Crap Detox – Part 5 – What I Know Now
This will be the last post in The Ultimate Crap Detox series. I hope this process has helped even one person reevaluate their relationship with money and things. I hope it helps many others too.
Here are parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 for those of you who are interested in participating.
It’s been almost two years since I went through my own crap detox. I remember how difficult it was and how much I believed I would feel down forever. Now, like most hard times, I am thankful for having gone through it.
Life is so much better without consumerism (unconsciously) plaguing me.
Settled in on the other side, here’s what I’ve learned so far:
1. I Love Stuff
Things can never bring true happiness. They can’t prove love. They can’t fulfill or define, but they sure can add that cherry on top. Material possessions can enhance your life. Just because I don’t need to buy things, doesn’t mean I still don’t freak out over an adorable sun dress.
2. Quantity Is Meaningless.
These are a few of my favorite things: nice cards, great books, big TV’s, Kate Spade, pretty packaging, nifty containers, yummy smells, a good stylist, talented chefs, natural foods, BCBG, cashmere, anything pink, comfy couches, amazing patisseries.
I am no rich girl (yet) but I have a lot more money then the average person. It’s only because I stopped spending it. Sometimes, just because I love it, I’ll have dinner at an expensive restaurant or buy an overpriced, but exquisite item.
I always longed for certain experiences and luxuries, but because I don’t squander my money on the compulsive need to consume, I can actually afford some of them. Now I can have what I no longer need, but still want.
3. Resourceful meets Thoughtful.
When holidays and other times of gifting come around, I now see how arbitrary these situations can be. Gifting was always one of my favorite things, but the expense of forced thoughtfulness had taken its luster.
Outside of the consumerist bubble I see just how generic holidays can be. With frugality, resourcefulness sets in and the real effort starts. Not using cash to fix the gift quandary allows for sincerity to breathe through.
4. Oh Gluttony.
Before my crap detox I didn’t see how other parts of my life were overindulgent too. I can now see and detox them with greater ease.
For example:
I’ve always loved sweets and I always knew I gave into my cravings more than a nutritionist would allow. It wasn’t until recently that I started noticing how unnecessary it really was. I ate too much of it and was not really enjoying it. It was soothing something else, and it wasn’t my sweet tooth.
It was enough for me to start paying closer attention.
I want to thoroughly enjoy every minute here and that includes my time with cake.
Well, that’s it for now.
I hope this journey has been good to you. Continue it and you’ll forever be grateful for it. Subscribe here if you ever need a pick-me-up.
“Crap Detox.” Man, I like that! Both because of limited physical space as well as a general lack of tolerance for clutter, I go on a pretty rampant organizing binge every few months and end up culling out a fair bit of stuff. I’ve really focused on trying to lessen the amount of stuff I’m bringing in so that the amount I have to cull out is likewise reduced. My wife & I are both usually very picky about the stuff we buy and try to make purchases with the long-term in mind.
And I’ve been fairly successful – most of the stuff I cull out are old clothing or other items that may still offer some value to someone else. I also have an aversion to simply throwing things away, so I usually have a “drop off at Goodwill” box going in the garage where I gather stuff that I either no longer care to or am able to make use of.
One facet that I’m slipping a bit on is stuff for our new son. We’re struggling with the concept that everyone has of showing affection by buying stuff. We’ve tried really hard to downplay this and redirect friends towards really meaningful stuff – like utilitarian stuff such as clothes, diapers, or hygiene products – rather than useless and disposable toys and other cheap junk. But still, there’s more accumulation of “stuff” in his room than I ever intended or care for.
Great series! Very thought-provoking!
May 27th, 2008 at 5:25 pmThanks Rob!
It sounds like you’ve already got this covered.
I completely agree about your son!
I try to give money, bonds or clothes to my friend’s young children. Kids could care less about another plastic toy to collect dust.
Besides it only teaches them that love = things. blech. an ugly conclusion.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:18 pm