Surprising Discoveries
It has been one month since my last blog post, and I’m now seventy-one days into my six-month spend less challenge.
Throughout this journey, I’ve noticed several interesting things, one of the most unexpected things is the impact on my nervous system. You can read more about this discovery below, but buckle up —because when it comes to my storytelling, it’s rarely "long story short" but more like "long story long!" :)
This month, I attended my second hobby circle night with a group of wonderful local individuals. We visited a local artist's studio, where the artist shared their journey, the connection they have with their art, and how art plays a role in their life. We even got to create our own abstract pieces using alcohol ink as our medium. It was an amazing experience. Not only did it allow me to connect with incredible people, but it also provided an opportunity to create, free from the pressure of perfection and to embrace imperfection in life.
It also gave me the chance to try something new, which has been such a fun part of this challenge. I’m looking forward to exploring more hobbies and creative outlets.
As the artist said, art allows us to channel our emotions and feelings into something tangible. When we arrived at the studio, the host had us fill out worksheets where we reflected on gratitude, set intentions, and wrote down our feelings. I’m so grateful for my local community.
Impact on My Nervous System
When I first started the spend less challenge, I assumed it would stress me out, especially since I wouldn't be able to shop as freely as I used to. However, it’s actually been the opposite. I’ve found enjoyment in appreciating and utilizing what I already have, and I’ve made efforts to form new routines. I’ve tried new hobbies, such as different forms of art and joining my husband and his friends playing Fortnite (even if I’m not very good at it).
A surprising bonus: my husband pointed out that with us aiming to shop for groceries only once a week and being mindful of how much we’ll eat—we’ve ended up with less trash.
So not only are we spending less, but we’re also reducing waste, which feels pretty awesome.
For discretionary spending on tangible items during these 71 days, I’ve bought two things: a $20 plant for a pot and a $10 cardboard cat scratcher that looks like a laptop.
I feel no guilt about these purchases.
I’d like to remind myself—and others—that this challenge is about spending less,
not spending none. Life is all about balance, and I’ve been working hard to find and maintain it.
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The Power of a Simple yet Effective Reward System
As silly as it may seem, putting star stickers in my planner has been a motivator for me.
The thought of missing a sticker bums me out, and it keeps me in check as a reminder of intentionality.
This past weekend, I told myself I’d allow myself to purchase a frame or two to display the art I created at the hobby circle. I thought I’d try a thrift store first. I ended up visiting two.
While there, I found myself overwhelmed by the presence of discarded items.
It’s great that these items get a second life, but it’s also a little disheartening to see just how much stuff is consumed and disregarded.
I reminded myself that while secondhand items are great, I still need to be intentional about my purchases and not treat them as disposable. I didn’t find anything that spoke to me at the thrift stores, so I ventured to a few retail stores in search of frames. At first, I found myself trapped in analysis paralysis, unable to decide on the best option, wondering if I already had something at home that would work. At my final stop, I finally bought three frames. When I got home, though, the art didn’t fit in the frames, and they didn’t align with my vision for my hopes of displaying the pieces.
Then I realized I already had a frame at home that would work perfectly, and in the end, I framed just one piece.
This shopping trip wasn’t as fulfilling as past ones, and I’m totally okay with that. I’m thankful for the reflection it provided, reminding me that being intentional with my money and time is making a positive difference in my life.
I also realized I wanted a star sticker and to save $30, more than I wanted new frames.
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Slowing Down, Finding New Connections
Shopping less, spending more time with my community, and at home with my loved ones has been impactful to me so far. It has allowed me to slow down some. I’ve been frequenting a local bakery stand, and that has been wonderful too. This journey has provided me with a retrospective. It has allowed me to be “bored” which allows me to brainstorm business ideas, providing a new sense of direction, both in business and life.
This weekend, I also attended a branding swap session with local photographers, where we took photos of one another for our personal brands. To me, this experience was far more valuable than endless hours scrolling through shopping deals or impulsive purchases.
Our time is our most valuable commodity—let’s spend it wisely.
