Out with the old, in with the new - ahh stop!

With the year coming to a close, and on holidays, it's time to spring clean. Going through cupboards, and cleaning out. Its so liberating and cathartic to cleanse your possessions and in turn your life.

It is a great opportunity to "pass-it-forward" the things you just don't need, and give it to someone else who does need this stuff!

Its also very confronting to see how much stuff you have, why do I need 16 beach towels, or even 12 white t-shirts, I know I can never keep white shirts white (always stain them) but really 12 of them????

The process does provide an opportunity to really look at why I have a compulsion to shop and possess so much, looking at why is a challenge and upsetting.

So for January I am going to challenge myself to not spend any money, not shop. Not even groceries, which is another thing I overdo, I could shop for Australia!

UPDATE: Post January, well it was very challenging, very, very challenging. I came up short, as practicalities meant on my way we needed milk or bread or whatever.

So I would only purchase food with cash, this was tough too but we managed. I made no clothing or other purchases other than food, and only with cash.

There were moments when I had to actually think, consider making a purchase of food. I am not sure I can express how challenging this was.......right to the core of me and my food hording went this painful challenge. So okay, when you only have $40.00 on you, it requires adding up what you have and considering if you really need an item.............very stressful.

But a HUGE lesson in want Vs need I want lots of things, but need much fewer. And now that we are in February (4th) I went shopping and walked around for 3 hours whilst one of my sons was at the movies with friends...I looked in 15+ clothing stores and in the end made 3 purchases of clothes for work, though I had a criteria:

• made myself try them on (something I hardly ever do)

• must be on sale (something I nearly always do)

• must go with at least 3 things I already own (do this sometimes)

• total spend $100.00 for the month MAX!

• Honestly show my husband the purchases, prices and savings. And what they will go with.

• purchase with cash

The 3 items were all reduced and then an additional saving of 30-40% of the sale price. So pants, shirt and light jacket - an outfit which will be mix and match with existing pieces for $51.48........Happy shopper, one who considered the need Vs the want and stayed within perimeters.

I enjoyed this new, conscious and aware process, intention - continue to shop this way!

Stayed tuned for the challenge!