A few years ago I decided to follow the basics of Minimalism.
I chose to do this, to change my life on autopilot, and to consider my choices.
I like to test my sense of control with regards to my decision-making. Also I like to live with challenges.
Currently I am learning about my choices with 3 self-imposed challenges which all support the continuation of my chosen creation of a simple and beautiful life based on those basic principles of Minimalism:
- Sober October
- 21 day Deepak Chopra abundance meditation challenge
- Courtney Carver’s Project 333
Sober October
I came across the Ocsober and Sober October movement and I am loving it! Although I would not class myself as a heavy drinker, I am a regular drinker, usually enjoying a glass of wine in the evenings.
This year I decided to stay sober for October. I think it was first motivated by a friend of mine who did something similar and who has never had a drink again. Then Courtney mentioned the same. She has stopped drinking. Then I became aware of a sizeable and growing teatotal culture.
It is 30 October today so I have not drunk alcohol in 30 days, or more. My comments:
- I seem to have more clarity of thought
- I am definitely sleeping better
- I am drinking more water
- I choose to spend my spare time more productively
- I have so enjoyed not experiencing the downsides of drinking that I am feeling that I might extend the self-imposed ban as we slide into the busy festive season.
That said I have not had an overly social month. Once the summer pre-Christmas socialising starts, I will be interested to see how it unfolds.
21 day Deepak Chopra abundance meditation challenge
The 21 day Deepak Chopra abundance meditation challenge is run via WhatsApp and every day I am sent a short and inspiring audio file – in Deepak Chopra’s wonderfully soothing voice. There is usually a task and a meditation.
It is proving a rich experience and sticking to a daily meditation practice where I am accountable to a WhatsApp group is working well for me. Today I am on Day 16 today – the theme is gratitude.
- I am feeling calmer
- I am gaining greater self-knowledge
- I am experiencing the benefits of a regular daily meditation practise – things like dealing with fear and scarcity
- I am recognising family patterns
- I feel hope
- I have so enjoyed the daily practise that I am feeling that I might continue starting at Day 1 again.
That said I have needed to feel that I am being held accountable by a group. Once the group disbands, I will be interested to see if I do continue on my own. I hope I do.
Project 333
Project 333 is just great. I would highly recommend it.
I have done it before – for 1 month. I am now signed up for 3 months. Today I have been dressing with 33 items or less for 1 month. 2 months to go!
Yesterday I cheated by mistake because I wore my red converse which were not on my list! I forgave myself because I only wore them as it is Spring here and snake season and a school reminder had gone out about wearing closed shoes – because a snake had been found in my younger daughter’s play area.
I cheated again yesterday as our hot weather turned to a freezing spell and I had not included a warm jacket on my list. I see Project 333 as an opportunity to simplify decision fatigue around clothes, and not a punishment, so I am again at peace with this hiccup.
Even with my human moments, I am finding it fairly easy and very helpful. Less time and energy and thought goes into what I wear – simply because I have fewer options. And not 1 comment on my repeat outfits yet.
And So
In fact I had an email exchange with Courtney (yes, Courtney in person!) and I said that clothes and clutter are not my big struggles. What is my struggle – sensible money handling.
This is why I took on the abundance challenge. I think some more money challenges my be coming up. A no spend month. 52 week money challenge. And more. It’s my big one!
My friend Van sent me a post from IG @jordanpetersonarchive yesterday. It is an exert from his book Atomic Habits about self control which I applied to my self-chosen challenges:
When scientists analyse people who appear to have tremendous self-control, it turns out those individuals aren’t all that different from those who are struggling. Instead, “disciplined” people are better at structuring their lives in a way that does not require heroic willpower and self-control.
Jordan Peterson – Atomic Habits
So onwards. New habits, old habits, end of the year approaching, festive season busyness, Spring time here, and a nod towards “restructuring my life in a way that does not require heroic willpower and self-control.”
It will certainly be one of my more mindful festive seasons and I am looking forward to it!
