Deoderant and Dental Floss

I would not really describe myself as a resolution setter. I always feel a little silly. Not to mention, most New Years resolutions are abandoned within the first 3 weeks of January. Instead, I have adopted the idea of setting a yearly theme for myself. It is generally a one word phrase that is displayed prominently in my room and a few other places I frequently find myself. Last year's theme was "Hope". The year before that was "Simplify".

This year I have decided to take on the theme of "Charity". It has already been a struggle in a lot of ways. I frequently catch myself being less kind than I should be or getting upset about things that are really of little significance. I know it's a yearly theme, and I can't expect to be perfect in the first attempt on this one (or the second or third or fourth or...you get the point!)  Frankly, there is a lot of room for me to grow in this particular undertaking! But I find it a worthwhile goal and ask you to help me succeed as I try to progress in this. (And to forgive me when I fail!)

In addition to having a theme for the year I have also developed (well, in all actuality, stolen) a slogan. And I have set a few goals. I won't bore you with the details of all I am attempting as I do not wish to put you to sleep, but one of the goals I am working on I do wish to share. I decided that from now until June 1st, I will live without making any unnecessary expenditures. This goal was vocalized a few weeks ago as I went through my room and got rid of a lot of things I don't use anymore. As I moved more and more items from my room to the bag of donations I found myself thinking about how much money I spend on a whim. A shirt here, a pair of pants there. It's no big deal, right? I'm single. It's not like I can't afford it.

I recognize that "unneccessary expenditures" is a very subjective term and can, therefore be twisted to meet the wants of whomever may be making this attempt. And my goal here is cerainly not to deprive myself of everything. I just want to be more aware of my spending habits. When talking to one of my friends about my goal I told her, "Deoderant and dental floss- that's all I am allowed to purchase between now and June! Hold me to it!" Now, that really wasn't a realistic statement, but now, before I make a purchase, I ask myself, "Is this something I really need to fulfill an obligation or maintain my health and well being?" If the answer is yes, great! If, however, the answer is no, I return the item to the shelf, and move on.

It has been working out incredibly well so far. I have been much more conscientious of my spending and therefore have been able to curb the purchase of unnecessary items that do little more than clutter my life. And you know something else? As I have cut my spending habits I have found that the things I find myself wanting and needing have a way of finding me. It's actually pretty great! At the rate I'm going, I may not even have to purchase deoderant or dental floss!