Though I live simply, I’ve had one vice that’s been strong since my 20’s – buying books.  When our family of three moved into our current home in 2009, we came with 23 bookcases – some 4’x8’, some 3’x6’, some smaller – but all filled.  Some had albums in them, yes, albums, but mostly books.  As my daughter has grown, so has our book collection.   I wish I’d counted all the books I’ve released since then, but I’m certain it’s in the 1000’s.  Yet, I’ve also continued to buy books.

One of the surviving bookcases is housed in my dining room, and I’m in the process of redoing it. By redoing, I mean re-evaluating what’s there, moving things out, creating space for what I want more of in the next 12 months.  Writing is one of those things.  Since my bookcase falls in the creativity section of my dining room in feng shui, it’s critical to be clear and deliberate with what’s here…if I want to manifest my desire to write more.   For me, this is an area that continues to get jammed up.

While I was creating a “writing section” in one area of this bookcase, it was easy to see nothing was moving in until something else moved out.

I’d done it again.

I’d pushed aside a big vision and filled it with lots of tiny obstacles.

Things. Stuff.  Obstacles to space.

I stopped the process and just sat down where I was.  I started to write to get clarity on my next steps.  I didn’t want to just move books around and “make room”.  I needed a new way of being.

This new way of being resulted in declaring a one-year book buying ban.  To hold myself accountable and to document it, I’m sharing my journey, with the hope this adds some value to you, and you can benefit from my process.

My intention for the ban is to use the resources I have.   If I’m tempted to buy something, I’ll shop from my shelves.  Even though Amazon Prime and I are tight – you know, on a first name basis kind of thing – I could create my own amazon.

Instead of recreating my own Amazon, I’ve decided to create a “Little Free Library”.  Have you seen them?  They’re those adorable little “mini-tree-house-looking” wood houses that hold books.  You place it on your property and wa-lah, instant library!  I’ve been wanting to do this for years, and never made time for it.   While I’m just starting the research on it, I’m super excited to start!  I’m seeing them popping up all over locally and I love them.   More on this soon!

Lastly, in addition to the book ban, I’m also declaring a one-year ban on buying courses – online or otherwise.  (Only exception is additional coaching certifications already on my radar and accounted for.)    I began 2017 committed to 3 trainings, and through the year, I’ve added at least 7 others that I can recall.  Everything looks good to me.  I have this insatiable appetite for learning and growing.  But right now, I’m letting what I know and what I have be “Enough”.

In our world of consumerism, of always looking for the next biggest thing, it’s easy to fall prey to having too much.   Also, in a world where there’s so many struggling to eat, or pay their mortgage, or find a job, having “too much” feels far too wasteful to me.

Look for updated posts on the Little Free Library and updates on the bans!

Like this article, or find value?  Share it with those who’ll benefit from it.

See you soon!

xo

Chris