Please check this out:
http://www.birthdayswithoutpressure.com/
This website made me think. Check it out! It's all about reducing competition among parents trying to one-up each other when it comes to birthday parties. I don't know where I stand on this because I want Luke to feel like his birthday is his special day. I guess the bottom line is that you don't need to make it into a "look at us, look at us" party. I love the idea of cutting down and teaching your kids to appreciate what they need. We already have so much crap, it's insane!
My Super Sweet 16??? First birthday party luncheons for 80 people? It's such overindulgence that makes me want to puke! What the heck are we teaching our kids? I suspect that it is our problem as well. More, more, more!
I've been going through my house for the past two months and it's really helped me to evaluate all the crap I own. I don't know why, but the feeling of purchasing things is a form of power and enjoyment to me, even if it was just buying some crap from Target! I think for a while it was merely something to do, like I'd have something to show for my day, I don't know why! Basically, it's how I accumulated tons of junk! It's so sad to me because for years I've had stuff that other people could be using. Instead, it's been collecting dust and cluttering up my life!
So, if you are thinking of cutting back, here are some questions that might help you reduce the piles that have certainly helped us (first three are courtesy of Feng Shui):
1.Do you need it?
2.Do you actually use it?
3.Does it bring you feelings of happiness or negativity?
4.If it were to be accidentally tossed out, would you purchase an item identical to it?
Reduce!
