We all want to give our kids a good life, but we know that material things aren’t as important as we think.
One of the coolest things about kids is that they can entertain themselves for hours with some random object, like a cardboard box, a container, or a set of measuring spoons. It makes you wonder why we buy them so many toys that they won’t even have time to play with them all before they grow out of them.
If we stop and think about why we feel the need to constantly give our kids new toys, clothes, and junk food, we’ll often realize that we’re trying to avoid our difficult feelings and pain. If you catch yourself wanting to spoil your child with material possessions, take a moment to see if you can figure out where your motivation is coming from.
Sometimes we give our kids too much stuff because we want them to have a sense of abundance that we didn’t have as kids, or because we want them to like us. Both of these motives are often unconscious and stem from unresolved issues from our childhood or adult life.
These unresolved feelings naturally come up when we find ourselves in the role of a parent, often as our child reaches the age we were when these traumas were most pronounced. Spoiling your children will not save you or make your pain disappear, only acknowledging and working on your emotional issues can do that.
The most important thing we can do for our children is to make them feel safe and loved. We should also give them the freedom to explore and learn. If we can do these things well, our children won’t need a lot of material possessions to be happy.
We all want our kids to have a great and happy life, but we know that material things are not as important as we think. We make a mistake when we try to buy our kids happiness. When we do this, they think that happiness comes from toys and treats instead of the joy of being alive, being loved, and exploring the world.
“Seventy-five percent of fashion supply chain material ends up in landfills. This amounts to ‘the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles per second.’”
“The movement works towards creating an industry that benefits the planet and all people. ”
The term was first coined by author, design activist, and professor Kate Fletcher. She defines slow fashion as being based on quality rather than how long it takes to produce. Other slow fashion pioneers say that the movement encourages slower production, combines sustainability with ethics, and ultimately encourages consumers to buy well-made and long-lasting clothes.
Slow, ethical, and sustainable fashion all aim to achieve the same goal: changing our relationship with clothes. Slow fashion, however, also takes into account a brand’s practices and a customer’s shopping habits. The movement is working to create an industry that benefits the planet and everyone in it. In a perfect world, slow fashion would be the norm.
QUALITY CLOTHING MADE TO LAST
Fast fashion companies pump out new collections every week, and less than one percent of clothing materials are recycled into new clothes. Slow fashion flips that model on its head with slower production schedules, smaller collections, and zero-waste designs.
Instead of chasing trends (and filling up our landfills), these brands focus on making classic and versatile pieces that can be layered mixed and matched. This encourages customers to build minimalist wardrobes and invest in pieces that they’ll keep for a lifetime.
JOINING THE SLOW FASHION MOVEMENT
Slow fashion’s barrier to entry is fairly low—anyone can join the movement. You don’t even need to buy new clothes! Here are a few ways to get involved:
Create a love story. Take a look through your closet and think about the history of your favorite pieces. Maybe you remember the time you spilled spaghetti on your favorite white t-shirt (and then saved it!). Or maybe you have a special piece of clothing that was passed down to you by a loved one. Whatever the story, put some life back into your closet by thinking about the memories that your clothes hold.
Build a capsule wardrobe. This wardrobe method will have you thinking about what clothing makes sense for your lifestyle. It only allows you to have a limited number of items, so you have to make sure that your clothes are both stylish and practical.
Make thoughtful purchases. Start by breaking the habit of impulse buying. Call a friend before you splurge on a new pair of shoes, or check your current wardrobe to make sure you’ll wear the item before you buy it. Consider checking out secondhand apps or thrift stores first when you’re ready to buy something new.
Here are some to get you started: Ethical and sustainable clothing brands, ethical shoes, affordable (ethical) clothing brands, and organic clothing brands.
Do some research: If you find a new slow fashion brand, take some time to make sure it’s legit before you start spending money on it. Check out their website for details about their design process. Is it slow, sustainable, and ethical for everyone involved? Do they disclose how and where their clothes are made? How many collections do they produce each year? Answering these questions will help you figure out if a company is practicing what it preaches. If you’re still not sure, you can always reach out to the brand via email or social media.
HOW TO PUSH BACK AGAINST FAST FASHION
Speaking out against fast fashion is a part of advocating for the slow fashion movement. If brands don’t hear from their customers, they won’t have a reason to change their supply chains. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t afford every fancy minimalist garment. You can still do your part to promote fair fashion by speaking up.
