I had two New Year’s resolutions for 2012: First, to read The Happiness Project (Gretchen Rubin, 2011); and second, not to buy any new clothes for myself. These may not sound very challenging unless you know me. First, I am one busy lady. And second, my name is Melissa Richards, and I’m a shopaholic.
We’re six weeks into the year, and so far, so good.
Rubin categorized her objectives for happiness by months, so I decided to read one month at a time. On January 1st I read the January chapter, on February 1st I read the February chapter, and so I will continue. For me, this breaks down the challenge into more achievable milestones. I also chose to narrow my focus on only two or three of Rubin’s principles rather than the six or so she chose.
For January I set my sights on:
- Go to sleep earlier
- Toss, restore, organize
- Tackle a nagging task
Sleep. I love to sleep. I love to nap. The minute I sit still after 10:00 p.m. you’ll hear snores coming from the television room. My brother and husband swear I’ve never seen the last 10 minutes of a movie. So this was supposed to be a no-brainer, right? Wrong.
Between two young kids, a full-time job, one graduate class, a big house that never fails to get dirty the minute I clean it, and serving on several boards, sleep is rarely early and often restless. But Rubin’s method of “getting ready for sleep” does make a big difference. The prescription is to turn off the lights and as many electronics as possible at least one hour before bedtime. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Toss. Because I am a shopaholic, I always have plenty to toss or give away. Plus, clutter makes me neurotic, and I love getting organized. I knew this one was going to be fun! I organized closets and drawers, took several boxes of goods to charity, and listed expensive clothes on eBay. Although I couldn’t shop to fill the small empty spaces now in my closet, I found it easier to choose outfits because it was organized. I began to wear pieces that had been hiding for some time and had neglected because of all the new clothes that were overshadowing their existence. My husband thought I’d broken my no-shopping resolution.
Tackle. Did I tell you that I am one busy lady? I have a lot of nagging tasks – too many to list here – so I found this objective a bit lofty. But I checked a few things off my infinite list and feel lighter for it. Just today I taped the trim in the hallway so I can paint the hallway tomorrow and check off another task.
Not shopping. <sigh> This objective is heartbreaking but necessary. But you know what? I’m six weeks in and I haven’t missed it yet. I caught myself drooling over a few sale items right after the holidays, but in general, my organized closets have opened my eyes to new looks with clothes and accessories I already own. My new favorite friends (let’s call them my “sponsors” for my addiction) are Pinterest and Polyvore. When I need a fashion fix, I pull them up.
Check back for more on my happiness project after month two.
-Melissa
