So here we are in 2020, and I have more than enough ideas about what I want to do this year, all of them positive (ie focussing on taking on things rather than giving things up).
I’ll write a review of how my 2019 went soon, but in the meantime, I’ll just say that I was sufficiently happy with all of them to want to carry on with them into this year. They have essentially become the new normal for me (with the exception of weight loss, more of which in due course).
But for now my focus is on looking to the future, to how my word ‘enough‘ will translate into action (or maybe inaction?) this year. I’m considering deciding on a theme for each month. I’m definitely doing this in January: this month my focus is:
- Enough prevarication: getting on and finishing/doing those things I have already decided or said I will do, or have started but not finished. This will include some actions for others (including Bath City Farm), some for myself, and some for others. I have made a list of what I need to do, in several categories, and I will do at least one thing (and sometimes more) every single day – of which there are now 25 left, including today. I’m glad to say that I have already ticked off 5 things, but there are more than enough things left to do.
In addition, here are some other ‘enough‘ opportunities I have identified. There will be more.
- Enough books: in this I take inspiration from several other bloggers, who have prioritised reading the books they already have. During last year Malcolm and I both did a first big sort of our books, and gave away many that no longer have meaning or appeal for us (or else books that do have meaning, but would be of more use being liberated into the world to be read by others, rather than languishing unread on our shelves). I can see another sort through of books coming, along with much re-reading of what I already have. I will continue to borrow books from friends and from the library, and sometimes charity shops. I will avoid buying new books (though there may be exceptions for exceptional books).
- Enough clothes: I already have enough clothes to see me through the rest of my life (apart from underwear, which does need replacing regularly). Last year I had an honest look at what I had, and I gave away many things that I had grown out of, either physically or emotionally. I am still left with more than plenty. In addition, the more I read about the depredation caused by the clothes/fashion industry, the less I want to be any part of it. So, while I’m not saying I will never buy anything new, this year my priority is to make the most (and best) of what I already have (repairing; pairing and wearing differently), if possible to buy second-hand if I want/need something else, and only as a last resort buy anything new – always thoughtfully and carefully, paying close attention to the ethical values and practice of the seller/maker.
And for now, that’s enough to be going on with. I have things to do, and tasks to tick off my lists.
More preserved lemons – made yesterday (took less than 10 minutes to make; will last me the year)
the magic jug 
Love this post, Deborah. In the last couple of years we’ve done quite a large book purge but I feel we can still let go of more. On the clothing front, what really helped me was figuring out what styles were actually flattering for my build (and appropriate for my age—you may remember helping me see how important that was!). Once I did that, I was able to stop buying things with the thought/hope that I would wear them. I also started sewing again: I looked at the commercially made tops that I enjoyed wearing and then found a similar sewing pattern and modified it so it was as close as possible to what I knew I wanted. I’ve since made half a dozen tops, all of the same general pattern, and this collection has become my own take on a “uniform” (which is something that many minimalists recommend to cut down on both environmental waste and decision fatigue).
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What I really love Marion is that you do or say something that sparks me off to do something differently, and vice versa. At the moment I’m reading a couple of blogs written by people who are taking drastic measures to cut their carbon footprint. They are both inspiring and depressing at the same time – inspiring because I’m getting all sorts of ideas new to me, depressing because they make me realise just how much business as usual is not an option. Especially as I know I’m one of the fortunate few who do already have enough to make choices that others simply aren’t in a position to make.
I’m so glad that you’ve found your mojo with the sewing. By contrast I think I’m realising that I’m not going to be someone who sews her own clothes, but I will definitely be that person who mends them and mends stuff for others.
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