I always think long and hard about what to “give up” for Lent, and I’ve been racking my brain in the attempts to find something unique and different for 2014…I’ve done some hard fasting in year’s past–alcohol, sweets, fast food, etc–but obviously those things are small in the grand scheme of things. Sure, living without my dessert was probably the hardest one, but this year’s challenge is going to be a tough one for me. (yes, I’m admitting it publicly so I can hold myself accountable)
I first read about the 1 Year Wardrobe Resolution a few weeks ago via Instagram, and I was immediately hooked.
Christi, the genius behind this idea, is in a year-long challenge to not shop for 365 days. Obviously this doesn’t include essentials, groceries, and things she genuinely needs, but the frivolous expenditures that she makes that add up and consist of things she doesn’t really “need”. It’s really intriguing, I promise!!
You can follow her journey on Instagram here.
So, how does this relate to my Lent sacrifice?? Well, she posed a mini-challenge for people to take part in and I am jumping on the bandwagon. For the next 40 days, I won’t buy myself anything…no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I will learn to appreciate what I already have and will “make it work” when it comes to dressing, or buying things I don’t need, but just want.
Thankfully, I already purchased my dress for the Masquerade Ball (because I didn’t have any other floor length gowns lying around anywhere), but now I’m officially done until Easter. Wish me luck, because this is going to be TOUGH…no more perusing the aisles of Target for random goodies for me anytime soon ๐
Anybody out there crazy enough to take this challenge with me???
What are you giving up for Lent this year??
That's a great idea. I'm choosing to give up bad words and judging people [when I can].
Wow that's great thing to give up! I'm giving up soda because I usually live on Dr Pepper so it'll be so tough for me. But hopefully it'll help me lose weight (having a crazy weight issue lately). This is a good one and if I didn't have a trip to target planned for things I've been wanting that are on sale this week, I might have joined you. Maybe I'll limit what I buy? That counts right?!
I am in!
Natasha I LOVE this! What a great Lenten promise to make. My husband surely wishes I would try it for 365 days too! I'm so bad, and haven't finalized my plan for Lent. ekkkkk
This is a great idea! It'll make you realize what you already do have!
We just did this in February "frugal February". We do this every year and it's tough even for 28 days. We limit eating out to once a week and there's no shopping for anything other than necessities. Good luck to you! My husband asked if I wanted to continue this into March but I just couldn't. I'm tired of cooking all the time.
I was just thinking about this! Since we're expecting, I am trying to think of things I can completely cut out of my budget to allow me to possibly stay home when the baby comes, and clothes is at the top of the list. I tried to really look at my closet with fresh eyes, and it is amazing how many articles of clothing I have that have only been worn once or twice, when some people wear the same few outfits week after week. If you keep up this attitude, it's def doable ๐
I'm giving up TV! Its pathetic, but I can't think of anything that will be more difficult for me. I think it will GREATLY improve my relationship with the Lord, as I'll have hours of time to spend with Him that I normally spend selfishly with the DVR.
ooooh this is a good idea! I don't observe Lent but I might have to try to follow the challenge anyway as a reminder to appreciate what I already have!
Love this idea!! I did it for the month of January and only bought something from one store in February. I'm giving up potatoes for lent this year – AH! I know you don't normally eat them, but it'll be a hard one for me.
I actually haven't bought any clothes/shoes/accessories so far this entire year!!!!! I'm usually always buying new shoes or a new necklace, even small things at Target or F21, but not so far this year. Honestly, we've had tragedy and challenges in the past few months….and although retail therapy sounds like a great temporary cure for my stress….buying unneccessary items now seems, well, unnecessary. Feels great to get priorities in line…and material things are not one of them!
Good luck with your no-shopping journey!! You will be great!! ๐
Great idea!!! I think I am giving up Starbucks!!
What a great Idea…. I think I am going to take part of this challenge
I have been doing this for my last quarter of school (Jan-April). Once you get past the first few weeks, it gets a little easier because you don't want to break it. I also found that creating outfits on Polyvore helps calm my desire to purchase new garments. Good luck!
Caitlin C
withpearlsandastethoscope.blogspot.com
Oh my gosh, this is such a good idea and a realistic definition of sacrifice for us girls! Not only will you be richer at the end of this, but you may have enjoyed it so much, you may never shop again!! Hahaha…but seriously, I think it's great! I'm sure that we ALL have enough that we can go without shopping for 40 days. I also saw another "theme" for Lent: purging. Donating, selling, trashing THINGS that take up space (and money) in our lives.
