Stashdown

With the start of a new year, many of us begin to turn our thoughts to what we want to do differently this year, compared to years past. To some, setting New Year’s Resolutions is a very active process, with Strict Rules like “I have to go to the gym 3 times a week” or “No simple carbs after 7 pm”, but I’ve never had much success with keeping resolutions like this.

However, I do start thinking about (and perhaps even rebelling against) the excess of December, with all its big, heavy meals, socializing, and pressure to spend money, both on gifts for others and on items for ourselves. (You know exactly what I mean, those “2/$25” offerings that practically beg for you to rationalize your purchase with “One for [person I care about], one for me!”)

But after the December holidays, the pressures don’t really go away. Boxing week sales begin, maybe you need to re-stock things you didn’t get for Christmas (I can’t be the only one running out of body wash right now), and despite my best efforts, I find myself thinking “Oh, I can just get one of [item I don’t really need]” or “But it’s a great deal!”

I have been examining some of my habits, and I know that I tend to get extra, whether it’s fabric or yarn for my stash, or a second colour of nail polish, or a spare bottle of shampoo. I don’t really like running out of things that I use regularly, but if I’m being honest, it was/is getting out of hand.

So instead of strict rules, I’ve decided that 2019 is the year of the stashdown. I’d like to use up some of the supplies and goods that I have, while diminishing my overall stash(es). We all know that sometimes you see a new product that you immediately are interested in owning, even though it’s not something you need. I’ve decided to leave some space for new things while also using up what I have, and choosing quality over quantity.

What are your goals for 2019? How are you choosing to approach them?