It's currently New Years Eve, 17 minutes before the beginning of 2015 and I'm sat in my bedroom, alone (not in a depressing sense, I just don't celebrate New Years, nor does my family) staring at this screen, surrounded by 'new clutter' that christmas presented; boxes, gift bags, cups, gifts. I feel determined to change one major thing in 2015, and that is my debt.
During this 'journey' into discovering minimalism, I've come to the realisation that I can not avoid my debt; and at 23 years old that's not a heart-warming thing to admit. I mean, c'mon ...why do I even have debt? Besides my university student loan, there is no logical or legitimate reason that I should find myself in £1400 of debt. I have always lived at home, rent-free and realistic monthly expenses including a phone bill, transport (occasionally) and food. So why am I in so much debt?
I can tell you exactly why I have this debt, the answer is consumerism. My desire to have new trainers, new clothes, another lipstick or expensive candle and conform to trends. My desire to always buy the best gifts for my family and friends, even when I couldn't afford it. My desire to say yes to invitations to eat and drink out even when I have no physical bank balance. My desire to just add things to my basket for the sake of it, or 'just in case'.
Along with clearing out the physical clutter, I aim to clear this debt in any way I can. Making a conscious decision to tackle this debt head on is a bit scary, I feel a sense of guilt about racking up this debt, I feel foolish and I feel crappy that I have this figure weighing me down, always in the back of my mind. That's going to change. I'm not sure how, or when or how long it will take me but I'm sincerely hoping the journey of minimalism will help me to figure this out. I know for sure that I won't be buying impulse purchases, I am aiming for key pieces of clothing - only if I need them. Other purchases or expenses will be made only when I consider them to add value to my life.
I think that's the one thing I've really loved taking from 'minimalism' ..... the one question I ask all the time when considering buying, throwing, or keeping an item ... 'Does this/will this add value to my life?' I know for certain that debt, does not add value to my life in any way, shape or form. It has to go.
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