About

Lately I have been reading an array of sources on positive psychology from the likes of Martin Seligman and Eckhart Tolle. These theorists suggest that exercising gratitude is the key to happiness and perhaps even promises to help unlock the key to the mystery of life and its purpose. This has led me to consider what it is that i have gratitude for in my life.

I have much to be grateful for and I began to ponder on why it is that I get to be so lucky to live in Australia without fear of prejudice, hunger, abandonment, displacement, poverty and abuse. Here I am born into this rich and beautiful place with a family that loves me and treats me well.

However the seemingly mere act of exercising gratitude has created a stirring in my heart that is so alive and active I have had no choice but to investigate ways that I can responsibly give back to my community using my skills and talents.

My small but hopefully worthwhile contribution will take the shape in a challenge I have set for myself. I aim to be less influenced by the consumerist pulls that have soothed me on many a day where gratitude and civic action may have served me better. In simple terms I’m saying goodbye to my shopping indulgences for exclusive and elitist items.

For 6 months I will only purchase clothes from charity op shops. I will document savings and donate them to my chosen charity ‘Saint Vincent de Paul Society’. I understand the best form of charity is anonymous but I hope to gain interest in my challenge and subsequently more funds. I will purchase accessories, hand bags, shoes and all clothing items second hand. In a bid to inspire action in others I aim to do this with style and in keeping with current trends. Therefore I will regularly post images and updates.

In the wise words of the great Leonardo da Vinci ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’ may I serve to prove these words as all too true. Wish me luck.

Styledvintage