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I love Thanksgiving but I despise the fact that this amazing day to give thanks for what we already have is paired with the most consumerist day of the year, Black Friday. I have long begrudged the : the money, the space, the time, the responsibility...

But, 'tis the season, right?

Or is it?

Making conscious choices

What will you do on Buy Nothing Day (formerly known as Black Friday) this year?

I would argue that living consciously --being aware of the choices you are making on a daily basis-- is the biggest part of living in a sustainability-focused way. My friend recently reminded me about how I took a year off from buying anything new. At first it was really tough, then it became very easy to just say no to more stuff. To this day I always ask myself before a purchase, "Do I really need this? Will it make me happy?" More often than not, the answer is a firm, "nope and nope," and said item goes back on the shelf.

This Thanksgiving, I am challenging myself to focus on the real things that bring me happiness --spending time outside, being with family, having gratitude for all the wonderful people and experiences in my life-- and absolutely no shopping. To make an even firmer commitment to myself, I'm taking the . Will you?

“This year I pledge to join people around the world in celebrating "Buy Nothing Day" on November 29th. I will resist overconsumption by creating a meaningful experience instead.” --The Story of Stuff Project

Things you can do differently this year:

• Spend no money and participate in Buy Nothing Day.
• Take the , with the help of the Story of Stuff Project.
• Spend a few minutes thinking about what you have and are grateful for.
• Lend a hand to those in need. In my community 1 in 6 people utilize the foodbank.
• Contribute to #. Download the and record an elder family member about their thanksgiving memories.
• Invest in your life in these , as suggested by Mr. Money Mustache.
• Get outdoors. Post a photo with and to share your gratitude for nature.
• Enjoy to enjoy Thanksgiving this year.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us in the MASD program,

Cindy

p.s. MASD students, enjoy this week-long break to get caught up!

Image courtesy of Flickr CC by