My #depthyear Journey So Far!

I posted earlier this year that I was embarking on a new Depth Year journey! For those who haven't heard the term, "Depth Year" basically encourages you to go deeper into what you already own, or hobbies in which you're already investing, verses spreading yourself thin in new belongings, books, tools or techniques. This journey is different for everyone, and there's no right or wrong way to tackle it. And for some, there's no need to tackle it at all! 

But I was feeling the pull. 

I've always been inclined towards a sense of minimalism. I don't like clutter. I feel overwhelmed when surrounded by too many things. And, of course, organization is a keystone of my day to day life. So, part of my Depth Year was a low-spend or no-spend promise to myself for 2019. I hoped to find peace and joy in what I already possessed, and not in the hunt for something new and shiny. This didn't, necessarily, mean I wouldn't purchase anything at all, but that I would attempt to be very conscious about my purchases.... bringing to me only the things that filled a need, purchases that supported local artists or business owners or fed into the creative community, and purchases that would further what interests I'd already established that I'd hoped to journey deeper into during the year.

And, in January, I failed miserably. I bought journals and more journals and planners. I bought oodles of purses that I certainly didn't need but simply wanted. Sure, I'm putting my planners to good use, and it does fuel my love of writing, planning and drawing, which was their purpose. But, funny enough, I've already re-sold many of the purses I purchased. I re-homed 25 tarot decks. I went through my closet and donated clothes and shoes I never wore or that I one day hoped to fit into (we all have those clothes, am I right?).

And I think, entering April, I'm finally finding my groove with my Depth Year journey. I deleted all shopping apps from my phone (even apps for Michael's or JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby.... those coupons encourage me to spend without necessity!). And now that I've purged unused items, even items I've only recently purchased, I feel much more free to create, or that I'm at least open to creative possibility. 

While I may have moments I'm derailed from this new path of mine, I wont punish myself for it or allow it to derail my goals moving forward. I may yet buy another purse. I may buy another tarot deck, despite the 20 I haven't used in months. But I'll endeavor to try, every single day, to invest my time and energy into what I have. 

And this isn't just about "things". I endeavor to spend my time more consciously as well. I want to experience the depth of great relationships, encourage other creative souls in whatever way I can (and yes, sometimes this will mean buying things), and keep my interactions positive and uplifting whenever possible. And when not possible, be open to receiving the positivity of others. 

So yes, while I may have "failed" at the beginning of my Depth Year, there's still a lot of 2019 left, and I'm opening myself to whatever that means. I'm excited to see where this road will lead. 

Are you investing in a Depth Year? Let me know in the comments below!