Here’s how:
Frequent the mall? Swing by a fast-fashion store and ask about the brand’s sustainable practices and ethical supply chain efforts. The employees probably won’t know much, but you’ll start an important conversation that might make it up the management chain. The more people ask questions, the more likely the company will listen.
Love social media? Take to Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to ask fast fashion brands about production practices. Fashion Revolution has a great template for this.
A fan of email? You can write to brands, too! Try this template for getting started:
Dear [Insert Brand],
I’m interested in purchasing [insert garment] and would love to learn more about your brand and production methods. On your website, you state that you [insert brand claim, e.g., sustainable practices, fair trade certifications, ethical manufacturing, etc.], and I’m wondering what exactly this means. Could you tell me specifically how your garments are made and how your brand protects people and the planet?
I look forward to hearing more about [insert brand]!
Thank you for your time,
[Insert Your Name]
________________________________
Other questions you can ask:
1. How do you package and ship your garments? 2. Does your brand give back or support any social initiatives? 3. Where do you source your textile materials? 4. Could you provide a transparent breakdown of your supply chain? 5. Do you have a third party to conduct regular audits of your factories?
Be the Change
We believe that social change is a journey that we all take together, learning and inspiring each other along the way. When we work together, we are stronger.
Peace ♥ Harmony, 𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓵
If you are seeking more assistance than what I can provide here, my personalized coaching programs may be precisely what you need. Schedule a free consultation to discuss what is holding you back and how I can assist you in achieving organized spaces in your lifestyle. I look forward to working with you!
NEW PHONE # 860-941-8630
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These 3 questions MUST be answered if you want to get over the barriers that hold you back from achieving your goals. There are no easy paths to the things you want the most – just like you never get a rainbow after a sunny day.
Slow money is all about shifting your focus from material things to things that bring you true happiness. We’re all taught to chase after the next big thing, but it’s never enough. We’re always looking for something better. But what if there was a way to break that cycle?
Slow money is about finding joy in the simple things and living a more meaningful life.
Slow money asks you to evaluate yourself and your philosophy of money to see if a never-ending pursuit of more is what will really bring you happiness and contentment.
Do you want to spend your life chasing bigger and better, or live sustainably, happily, and generously with what you have?
Do you want to thoughtlessly pour your money into big, cookie-cutter companies that generate waste and work against small-town economies?
Do you want to support your local community?
It’s definitely a big change to move towards a less consumeristic, more intentional way of making and spending money. But it’s worth it. I can tell you from experience that it’s a lot less stressful and a lot more rewarding. You’ll feel better about yourself and your impact on the world. And you might even save some money!
“Slow Money is basically two things. It’s a new vision of reconnecting money to the soil and investors to local economies, and it’s the network of people who are bringing those ideas into action.” – Woody Tasch (Slow Money Institute)
SLOW MONEY PRINCIPLES
Choose to invest in a fulfilling life rather than a life of accumulation.
Intentionally supporting local businesses and agriculture to help local communities thrive.
Spending carefully to prevent waste and promote a slow lifestyle
Investing in local farms and communities is a great way to support your local economy and ensure that your children have access to healthy food and a vibrant place to grow up. It’s also a great way to build community and connect with your neighbors. When you invest in your community, you’re investing in your own future. So next time you’re thinking about where to spend your money, consider investing in your local community. You won’t regret it!
If you’re getting into the slow-living mindset, you’ll know that any aspect of it, including slow money, is all about enjoying life to the fullest. That means that slow money isn’t about making more money, it’s about making more out of the money you have.
Here are some tips for slow money:
Spend less on things you don’t need.
Invest in experiences rather than material possessions.
Support local businesses.
Live below your means.
Save for the future.
Slow money is about living a more mindful and intentional life. It’s about making choices that are good for your wallet and your soul.
QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK YOURSELF
What’s standing between me and a slower lifestyle less reliant on money?
Do I have debt that I need to tackle?
Are there any spending habits I need to change?
What would my life look like if I conquered my biggest obstacles?
Where and how do I want to live?
Don’t forget what’s really important in life. Don’t chase a higher salary just to make more money. Joy and peace of mind are important too.
