Reflections

This past week we learned about Downshifting, how spending can become you, and learning how to break these habits.

I would like to start off with the downshifting chapter because I related with this one the most. As a voluntary downshifter I understand how hard it to maintain a new lifestyle. We have stopped eating out, invited friends over and gone to friends houses rather than going to bars, and downsized on premium cable. I was also shocked by the concept of how spending can become you. I have felt that I didn’t really fall for all of this consuming but really I probably have. I have always tried to stay away from labels and the like but I have also tried to maintain a minimalist lifestyle. The line the Schor wrote about being able to fit everything you owned in your car and now you need storage is totally true. I literally packed up everything that I owned into my old jeep (god rest its soul) and moved to Portland, OR. Now, Mike and I feel like the walls are closing in because our one bedroom is too small. The last chapter, deals with learning how to break these spending habits. I enjoyed the principles that Schor listed, including controlling desire and controlling oneself.

I hope that I can utilize these new skills because once ones eyes are opened to something, it is easier to change. I hope that I can maintain my newly downshifted lifestyle, and carry on the lessons I have learned into my life as I progress in my career.

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