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With Thanksgiving here it’s important to spend time with loved ones. Whether its with family, friends, pets, etc. This year, I’ll be traveling to the country side of Florida to spend Thanksgiving with my parents. During this time, we will be disconnecting from the computer.
It’s important to disconnect from the computer and internet some times. Give your eyes a break from staring at the screen and the harsh lights, and also just to allow yourself some time to relax and reconnect with others. We get so wrapped up in our virtual lives our real lives suffer. Even worse, you may unintentionally be harming yourself. We sit on our bottoms all day in front of a computer for work and then retire home to sit on our bottoms to relax. By doing so we’re affecting our eyes, circulation, muscles, etc. Let’s use this 3 day virtual disconnect to work on ourselves – stretch, rest our eyes, and spend the time with friends and family.
Another important topic to address around this holiday season is the tradition of Black Friday (and recently Cyber Monday). We will not be participating in this event.
We’re tricked into believing the day is special, holds much value, and everyone should get out there and SPEND! The commercials, ads, big flashy signs all trick our mind into believing that we NEED the biggest, shiniest, newest item. And Black Friday is the worst of them all. Now you can have the biggest, shiniest, newest, CHEAPEST item. But really, what are you getting? You stand in line for 3 hours on the *possibility* of obtaining the item, but no guarantee. You have to push your way to safety, and fight with others over the item. You risk your personal space and the chance of it getting invaded. And at the end of the day you may wind up with a massive headache – just to save $20…
The fact is many of those “great deals” you see advertised really aren’t as great as they seem. There’s a 32″ TV available for $148. It’s a knock off brand that typically gets low ratings – but they don’t tell you that, do they? All they tell you is you’re saving $150 and that it’s a HOT DEAL! If you spent the time shopping around though, you’d see there’s many other options available for roughly the same price – just without the hassle.
Some love the rush they get from Black Friday – and that’s great. We’re not saying it’s a bad thing to enjoy the activities – we’re just staying away this year. There’s nothing we *need* so there’s no reason for us to go out and spend. Think hard on any purchase you make. We’re reaching for simplicity and minimalism – how will that purchase fit in with your new lifestyle, and will it bring you happiness or headache?
If you must go out for Black Friday this year, there’s a few things you should do before:
- Map your plan of attack. Many stores will release a map of the deals so you’ll know exactly where to go.
- Go in knowing EXACTLY what you need, and stick with it. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with all the seemingly great deals, but stick to your guns!
- Set a budget for yourself and do not go over it. This is the worst thing that happens each year – people go in with nothing more than a credit card and walk out with debt. Set a budget and use CASH. In fact – leave your credit card at home.
- Research before you shop. If the item is a special item only available on Black Friday, research other products made by the same manufacturer. If the manufacturer typically receives low ratings, than that great price may be because it’s a poor quality item.
- Tying in with number 4: Check other options. You may be able to find an item of equal or better quality for only a few dollars more. I was able to find a 32″ TV that received an 88% recommend rate for only $179 (while that 32″ TV available on Black Friday was a special buy and other products by that manufacture received poor ratings).
At the end of the day – it’s what makes you happy. And we wish you the very best Thanksgiving.
For tips on how to begin your decluttering journey, you can Start Here, or snag a copy of the 30 Day Challenge (our Minimalism and Decluttering eBook).
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