(FYI, this picture has nothing to do with the post. I just like it, that's all.)
Image from hgtv.comQuick update on the "Stuff-Fast." It's over, friends! I successfully made it 1 whole entire month without buying superfluous items for myself! My dear friend A and I decided to mutually end the little competition and take ourselves out for coffee to celebrate. It was just time to be done.
But you know what? I think it taught me a lot. Because I love lists (and I'm pretty sure you do too...), I will give you a few of the reasons:
1) It helped me think about what I buy, instead of just plunking down my $. I realized how often I buy little things (earrings on sale, trips to GW, cute sandals for a far-off vacation to Tahiti), without thinking. When I had the buying option removed, I realized how many times I justify those little purchases.
2) I thought about other people more. I chose to use that time, and the money I saved, to do a couple of nice things for other people. Giving gifts is always a great experience, but even more so when you really have to give something up yourself!
3) I finished up projects I had laying around instead of finding more! I can't tell you how many times I have left a project unfinished because I found a fun little table at GW to spray paint, or a frame to refurbish, or a cute sweater that needed fitting. Sheesh, it was just getting out of hand! So, I used that time to finish up some of those extra projects I had laying around.
Well, there's more that I could go on about, but I think what it really comes down to is that I needed a reminder that life is not about STUFF. It's fun to shop and fix up things and decorate, but in reality I could survive without all of that.
But coffee? That I can't survive without. Just thought I would throw that in there.
But you know what? I think it taught me a lot. Because I love lists (and I'm pretty sure you do too...), I will give you a few of the reasons:
1) It helped me think about what I buy, instead of just plunking down my $. I realized how often I buy little things (earrings on sale, trips to GW, cute sandals for a far-off vacation to Tahiti), without thinking. When I had the buying option removed, I realized how many times I justify those little purchases.
2) I thought about other people more. I chose to use that time, and the money I saved, to do a couple of nice things for other people. Giving gifts is always a great experience, but even more so when you really have to give something up yourself!
3) I finished up projects I had laying around instead of finding more! I can't tell you how many times I have left a project unfinished because I found a fun little table at GW to spray paint, or a frame to refurbish, or a cute sweater that needed fitting. Sheesh, it was just getting out of hand! So, I used that time to finish up some of those extra projects I had laying around.
Well, there's more that I could go on about, but I think what it really comes down to is that I needed a reminder that life is not about STUFF. It's fun to shop and fix up things and decorate, but in reality I could survive without all of that.
But coffee? That I can't survive without. Just thought I would throw that in there.
Let me create a little list for you
ReplyDelete1. I love that you have a random photo that has nothing to do with your post.
2. I think it's fantastic that your fast from spending helped you prioritize.
3. I'm excited to see some new projects now that you can spend again! :)
I'm glad you learned that you can do without! I live on such a small budget (unemployed). I have also learned how little I need. :)
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to comment!
gail
I love making lists, so I'll copy ashley:
ReplyDelete1. Love that you made a list on the blog.
2. I tried to do the stuff-fast. I failed. Miserably. Sigh.
3. I think it's totally fantastic that you made it through, though!
4. I will try a stuff-fast again once we're done getting some of our must-haves post move.
Ahhh, you guys make my heart so happy with the lists! Yay!
ReplyDelete