Do the cloths I wear and objects I own define who I am? Questions such as these have an ever-expanding relevance in a consumer society formulated through and constituted by desires that function as needs. As I reflect on several recent occurrences in my life, including a large bill spawning from a desire to fill an emotional void, I question my unhealthy spending habits. Protect Me from What I Want is a yearlong project in which I will only purchase items that I need.

The project revolves around an online blog, http://megonli.blogspot.com, in which I document my wants, needs, and subsequent emotions throughout the year. While this exploration is inherently focused on consumerism, I do not wish to discuss the specifics of American spending habits. Instead, I will attempt to define exactly what I need versus what I want, come to terms with my unhealthy habits, and work through personal issues that have brought me to this point. The question of need is continually altered by my daily circumstances, however I have set up several guidelines; for example I will allow myself to buy anything needed for my art making practice and will only purchase foods that are not over processed or have any additives.