Aside from science, biology, and health and wellness, I’m also a style lover, influenced by the many aspects of my surroundings. And if you know me, are close to me, or engage with me via social media, you’ve witnessed this side.

Over the years, I’ve attempted to be more intentional and minimal with my clothing/apparel purchases. I’ve challenged myself to buy less and have made some strides. However, I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be. My mantra for clean beauty/ingredients is “less is more.” Less harmful toxicants equal better health. Likewise, I believe less unnecessary crap equals a healthier planet. But it’s always easier said than done.

Before my self-care sabbatical in 2012, I bought a lot of clothing, shoes, and handbags. Too much. I’m proud to say that I’ve moved past the need to own everything I see and like or love. It’s not good for me and it’s certainly not good for the planet. The pleas for sustainability have not been falling on deft ears as I’ve been listening and learning. In addition, other aspects of the life I’ve chosen to embrace have created tremendous mindset shifts. Vandana Shiva says:

Do not give in to climate doomism. Please, don’t give up hope in yourself. The planet’s health and health is inseparable. By giving up hope in our planet’s future, we are giving up hope in ourselves. The is hope all around you. To hope is to love. Reclaim your power. Pick up those around you. Do not shame those who feel helpless. Do not shame yourself. Only together can we heal ourselves. Only together can we heal our planet.”

Vandana Shiva

Though I’ve been purchasing less and less every year, I challenged myself to acquire even less this year. My goal was to buy no more than twelve pieces of clothing/apparel. That meant I could purchase one, five, or twelve items. No more.

So how’s it going? Ten months into the year, it’s not working out the way I wanted. I’ve failed at my goal. I’ve purchased twenty-nine pieces of clothing, including intimate apparel. In my defense, the dog got hold of clothing in the laundry room and ate through eight pieces of underwear. I know. Ewww. It’s a dog thing.

Barring the twelve intimates purchase, I’m still over by five pieces with two months to the end of the year. Can I stop there? I will certainly try. I want to. I’m actually considering removing intimates from that goal. Aside from the rare case of dogs destroying the crotches, other things can happen that require the need for replacements. Is that cheating? I don’t know. What do you think?

Despite the failure, I’m patting myself for the effort. And I remind myself that this is only the beginning. Next year, I will try again with the same goal: twelves pieces of clothing. You know the Zen Cho saying, “if at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Perhaps the Aliyah version lands better. If at first, you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.”

I feel hopeful, and trying and failing is nothing to be ashamed of. So yeah, I’m dusting myself off and trying again. Leave your thoughts and comments below.