The Universe has been trying to tell me this for most of my adult life but this year it’s really hammering the nail in, in, in! Not only was this my New Year’s Resolution but I had quite a heated debate over it with my husband and now, I see it’s this week’s focus for the ‘Psychologies’: Big Wake-Up project. Now if that is not reinforcement, I don’t know what is. They are proposing we try only spending money on basics this week: just food and water. Yes, just food and water. Reckon you’d have the will-power?

I’m going to try it!

Let’s start by taking the definition by the horns – crap is stuff you buy to make you feel good, it releases temporary endorphins and because the are so short lived, you have to buy some more crap to keep the feel-happy factor alive. By the time the end of the month rolls by, you look back over your bank statement and realise you’ve spent quite a bit of your hard earned money on crap, reward or regret? That pretty scarf has lost the sparkle it had in the shop, that new pair of shoes is just another pair of shoes gathering dust in the back of the wardrobe and that new face oil (that will answer all of your problems) is thrown in to your toilet bag with all the other promises of eternal youth. Are you happier?

Temporary – just remember that!

January was a tough month for me – both of my parents are facing some scary medical problems that have turned my world upside down so it would seem natural to think: I deserve a treat. Life is really rubbish at the moment so something new will make me feel like there’s something worth living for; I work hard enough don’t I? Fighting this feeling was far from easy, I can tell you. I’ve never done so much internet window shopping without checking the trolley out. I only allowed myself to buy gifts for others. (There were a couple of birthdays and get-well gifts needed). Deep down I knew that buying some crap was not going to change the situation in the slightest. I was therefore exceedingly pleased with myself at the end of the month when I had a fair amount of money left in my current account – and felt deeply satisfied as I moved it across to my savings. Believe me when I say this is a rare situation, not even medium rare!

I have proven to myself that I can go a whole month without crap – who knew how much extra you could save – and I had only myself to make me feel better and to reflect on what was happening in my life right now. I really felt that it was like removing something that was hindering me from my life: blinkers, a heaviness, call it what you want but with it gone, I felt so much more in control.

I’m not saying: never buy yourself anything but just stop the junk-habit. Think carefully about the item of clothing, jewellery, shoes, cream etc. and think do I really want this? Try to constrict yourself to one treat a month and really appreciate it and understand its value. One good quality thing is better than a tonne of cheap crap that will end up in the bin or not living up to its promise. Weigh it up – do I want this right now or shall I save more money so I can get something I really want when the time is right?

Beware of becoming obsessed! Somebody once told me that saving could become quite addictive – I was sceptical, as sceptical as a mouse in a lion’s cage after being told, it’s okay, you’ll be safe – the lion already ate! You still need to have a night out, see friends and keep up your appearance (everyone needs that pretty top once in a while) but everything in moderation. Leave more room for the real, bare and naked you. You don’t need CRAP to feel appreciated.

This is changing a mind habit and it’s not for the faint-hearted! I’m not even sure I’ll manage to keep it up all year but I’m going to give it a good go. Buying less crap has improved my emotional relationship with money (which apparently stems from your relationship with your parents) and I like this feeling so I’m trying to ‘just say no’ to crap!