Loving your job isn’t just a cliche. It’s a mantra for people who want to enjoy life and not just chase the almighty dollar.
Everything and everybody that enters your home creates energy and leaves a footprint.
Our homes are full of energy, energy that we create and let flow. We often have a passive relationship with the energy in our homes, rather than an active one, because we don’t pay much attention to it. It’s only when we start to see our homes as unique entities that we begin to understand why it’s important to take charge of the energy in them.
Here are some tips for taking charge of the energy in your home:
Declutter and get rid of anything that doesn’t spark joy.
Add plants and fresh flowers to your home.
Light candles and incense.
Play music that makes you happy.
Spend time with loved ones in your home.
Open your windows and let in the fresh air.
Practice gratitude for your home.
Bad vibes can creep into our homes in a lot of ways. Previous owners, builders, visitors, and even the people who clean and maintain our homes can leave behind a lingering energy. Objects and symbols can also have an effect on the energy of a space. So, it’s important to be aware of all the things that can influence the energy of our homes. When we know what to look for, we can create harmonious homes that are more than just a place to live.
One of the easiest ways to keep your home a loving and supportive space is to be careful about who and what you let in. It’s not always possible to keep potentially harmful people or things out, but you can take precautions. For example, you can keep certain people out of private spaces like bedrooms and meditation rooms, and you can cleanse or smudge your property to purify it.
Here’s a cool idea: if you’re remodeling or building a new home, you can print Reiki symbols and other positive imagery on the surfaces that will be covered up by walls, flooring, or paint. Even though they’ll be hidden, they’ll still attract good energy and cleanse the existing energy in your home. You can also draw blessings in plain sight to remind you of how powerful your home’s energy can be in affecting your own.
A house can look nice, cozy, and stable on the outside, but still be filled with negative or even harmful energy. If you take good care of your home, you’ll naturally start to look beyond its surface qualities and pay attention to how it makes you feel. And if you actively protect your home from negative energy, you’ll be better equipped to deal with it if it ever does come your way.
The energy of your home will reflect the way you treat it. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. So be mindful of your actions and make your home a place you love to be.
Peace ♥ Harmony
Yours in Clutter to Clarity, Cheryl
If you’re looking for more help than what I can provide here, my personalized coaching programs might be just what you need. Book a free consultation to chat about what’s holding you back and how I can help you achieve organized spaces in your lifestyle. I look forward to working with you!
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Slow-Interiors – From The Slow-Living Lifestyle Series
Have you ever followed the latest interior design trends only to be left feeling underwhelmed? Or worried about the environmental impact of your purchases? Slow interiors, like slow food and slow fashion, offer an alternative approach to designing, decorating, and styling your home. It’s about making slower, more considered, and thoughtful decisions.
Outshine trends with slow interiors
Homeware trends may move slower than fashion trends, but we’re all still susceptible to buying the latest look without thinking it through. We might regret it later because it goes out of style quickly, doesn’t match our other furniture, or is just plain impractical. These are all things we didn’t consider when we were caught up in the moment.
Adopting a slow-living mindset for your home means creating a space that is uniquely yours. It’s a great way to personalize your home and make it feel like a true reflection of your personality. So take your time, be thoughtful about your choices, and create a home that you’ll love for years to come.
Decorate in your own style and don’t worry about trends.
Appreciate craftsmanship and design.
Buy less but buy better quality.
Do your research on sustainability.
Take care of your stuff.
Upcycle and buy vintage.
Make your home for you and your needs.
Slow interiors are all about taking your time to think about how you want your spaces to feel. It’s about creating a nurturing home that truly reflects what’s important to you. Before you make any purchases, take some time to consider who and what purposes your home will serve. Choose the most sustainable options within your budget, or make the most of what you already own. Slow interiors is about creating a space that you love and that makes you feel good.
Identifying the true usage of your home and interior spaces
Kate Watson-Smyth, author of Mad About The House, says you should ask yourself six key questions before decorating a room. She says if you don’t, you’ll “end up with a room that doesn’t really work for the people who live there – which means they won’t use it.”
Here are the six questions:
What do you want to use the room for?
Who will be using the room?
What style do you want?
What colors do you like?
What furniture do you need?
What’s your budget?
Watson-Smyth says it’s important to answer these questions honestly so you can create a room that’s functional and stylish.
