The Year without a Purchase

August 17, 2015
In 2005, a life-changing mission year in Guatemala inspired Dannemiller and his wife, Gabby, to develop a family mission statement: live with integrity, be grateful what they have, grow in faith together, and serve God's people. Ten years later, living in the suburbs with two children and feeling spiritually off-track, they embark on another yearlong experiment to reinvigorate their mission, hoping that by radically reducing their material consumption they can remove unnecessary distractions, appreciate their current abundance, and become more mindful of God and more able to share their resources. With playful chapter titles ("Yoga Pants and Jock Straps") and self-deprecating humor, leadership consultant Dannemiller explores a handful of recurring themes, such as wanting "to do the right thing, but not wanting to force our values on other people," the difficulties around deciding what's a necessity, and managing social pressures, particularly rituals and expectations around gift-giving. Dannemiller also includes references to psychological studies on such topics as how retail therapy and charitable giving stimulate the brain. Despite some repetition, the family's challenges and creative responses prove thought-provoking, entertaining, and moving. Appendices include practical tips gleaned from the year for readers similarly inspired.