Is it Time to Reassess What Truly Makes You Happy?
There’s a new movement that has really taken off, called ‘slow living’ #SlowLiving #SlowFashion, #SuntainableLiving. The intention is to buy LESS and buy BETTER and SMARTER. Some people like to look at all they ‘own’ as it makes them feel happy, successful and surrounded by things that bring them joy. Others may have a completely different emotion, thinking ‘It’s too MUCH! Now I have to make room for that stuff, clean it, insure it' and it can be overwhelming. Maybe there is something to this Slow Living-Slow Fashion.
From Sharon Stuart the CEO of BedVoyage;
In the past, I loved having all the proper table settings for any party, regardless of theme or ethnicity of food. If I had an event to attend, I wanted just the right outfit; shoes, purse and coat. The jewelry options were vast and varied. At my home, I felt joy when I had the perfect lamp or piece of art, and various bedding options for every season. Options are good, the more the better! The only items differing from that policy was furniture, where my motto was ‘buy quality and you only have to buy it once’. So I guess I did have a little Slow Living in me. I still have the beautiful dining set and buffet that I bought 30 years ago and I use it every day. While a young adult, I chose to buy timeless furniture that was heavy, well built and high quality. Although its expensive, quality items can literally be passed down to your children.
I regret to say that I have not been so thoughtful when it comes to clothes, jewelry, kitchen appliances, dishes and the like. Now I’ve noticed a big change in my life, as I’ve moved and downsized a few times over the last 10 years. I truly want LESS stuff, its not fun to box and unbox your same belongings over and over. Now that I’ve made the conscious decision to downsize, there literally is nowhere to put all the stuff, so I must purge.
How to Decide What is Essential, and What is Not?
Remember the old adage ‘if you haven’t used it in 2 years, you don’t need it’? As I notice something not being used for an entire year, then I know I really won’t miss it. With deciding to pare down, its been surprisingly liberating to donate and gift many of my things. Feeling somehow ‘lighter’ and less weighed down by all the stuff, I realized I didn’t need, nor wear, all the shoes and coats. I feel that I’ve really learned firsthand that more does not equal better. This may have come with my age, considering my retirement, the downsizing, or certainly with the conscious decision to spend my dollars more wisely. While giving things away, I couldn’t help mentally adding up the money spent on something that I no longer want. So now, before I purchase, I ask myself a few questions:
- How often will I use this item?
- Can I use a different item instead? (that I already own)
- Can I use this money in a better or more sustainable way?
This forces me to think longer about whether I really want to find space in my home for this item. When the decision is yes, then I may think about another item that needs to leave in exchange for this item. I’m actually enjoying this little game I play with myself, and its helping me make better decisions!
BedVoyage Admires Sena Goods for Their Slow-Fashion Ideals
If slow living slow fashion is something that is resonating with you, consider buying some pieces from Sena Goods. Jeri Sena founded the company with her passion for architecture, jewelry and art. She decided to merge her interests into creating beautiful, sustainable jewelry. Her site states ‘luxe & artisan jewelry crafted by hand in a Denver small batch studio’ and I had the privilege of interviewing her and learning more about her company. I was quite impressed with how Jeri started out by crafting her wares with thrifted materials. She shopped estate sales, disassembled her finds and then created gorgeous one-of-a-kind jewelry. 20 years later, she still strives to source fair-trade gems and stones for her sustainable designs. You can watch our interview here and connect with her @senagoods or on her site https://senagoods.squarespace.com/
You can also find this video at www.youtube.com.
When is a Good Time to Clean Out Your Home?
I think one interesting outcome of being at home for months during Covid restrictions is that we can do some spring cleaning and reassess the stuff in our homes. Poking around in closets, garages, drawers and cupboards allows you to take a hard look at your stuff. Anything thrown in the back of a closet or drawer is telling you you don’t use it, and maybe its time to donate or gift it. I looked around and started boxing items that my daughter may want to use to set up her own apartment or home someday. I don’t need 5 cookie sheets, 6 casserole dishes, 2 toasters, you get the point. It feels good to set her up so that when she ventures out with little money, like all young adults, she won’t have to spend her valuable dollars on things like that.
A plus of quality bamboo bedding, such as our Bed Sheets, Duvet Cover Sets and Coverlets; they last a LONG time so your investment in them is so worth it.
Maybe its time to define what’s important to you (essential) and what is not. Slow Living Slow Fashion, it feels great.