If you don’t think about what you want to achieve in a room and who it’s for, you’ll probably end up redecorating sooner than you want to. And that’s no fun!
Decorating true to your own stylishness!
Do you buy things because you saw them in a magazine or on Instagram, or because they actually reflect your personal style?
If you see a piece of furniture or decor that you love, don’t buy it right away. Walk away, or close the tab. Come back to it in a few days, or even a few weeks, and see if you still love it just as much. It’s easy to get swayed by the way items are styled in other people’s homes, but it’s important to make sure that the piece will actually work in your own space.
Don’t rush into decorating your home! Take the time to create a mood board and slowly find the right items. You’ll be living with your décor for years, so it’s important to be happy with it. If you buy something you’re not entirely sure about, you’re likely to end up feeling discontented and wanting to change it again soon. So take your time, be patient, and create a home that you love!
Choosing quality and craftsmanship
This means choosing items with simple, timeless designs and sturdy materials that will last for years to come. This is a good idea because it will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to replace items as often. It will also help you create a more stylish and cohesive home, as your items will complement each other.
Fast Interiors is all about cheap homewares brands and mass production. On the one hand, it’s great because it allows more people to design a stylish home on a budget. On the other hand, it can lead to a throwaway culture where people buy things without thinking about how long they’ll last. That’s why we’re big fans of slow interiors. With slow interiors, you focus on buying the best quality items you can afford, even if they cost a bit more upfront. This way, you can be sure that your home will look stylish and last for years to come.
If you buy quality hardwood furniture, it will last longer and you won’t have to replace it as often. When you’re shopping for furniture, think about how durable it is and where you’re going to put it. Furniture in high-traffic areas of your home will wear out more quickly.
Handmade items are unique and imperfect, just like the people who make them. They’re a chance to slow down and appreciate the hours of work that went into creating them. And when you buy handmade, you’re supporting makers and creatives, and sometimes even helping to preserve long-established skills and trades. So next time you’re looking for something special, consider shopping small and supporting handmade. You won’t be disappointed.
LET’S START A MOVEMENT: BRING BACK HANDMADE ITEMS SHOPS!
It’s easy to get into a disposable mindset when there’s always something new and cheap on the market. But if you really love your home and appreciate the value of the things in it—both your own investment and the designer’s—you’ll be more likely to take care of it.
Buying sustainably and upcycling
Buying furniture from antique shops or second-hand marketplaces is a great way to furnish your home sustainably. Upcycling these pieces, or your own, is another great option. It’s a win-win for the environment and your wallet!
Just like when you buy a new house, you need a little imagination to see the potential in something. And sourcing vintage or rustic items can add real depth and character to a home.
Check out the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the imperfect and authentic. Sure, some vintage and antique pieces can be pricey, but they don’t have to be. You can find some amazing finds on Facebook Marketplace, charity shops dedicated to furniture, car boot sales, and flea markets. The rental economy is also on the rise in the interior space, giving you the option to rent furniture like sofas instead of buying them outright.
Final thoughts on slow interiors
When designing a slow-living space, keep your lifestyle and needs at the forefront. This will help you avoid buying stuff that doesn’t work for you.
Take your time to make the right choices for pieces that you’ll love for years to come. Don’t buy into every trend that comes along.
Choose high-quality, durable items that you can afford. Think about the brands you want to support.
Upcycle and buy second-hand whenever possible. Do some research on sustainable materials to help reduce your home’s environmental impact.
A slow-living home evolves over time. There’s no such thing as a “finished” room. Enjoy the journey and let your spaces grow with you.
Each morning, send yourself love for the entire day and be sure to collect that love along the way.
It’s easy to get down in the dumps when things go wrong, and that bad mood can really spiral out of control and affect our lives for days to come. Similarly, when we feel bad about ourselves, we tend to act in ways that have negative consequences, which can create a vicious cycle of negativity that can last for days.
It’s important to feel your feelings and be genuine, but you don’t have to let yourself get completely bogged down in a dark mood or feelings of self-doubt. In fact, the more you accept your darkness as a part of who you are, the easier it will be to accept your light. So, try this: for the next 24 hours, send yourself some good vibes. Tell yourself that you’re capable, that you’re loved, and that you’re going to be okay. It might not seem like much, but it can make a big difference.
