Bought no new things today.
Someone I was talking to recently said that it must take us a lot longer to get things (seeking out used things, making things, thinking about how to deal with things we used to buy) than it used to. I agreed. I had suggested that point in an earlier post as well (re. bicycles): it takes longer, but I still prefer it. On reflection, though, I don't think we spend any more time getting the things that we need than we used to. But we have saved time seeking out, thinking about, weighing the options on, putting away, things *we don't need*. And so, in the end, I think we spend *less* time getting things than we used to and now we only have the things that we need. On balance, we save time and money!
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But in any case - even if it wasn't as efficient or cost-effective - this practice of yours is bringing awareness and mindfulness to many many things that you do (and don't do). That is priceless.
ReplyDeleteThat's true! But I was still intrigued to realize that I *save* a lot of time not shopping (all the stores I no longer go into, all the browsing I no longer do, all the weighing, do I buy this or that? etc). That is, I hadn't really noticed the amount of time shopping for new things took up in my life until this project. (For example: shopping for this or that used to be a typical weekend activity with the kids!)
ReplyDeleteWhat I do is put in my mind stuff I want or need. Then as I ride my bike around town, often I will come across the items available for give away or in a garage sale in front of someone's house. Just need patience and a keen eye.
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