A Year of Not Buying into Consumerism

I have been having some interesting conversations with my daughter about my decision to commit to not buying into consumerism for a year. Mainly, does that mean you are not going to treat us now? we are still your children and you have to buy us things. To let you all know my daughter is 15 years old and we all know that teenagers very much only think of themselves typically and especially with girls, the drama involved, is very much heightened. This journey is going to test me on so many levels.

Today is my first day of my commitment, novelty is high, expectations are high and the enthusiasm is also high. I aslo feel anxious, a little bit lost and a little empty.

I have been contemplating what Consumerism is. Here is the dictonary definition:

consumerism

noun: consumerism

often derogatory

the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.

“many people are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of consumerism”

• a doctrine favouring a continual increase in the consumption of goods as a basis for a sound economy.

2.

the protection or promotion of the interests of consumers.

“the growth of consumerism has led to many organizations improving their service to the customer”

What does consumerism mean to me?

Buying products that I want rather than need. Feeling that for me to be happy I need to buy something that contributes to my happiness. This is usually in the form of clothes and books, candles, crystals and food and drink (lattes not alcohol).

For me its also where I contribute to the mass market, corporate giants that do not support the local, small buisnesses.

As well as not buying more products, its also making me look at where I spend my money. Am i supporting local, small businesses or the corporate giants?

I have already had a dilemma today. My daughter has asked if we can go to the cinema this afternoon to see Zootropolis 2. My first thoughts were that kind of goes against my commitment – on the very first day – this is going to be so hard. Then I thought well actually its a wet day and going to the cinema is a fun family activity so I agreed. However, after sitting down to write some of this blog I have come to the conclusion that it does go against my commitment by supporting corporate giants as well as fulfilling instant gratification.

I want connection with my children. This can be done by having a movie afternoon at home. No need to spend money at all.

The movie afternoon didnt happen. The chidren were annoyed with me – not in a big way – in a vocal, teenagery way. I was told I was boring and they werent bothered about spending time with me, they basically just wanted me to pay for them to see the film.

This commitment is going to be really good for me in seeing where my boundaries are and how to build connections without spending money.

As a society we are so ingrained to spend money to have fun. I am guilty of this. No wonder my children want me to spend money going to the cinema. This is such an eye opener for me and looking deep into myself as to why I need to spend money to have fun.

Have we lost the art of being bored? Finding creative ways to engage ourselves?

What do you do when the weather is wet and windy outside?

I ended up going for a 10k run and got absoultely drenched. It was liberating. I really enjoyed the run and being in the elements. I have contributed to my fitness and wellbeing in a healthy, active way and no money was spent. And those feelings of anxiety, emptiness and feelist lost were greatly diminshed.

I am healing from a difficult relationship on various levels and the clarity that is beginning to come to me is profund and fundamental to me moving forward in my life.

I can see where I take responsibility for others feelings and then work to fix at the detriment to myself. Today has been a lesson in holding true to myself even faced with the disappointment of others. It has opened conversations with my children about taking responsibilty for our own lives and the choices they have, what consumerism is and why I am doing this.

I am not sure they completely understand, thats ok, I dont need them to. I can be ok with them thinking I am boring and no fun. Oh the joys of teenagers.

Tonight I am going to support a local comedy troupe, The Plymuff Players, with their first comedy night in Plymouth. This is what its about. Supporting local people, local businesses and making memories.

With Heart

Sarah