If you’re feeling down or having a bad day, it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings. But don’t let them consume you. Remember that things can and will change, and you can still have a good day, or a good week if you take the time to visualize those moments for yourself. Picture yourself doing something you enjoy, or spending time with someone who makes you happy. Focus on the positive, and you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel.
Here were my essentials for creating a positive and productive learning environment as a former teacher:
Every morning before I walked into the classroom, I would check my tolerance level. How much crap can I put up with today? I would write it down on a post-it note so my co-teachers could see how I was doing. That way, if a student started acting up, one of them could step in and help me out. Or, if I was really feeling overwhelmed, they would let me take a walk and let someone else handle the situation.
Then, there were days when we were all at our lowest tolerance levels, including the students. That’s when you put on some rock and roll and just let loose! It always helped to improve our moods and get us through the day. We could then have a fantastic day of learning about the curriculum and, most importantly, about ourselves.
Here’s something you can do before you even get out of bed in the morning: send good vibes to yourself all the way through to the next morning! As you picture your day, take the time to fill in the details – where you’re going, who you’ll see, what you’ll do – and send love and good wishes to yourself, as well as everyone you encounter. It’ll be like arriving in a new place and finding that an old friend has sent a bouquet of flowers from back home to welcome you and remind you that you’re loved.
It’s important to be prepared for disasters, no matter where you live. The specific steps you need to take will vary depending on the types of disasters that are more likely to happen in your area. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:
Know your risks. Learn about the types of disasters that are most common in your area and what the risks are.
Create a plan. Make a plan for what you will do in the event of a disaster. This plan should include things like where you will go, what you will take with you, and how you will communicate with your family and friends.
Build a kit. Put together a disaster kit that includes food, water, first-aid supplies, and other essential items.
Stay informed. Make sure you have a way to get information about disasters, such as a battery-powered radio or a NOAA weather radio.
Practice your plan. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in the event of a disaster. Practice your plan regularly so that you are prepared.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that you and your family are prepared for a disaster.
Identify the Hazards: Determine the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area. These could include natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, or man-made disasters like industrial accidents or terrorist attacks.
Create a Plan:
Evacuation Plan: Know the evacuation routes and shelters in your area. Plan how you and your family will get to safety if needed.
Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan with your family and loved ones. Have a designated out-of-town contact person whom everyone can check in with. This person can act as a central point of communication.
Emergency Contacts: Have a list of important contacts, including family members, friends, neighbors, and local emergency numbers.
Prepare an Emergency Kit:
Water and Food: Store at least three days (maybe more depending on the disaster) worth of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items.
First Aid Kit: Include basic medical supplies like bandages, antiseptics, medications, and any necessary prescription medications.
Flashlight and Batteries: Ensure you have a reliable source of light.
Personal Documents: Keep important documents like identification, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account information in a waterproof container.
Clothing and Blankets: Have warm clothing, blankets, and rain gear.
Tools and Supplies: Include items like a multi-tool, duct tape, and a whistle.
Cash: Keep some cash on hand, as ATMs may not be operational during a disaster.
Special Needs Items: If you have infants, elderly family members, or pets, make sure you have supplies tailored to their needs.
Secure Your Home:
Anchor Heavy Items: Secure heavy furniture, appliances, and objects that could fall during an earthquake or storm.
Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure they’re functioning properly.
Board Up Windows: If you’re in an area prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, consider installing storm shutters or boarding up windows.
Stay Informed:
Weather Alerts: Sign up for weather alerts and emergency notifications in your area.
Emergency Broadcast System: Listen to the radio or watch TV for emergency information.
Community Alerts: Be aware of local community alert systems.
Stay Organized:
Maintain and Review Your Plan: Regularly review and update your emergency plan and kit.
Practice Drills: Conduct emergency drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do.
Help Your Community:
Volunteer: Consider joining local emergency response or community groups.
Share Knowledge: Help educate others in your community about disaster preparedness.
Insurance and Legal Matters:
Review Insurance Policies: Understand what is and isn’t covered in your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Legal Documents: Ensure your will, power of attorney, and other legal documents are up to date.
Remember, being prepared can make a huge difference in how you and your family deal with a disaster. Taking these steps can give you a sense of security and confidence in the face of unexpected events. So don’t wait until it’s too late, start preparing today!
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