hy Monetizing a Decluttering Platform Isn’t Hypocritical
Trolls are part of any online experience in the “public” eye, and I usually let things like that go pretty easily because A) I’m confident in my choices surrounding decluttering, and B) Anything mean is a reflection of that person’s spirit, not of whatever I’m sharing.
This is one of the many reasons I don’t share my kids publicly anymore. When I started my Paring Down Instagram account, I made the choice upfront that they wouldn’t be on it, and boy am I glad I did that now that I have almost 250,000 people watching across Instagram and Facebook! I would NOT be as cool with trolls attacking my kids or my parenting choices.
My choices surrounding living a decluttered and intentional life, though? I can take some heat.
But I’m also human. Sometimes it can get to me.
Something a troll in DMs recently came after me for was sharing a 15% off code to one of my favorite ethical, sustainable clothing brands. While I’d posted a caveat about slowing down consumption and not purchasing anything with my codes that would be excess, of course this person wanted to point out the obvious: Isn’t sharing items you can buy counteractive on an account about decluttering?
I get that. So I kindly replied that I don’t believe that living intentionally or living a decluttered life means you can never again buy anything new. But when I do buy something (or when my followers do), I like to advocate for breaking out of fast fashion and making more intentional choices to shop ethically-sourced brands.
Troll Mode: Activated. I could almost hear the desperate panting coming through their reply. “I must’ve struck a nerve, huh???”
Why? Because I’d replied at all? But in that moment, their slobbery, pointy, grey troll face with beady red eyes popped out of my screen, and I realized that they got their kicks out of trying to engage in fights with strangers on the internet. BLOCK!
However, their initial question about my sharing (before full troll status took over) *did* bother me a bit. So that tells me I have to seek out why.
Do I feel a bit of shame sharing codes for things to buy? Does that go against my greater messaging?
Well…yes and no.
Yes, I never want to be a source of temptation for people to buy things they don’t need. I don’t want to be part of the problem of overconsumption.
And also…
I don’t believe in being so extremist that we become judgmental or obsessive in our lifestyle choices. For me, I just want to be intentional.
So as far as clothing goes, I want to be part of the movement to break the impulsive fast fashion cycle that is harming our homes and planet, which means becoming more aware of sustainable brands and encouraging others to do the same. Second hand is great. Wearing what you already own is great. AND sometimes you might just want to buy a new pair of pants. No one’s going to hell for that, okay??
Plus, I need to stop undervaluing myself so much. I don’t care about having lots of money, however, my time is valuable. I share all that I do out of passion and interest, however, I also am a human being who needs money to survive.
Having ads for certain items that I don’t find to be clutter allows me to continue sharing all the helpful things. It’s so odd that people think they should get help or guidance for free. And realistically, ads *are* free. Everyone can access 100% of what I share, under no obligation to pay a single dollar. You might just have to hear or see an ad occasionally.
Podcasting, blogging, YouTubing, and sharing ideas on social media about decluttering (or ANY subject someone might follow for) takes a ton of work. I work about 35-40 hours a week right now on all things Paring Down (plus 12 hours for my other part time job).
YES it’s something I love. YES it’s something I’m passionate about. YES I want to practice what I preach. But essentially, my listeners and followers are my clients. Other professions aren’t expected to work for free…why are people who offer help in the digital space?
So as I digested what upset me about this troll’s question, I realized that I was bothered by 2 big things:
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This idea that we’re expected to never buy anything ever again if we live a decluttered life, and
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Some people feel entitled to other people’s help and hard work for free, like little vampires sucking out whatever they can get and then turning angry when their dinner has human needs in order to stay alive
If you’re reading this, first of all – thank you. It’s an absolute honor to write and create in this space, and it’s not something I could continue doing if nobody cared enough to read, listen, or watch what I put out into the world. I’m so grateful for you!
I also hope you find a way to feel GREAT about your consumption choices through the lens of intentional living. It doesn’t have to become your identity or that you have to be “perfect.” It just means that you strive to pause before you purchase, seek out ways to consume less, and break patterns that go against your values.
I think I’ll end with a bit of cheekiness…and literally post my codes here in case anything strikes you as a non-cluttery addition to better your life. (I’m 99.9% sure food & therapy aren’t clutter anyway.)
40% off luxurious Cozy Earth bamboo bedding and pajamas: https://cozyearth.com – use code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ – Use code PARING
15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): wearpact.com – Use code PARINGDOWN
10% Swirise red light therapy device: https://swirise.com/ – Use code SHANNON10
