With a closet full of clothes
unworn in years
or even never
I challenged myself this past twelve months
to buy no new clothes
Invited to a gala
to celebrate a new year
I searched my wardrobe
for something festive
black of course
but with sparkles
There it was crumpled
in the back of the closet
an old black velvet dress
inherited from my mother
and a gauzy black cape
speckled with glittering threads
bought years ago when my girls were teens
I’ll be dressed tonight in the depth
of a year of seeing the old, the wrinkled,
the forgotten, the out-of-style
with new eyes for new potential
to start fresh with what’s
already here now
I challenged myself in 2017 to only buy the necessary, like socks or a replacement water heater. It was an interesting experiment. I didn’t spend time looking at ads or stressed about deciding which purchase would be the best deal. I did not go to the malls or boutiques enticed by the latest styles. I’ve enjoyed matching up old clothes, finding creative new uses for old items and indulging in the pleasure of old books. It was my year of going deeper.
With the new year starting tomorrow, this challenge will finally end. But will I return to my old normal lifestyle of seeking a brief high from getting something new? I doubt it; the challenge changed me. While I may not be so strict with purchases in the new year, I hope flippant acquisitions will be rare and that I’ll continue discovering the bounty of what I already have.
Reblogged this on aholdingplace and commented:
LuAnne Holder’s post inspired me. I’m going to try to make this a “year of deepening”. I’ll begin by reading and rereading books I already have and not purchasing new ones. This will be my biggest challenge.
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You inspired me, Luanne. I’m going to give it a try. I reblogged your post on aholdingplace.
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Thank you, Joan. This has been an interesting year. The challenge was initially one to spend less money (it worked!) but I began to see other benefits as the year progressed. If you haven’t had a chance yet, I encourage you to read the link in the post to Go Deeper, Not Wider. When I read it a couple of weeks ago I thought, “Hey, that is just what I’ve been doing in 2017!” I do not have a challenge for 2018 but I am open to any suggestions you might have.
Have a very happy new year, Joan. I look forward to reading your posts and commenting with you through our blogs for the coming year.
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I’ve been trying to buy what I need (the essentials) as well. You look great LuAnne. To a magical new year. ~ Bernice
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Thanks so much, Bernice. May 2018 be a magical year for you as well.
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Interesting challenge. I wonder if I’m up to it….
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I had a strong (financial) motivation to go for this challenge but I benefited much more than financially, I discovered. For others, maybe just a month long challenge would work or only in one area such as clothing, furniture, books, or gadgets. It is actually pretty fun, Leslie!
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This is a wonderful challenge on so many levels and it is so good to see the full depth of what we already have. We wish you a very happy New Year LuAnne, may many blessings come your way ☺💖🎉🍀
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Thank you, Xenia. May your new year be filled with blessings as well.
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Thank you LuAnne ☺🙋♀️💖
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I like this blog. I don’t know if I could adhere to such asceticism. I think I won’t challenge myself. Happy New Year, Love, Yvette
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Merci, mon ami
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