The challenge is done in 40 days. Will I run out and retail shop? No. If I did, that would only mean that I learned nothing from this amazing experience. Will I have changed my shopping habits? Yes, in a major way. It’s all about making wise choices, not just for us as individuals, but us as a global community.
The significance of 40 days has many meanings for different religions and cultures.
40 days of lent
Although there are many biblical references to 40 days, I chose to look at the Christian practice of lent. I was asked many times this year what I was giving up for lent. Since I’m doing the no shopping challenge and the downsizing / minimalist challenge, I chose to not look at lent in the conventional way of 40 days on a specific calendar date, but making it a part of my life. What can I give up that would give me more time to do something better in the world?
40 days of life
“To understand a people, you must live among them for 40 days.” This is an Arabic proverb. I believe it to be true, but not just living among them, actually choosing to learn about them and understand them. Looking back 40 days into the no retail shopping challenge proved this theory. I was already seing the impact of my challenge, although I’ve learned so much since. I’m glad I didn’t limit this to 40 days. Choosing to do this for a year takes me beyond understanding it into living it.
40 more days in the challenge
There are 40 more days in my challenge. I don’t see this as an ending to the challenge, but as a beginning to all of the great things that will come out of this experience. I plan to spend the last 40 days of the challenge rethinking good and what I can do with all of the knowledge and experience I’ve gained through this process. I have a few ideas, but this is a more intentional brainstorming and planning of what my next steps will be.
