Literally!  One of my commitments for 2022 is to not purchase any new clothing or accessories (shoes included!) for myself this year, aside from when I may be traveling. I’ve done this before and was so pleased with the results that I’m challenging myself again.  This go around, however, my reasons and objectives are slightly different.

Let me start by saying that I have plenty of stuff. Stuff that I love.  I’m not a minimalist when it comes to my sartorial life, and offer no apologies. However, I’ve been thinking quite a lot about the environmental cost of all of this, and it’s making me a little queasy.  What if I were to make a small contribution to the planet by not purchasing more new things?  This is not about deprivation (like with dieting, punitive measures rarely result in anything good or lasting) but about creativity, an enhanced notion of exchange, and a reset.  Oh, and I’ll likely save money as well….

Speaking of which, a fun challenge isn’t one if it’s not a little, well, challenging. Just this week I received an email inviting me to save 30% on a brand of clothing that I just love.  Instinctively, I went to the site and found a dress that is just so me.  Timeless style, great fabric and fit, a real wardrobe staple.  Instead of breaking my promise to myself, I had a moment of recognition:  I’d not only be capitulating early in the game, I’d still be spending a decent amount of money.  So, while I love a good “investment piece” isn’t it better right now to invest in my goals?!  I hit the delete button with an unexpected feeling of pride.

This is a super small example of the benefit of keeping commitments – to ourselves and to others. It also stimulates creativity: what do I already have that I love and can wear/combine in new fun ways?  This can be applied to many areas, not just clothing. What do we have in our homes that we can reshuffle or repurpose?  What food in our pantries can be imagined in new dishes that offer some variety?  What old sporting gear can we find in our closets to stimulate new exercise opportunities (hello hula hoop!)?  What sample lotions and potions can be used up before trying a new product?  What jewelry might be reset to give it a modern twist?

In the non-material world, the same approach can yield wonders.  What is essential in terms of your relationships, what needs to be refreshed, what can be “folded” and put away for a while (as opposed to canceled), and where are the most valuable places for you to invest your precious time and attention as opposed to looking for more/better/newer/shinier? Just a thought……

Keeping to this promise is going to be hard for me. But I’ve decided it’s worth the effort. It’s not about delaying or denying pleasure but redefining it. It’s also anchored in a desire to link the personal to the communal.

I’ll let you know how it goes!