and so it begins

Simply Seven is a personal blog where I will capture my thoughts, experiences and personal reflection as I journey through the next 7 months while fasting in 7 different areas of life based on the publication, "An Experimental Mutiny Against 7" by author Jen Hatmaker.  I decided to title my blog "Simply Seven" because in fact there's nothing simple about it.  Each month will focus on a specific area of "excess" in life and it'll probably rock me to the core and into a realization that I've never experienced.  I am eager to take so much away from this fast and the time of reflection.  I am firm in my belief that by tackling this challenge my relationship with God will become stronger and my heart will be drawn closer to him.
The first month is focused on clothing. I've selected my set 7 articles and I'm officially on day 2 of this mission.  My seven articles include:

a white and black gingham cotton dress
a white tee
a denim button up
a pair of reversible skinny jeans
a colorful print tunic
a pair of black Converse  & sandals *I changed my flats to Converse the day before we started (this past Saturday)

Before we began yesterday I spent days leading up to our begin date really praying about this decision and I asked God to guide me and lift me up during this fast. I am not going into this challenge with any crazy expectations other than to find simplicity in life without all of the excess that I've added to it in years past.  I'm eager to see the transformation this fast will work over me!  The clothing month is probably the hardest month imaginable for me since I tend to find myself "savvy on fashion"...more like...obsessed with clothes and shopping. (yep....i admitted it!)

So day 1 wasn't too terrible as I spent 3 hours in a car traveling back from Tallahassee and the rest of the day grabbing a bite to eat at M Shack with my husband and then on the couch relaxing and resting for the afternoon and evening.  There was no need to be "done up" so day 1 came and went without a second thought.

Today I actually decided to throw on what I wore yesterday and I didn't even hesitate in my decision. I was waiting to see Clay's weird reaction but I don't even honestly think he remembers what I wore yesterday!

As the 2nd day sinks in I'm starting to question how this week will go and how my attitude will reflect my feelings and emotions towards having the limited wardrobe.  I actually think I've looked at these next 20 days as a challenge to see if I can actually be a little more creative with my set "7".  Mix and match is my new middle name and I'm anxious to see if at the end of this fast I can take away from it that adding to my closet isn't a necessity...I want to become more appreciative of what I have and put my hard earned money that sits in my closet to good use with reinvented looks.

I watched the in"courage" book club month 2 clothes review today and realized that to really understand and comprehend our hold on clothing excess I needed to know what I was dealing with and the numbers said it all.....

280 hanging clothing items (dresses, nice tops, dress pants, skirts)
13 coats
3 fur vests
25 pants (denim/cargo/cords, etc.)
34 tees/tanks
14 shorts
26 cardigans
28 button ups/casual long sleeve tops
67 shoes (dressy/sandals)
16 tennis shoes
14 boots

excessive total = 520

I didn't include gym clothes or nightclothes in this.......or the 2 full boxes of shoes I have set aside for VA pick up tomorrow morning!  I also failed to rummage through a storage bin containing summer sun dresses so that is potentially another 25-35 pieces of clothing.

I'd say I have built up a clothing excess for sure!  As I sit here typing, I've broken a sweat just thinking about it! Literally! I don't know if it's nervousness, guilt, or just an awakening!  2 days in and 18 to go.....I pray that the Lord opens my eyes to the world of endless excess around me and in my way of thinking.  Lord help me to find humility in this experience and to grow closer to you as I journey through these next 18 days.

                                                                  

                                                               Day 1 & 2  "Repeat"