nose bleed. Getting the picture?
To be ok with 'what is' is an art form we learn as we become aware and real about life. It takes practice. Knowing 'what people think about you is none of your business' is a good place to start.
So with that in mind I happily share with you that there is nothing to report today. Nothing in and nothing out.
The funny thing is we may not be home tonight as we could be staying in the city depending on the turn of events this afternoon. So there may be another day of zero action. OH NO!! LOL.
What went out - 0 items
Don't say a word... LOL
What came in - 0 items
And very happy to report we have absolutely no urge to go to the shops... 'consumerism coma' habit broken
INSIGHTS
(1) Our reactions to life's circumstances are what cause the pain, not the circumstances.
(2) Nothing matters, have a laugh and don't take life too seriously.
TOTAL: OUT - 770 IN - 67
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
We enjoyed a magical day with my ex in-laws yesterday celebrating her 80th birthday and their 60 years of marriage. Amazing!
Incoming Gifts
This was the first time we had seen relatives since Christmas and the start of this new 'non consumerism' journey. We hadn't yet shared our journey with them. They had a gift for me for my birthday... a serving platter. What now?
It was beautiful (tick) and replaced the one we tossed out that had chips on the corners (tick). So I guess in a way it is welcomed, but did we really need it? (the jury is out) Probably not. None the less it is in the cupboard and we will see if we reach for it.
Outgoing Gifts
We, in turn, took gifts for their 60th wedding anniversary and her 80th birthday. We decided on flowers and a bottle of Moet... and a small glass diamond (in an old gift box we had lying around) signifying 60 years of marriage. When the celebration occurred we openly shared our hearts with them in the form of the spoken word (no on an expensive, environmentally irresponsible, store purchased card.) It was so warmly received and I am sure connected more to their hearts than the alternative.
What I loved was the amount of love that Steve (ex hubby) and his sister went to for their celebrations. Lisa organised a gorgeous cake and a letter from the queen, our Prime Minister, the Governor General, their local MP and another MP. Amazing and truly thoughtful gifts from the heart.
Steve organised champagne, made an awesome fruit platter and bought his mum a book. Very thoughtful and loving.
All in all, the day was full of love.... it was great!
Cheers from Deb (tears of appreciation in her eyes)
What came in - 1 item
Birthday present for me - the platter
What went out - 2 items
Two small nic-naks
INSIGHTS
(1) The spoken word is so powerful, especially from the heart
(2) There are many gifts that mean so much, that costs nothing (financially, environmentally, emotionally)
(3) Their is a sense of guilt from not 'gifting' in the traditional way - boy this really shines a light on the power of the media and the consumer calendar.
TOTAL: OUT - 770 IN - 67
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
Love is such a special gift it is always worth celebrating.
All you need is love... (dah da da da daaaahhhh)
Love comes in many packages and in most cases challenges us along the journey. It is a
blessing to find a partner that understands and cherishes you. Deep love will push our buttons and have us grow into more of our hearts... that is, if we are brave enough to go the distance.
When it comes to a crazy tradition like Valentines Day, the expectations completely take over and have most of us join in the retail ritual of no return. So rather than be part of the consumer calendar perhaps we can dip into our imagination and create special moments from the heart and not the wallet.
Here are a few ideas...
- Give your partner a loving massage with all the trimmings - music, lighting, essential oils.
- Create a picnic and enjoy a cuddle under a tree
- Write a little love note and leave it somewhere as a surprise
- Watch his or her favourite movie with some home-made nibbles and a glass of wine
- Take a different way home and stop off at the beach for a walk in the sand
- Holding hands
- Sharing your ice-cream for the very first time
- Leave life's 'have to's' and spend time doing something together
- Turn the TV off, leave phones in another room and BE with each other
- Ask them on a date... create some fun around the anticipation
Enjoy every day you can as they're all special...as are you.
Cheers from Deb (high priestess of love)
What went out - 5 items
A couple of CD's, a game and a DVD
What came in - 0 items
Zero
INSIGHTS
(1) There are more than 50 shades of romance
(2) Nothing beats authentic romance from the heart
TOTAL: OUT - 768 IN - 66
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48
Come on people...let's not get sucked into this: 'I know he loves me! He bought me a beautifully wrapped box of paraffin with artificial colours and flavours'... !!
Stupid is as cupid does
Valentines Day is a myth perpetuated by the retail industry to wake us up from the consumer hibernation after the post Christmas sales. We are jolted into a sense of panic of not buying 'just the right thing' for those we love.
The store displays and advertising generate a frenzy and intimate the more we spend, the more loving and romantic we are.
Does it guarantee love? Does it express the true message of our hearts? Does it mean we are good people?
What it does mean is there are more useless pieces of clutter, made in factories by people paid way too little, destined for the rubbish tip, and certain to keep people distracted from the true passions of the heart. In essence this false love burst is a reflection of the consumer collaboration keeping us from authentic living.
Choose carefully how you express your love this year. Keep it real.
What went out - 2 items
Jerry tossed out two (old) pairs of shorts
What came in - 0 items
Nothing
INSIGHTS
(1) We are all on a commercial calendar programmed to spend
(2) Many families (in the retail industry) rely on this calendar to feed their families. Deconstructing this entangled co-dependency needs to happen... considering all sides is important
TOTAL: OUT - 763 IN - 66
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $48 (one more sale yesterday)
It takes me only 2 minutes a day to clear our the crap.
Take the challenge
If you are a little sick of the closet you can't get one more thing in.... or ANYTHING out, then maybe this challenge is for you.
Once you finish reading this short little blog, get up off your chair no matter where you are (oh unless you are in a bus...LOL) and find five things you can trash, donate or sell.
Here are a few ideas:
- Walk into your kitchen and open that second drawer and you will see heaps of things you can get rid of.
Go into your wardrobe and find five pieces of clothing you have not worn for over two years. I bet you find more than five.
Open your bathroom vanity drawer or cupboard and look at the empty bottles, half bottles, unopened bottles of lotions and potions...surely there are at least five that can go.
And last but not least....go to your shoes and see if you can find five pairs that need to be escorted out of the building.
Don't just sit there...off you go.
And let me know how many you find https://www.facebook.com/groups/427233054096059/?fref=ts - drop a message on our Facebook group
Cheers from Deb Field (chief crap finder)
What went out - 7 items
I opened my wardrobe and found 7 tops I don't want any more... GONE! Yes, I know, over achiever (looking at the ground, kicking the dirt with my shoes)
What came in - 0 items
A big fat zero again...yay!
INSIGHTS
(1) Lots of people are joining me on this journey (how cool)
(2) Its easy to make any change when you do it with friends
TOTAL: OUT - 761 IN - 66
TOTAL CASH sales from gone-ski items = $43
