It's been awhile since I've given an update on 7 An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker.
The experiment continues:
When I last posted I had just begun the food portion of the experiment. I learned several things during this period and some will stay with me. For example, reading labels and seeing how many ingredients are in a food item. I must confess I came right back to my iced coffee vice. Honestly, its all about the yummy, downright delicious creamers and has absolutely nothing to do with coffee....
Then came phase 2: Clothing
In the book Jen wears the same 7 articles of clothing for 30 days. Since I pretty much wear the same items anyway, I decided to go on a different trail. I began with a purchase freeze, along with a healthy purging: my closet and drawers that were so overflowing (don't judge me) with clothes, shoes and purses. It was overwhelmingly, sadly, pathetic on so many levels! Some items I gave to friends and family others I took to Goodwill. But why stop there? Next came books and household items. I must confess its going to take me more than 30 days to finish this task, but it's been a great start.....Rome wasn't built in 30 days right? Hmmmm, or was Rome destroyed in 30 days? I digress..
Phase 3: Spending
No spending carried over from phase 2, but this time included a total spending freeze on items for me personally. Of course I'm not insane, if I needed deodorant I would make an allowance for that, no need for family and friends to suffer for my quirkiness! I had one day to live it up per se and you I you guessed it, I went to Dunkin Donuts and enjoyed a yummy large Butter Pecan iced coffee!
I did make one vital discovery, when you commit to not spending money on yourself, one definitely needs to perform a complete and thorough haircut & hair color analysis a few days before said phase begins. I found this out the hard way on the evening before I was to begin. I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror in a very well-lit bathroom. Yep, I definitely hadn't thought that one through. I made a mad dash to Walgreen's for a box of I've got to hide all this, I'm way too young for this gray, with a few hours to spare before said spending freeze began. I also got a little scissor happy with my bangs a few times during this phase, what's a girl to do.
I can't tell you though the number of times I almost bought myself a cheap book on Amazon. I really, really had to be super careful there.
I like to think I did really well in this stage, I didn't even spend my gift cards on myself. But I did cave in on the last day of the no spending clause, well I felt justified after all, the gal at Dunkin Donuts said they were doing away with the yummy Butter Pecan flavor at the end of the month. WHAT, that was the next day!!! I gave into my fleshly desires and purchased a large one.......15 days into the next month I must tell you, Dunkin Donuts was still selling Butter Pecan iced coffee and I get reminded of my weakness every time I go there for a meeting. Which in case you are wondering is at least 3 times a week.
Phase 4: Media
I am now in the process of media. The cool thing is,when I asked my husband if he would join me in not watching television he agreed. I totally was not expecting that reaction, nice surprise! We are hooked on watching The Voice and wouldn't you know it, the season of The Voice just started. Now I could have of course, tried to justify only watching The Voice, its only one show after all. But honestly, God kept reminding me it wouldn't be a sacrifice if I gave in, and hadn't I learned anything from the Dunkin Donut fiasco??
I've also now got a kitchen timer in my office, its very helpful to remind me there is a time limit on Facebook, I think I will definitely keep that even when the media phase is over.
So now you are now up to speed with the 7 Experiment. I highly recommend this book, but with this strong suggestion: don't try any of the challenges without someone to go on the journey with you. Without a friend who is willing to be strong in accountability and more importantly pray for you. I definitely needed someone who could understand my idiosyncrasies and she kept this girl sane and laughing. And who doesn't need a friend like that??