Thats awesome!! Totally supporting you over here, you can do it! I'm giving up sweets with six of my roommates. Pray we keep each other strong! ๐
I love this idea. While I do not celebrate (is that the right word?!?) lent, I am trying to do the same for the month of March….this is also going to be EXTREMELY hard for me….shopping is my hobby, but I really have way more stuff than anyone would ever need and need to save more money. Good luck to both of us!
What a great idea!!! I don't know how good I'd do at this, especially when it comes to buying things for the mini, I'm always buying her stuff.. Hmmm maybe I should do this.. Challenge excepted.. Let's see if I can make it.
Such a great idea!! You can do it though!! Sarah @ Tucker Up did the 365 challenge last year & as of the other day still hadn't bought any clothes!! But, you can do it too!! I've given up sweet tea & am picking up where I left off (which is pretty early) in my Wife After God 30 day devotional.
Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing this! And for following along on my journey. I am excited and honored to have you on the team for the next 40 days.
Xo,
Christi
Natasha you convinced me to go ahead with it! Ek! And I'm going to have to stick with it…! http://www.colleenandkeith.com/2014/03/lenten-promise-2014.html
I go on a "shopping freeze" every February (because it's the shortest month, duh, haha!!) — I don't find myself challenged very often anymore and I always know that when February comes around I'm going to be challenged to the max. Outside of necessities, there is/was no shopping for myself, Bryan or Trace. Now that it's March, I feel accomplished and don't ever have the desire to shop. Good luck during Lent!!
Love this idea. It is very similar to what I planned on doing, however, I like this idea much better!
What a great idea! With being pregnant and not wanting to buy regular clothes anyway, this sounds like something I might actually be able to accomplish. Not that that's the point… ๐ I've already given up alcohol, sushi and caffeine, what's one more thing, right?
What a great idea! I'm writing 40 letters to 40 people who mean something to me. Love seeing others' ideas, inspiring!
Courtney, I love this idea!! Just saw it as I was leaving my comment below. What a meaningful way to connect during this season. ๐
What a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing!! ๐
That's a great idea! I might have to do this one next year…I love the idea of learning to use/love what you have instead of buying more. This year I decided to give up pizza, which is hard because Friday nights are usually pizza nights at our house.
Love this mini challenge. 365 days is insane, wow! I'm thinking 40 is a good challenge, ha. I say 'is it a want, or is it a need' allll the time while shopping.
I am not religious but usually try and abandon something for lent each year. What's hard for me is that my birthday is in the middle of it. Whatever I give up is usually something I really want!
I do this every summer for July and August! It is so challenging, but absolutely amazing too. I realized after college that shopping had become a "hobby" and too often, friends and I headed to the mall to socialize. It always resulted in unnecessary purchases. Learning to give it up for a while has absolutely reduced my shopping.
I also try to give up something in my closet when I buy new things… there are tons of things I just don't wear.
Good luck with this! I love that there's more than just "giving up" something that goes along with this…the whole "learning to appreciate what you have" is something I really need to work on.
AND…I can't wait to see which dress you bought for the masquerade ball!
I may have to try this. I think I can make it 40 days. No shoes clothes or trinkets. I may lean a little on non essential groceries (avocado and gourmet coffee) just to keep myself satisfied. I'm ready for 40 days!
A whole year though!? Sheesh that's just scary.
This is such a good idea! I canโt wait to see what the Lord does in your life through it!
This can't be a coincidence. I had barely decided TODAY, during Ash Wednesday service, that instead of giving anything "up," I would not purchase anything for myself. I even unsubscribed from every store email just so that I wouldn't be tempted. I'm glad to see I can check in with others to hold myself accountable!
This is a really great idea! I think I might join you. What I initially planned was not to necessarily give up anything, but to make it a point to make it to church once a week. I started tonight. I think I will jump on your bandwagon & add this to what I already chose to do!
Thanks for sharing! My bff did this last year & found it very enriching. May God's grace & strength be present with you during these days… because the Lord knows we can't do it on our own! "My strength is made perfect in weaknessโ (2 Cor. 12:9). St. Paul, Pray for us! ๐
Love doing these challenges! It's so hard to not shop, but completely worth it. Especially when you see boutiques selling tops that you ALREADY HAVE in your closet! Plus…your bank account will LOVE you! ๐
Good luck!! I did this in January and it was so hard but it was also a lot of fun to shop my own closet and figure out outfits.
I need to do this. Late is better than never, right? Have you read 7 by Jen Hatmaker? It will strengthen your resolve!
I love this idea! I can never come up with anything significant to give up, so I may just have to follow suit and do this challenge this year!