If you have to make a list of no-buy stuff this year what would be in your list?
Just before the year 2022 ended, I made a no-buy list for 2023. A quite long list. Almost 50 items in the list. These are all items I do not want to buy in 2023. I said to my self ‘I have it enough. I do not need anything extra’.
And it included footwear, shirt, jeans, bags, luggage, some cosmetic items and also utensils.
This is what a minimalist advises to simplify life, to give your resources including time, energy and money only to what matters.
I told my friend about my list. It was like a commitment to myself. When I shared it to someone, I feel like I declared it.
Only a few days before new year, I and my friend went to a shopping mall. My friend wanted to buy sneakers. We went to two different shops and she bought 2 pairs of shoes from these shops. She took a while to choose the shoes for her. While she was giving a try some shoes, I was also giving a try to a new released one. It looked very pretty on my feet and super comfortable. I liked it.
An inner battle was happening whether I should buy that shoes or not. I knew it was a very tough battle. Because they were just new released, probably somebody would purchase that shoes very soon if I did not buy that shoes right away and next time I would not be able to find that same shoes again with my size.
I told myself that I have got 2 pairs already. One pair is actually running shoes and the other pair is the casual one and they were enough.
To be honest, I forgot my no-buy list at that time, until my friend reminded me about the promise I made with a reasoning ‘It has not been 2023 yet!’ She said. I won the battle that day. I kept telling my self that 2 pairs were enough.
Another advice says if you are conflicting inside whether to purchase something or not, pause for a few days, think it again. If after a few days the urge is still very strong, you can go back to the shop and buy that item you like. You might need it. Very often I don’t want it anymore after a few days for thinking about it again. It works.
This last few weeks I have been thinking about buying footware that more water resistant and comfortable for traveling during the wet weather.
The urge is getting stronger. And I know I still need this kind of footware. So I plan to break one promise.
Song of the Heart 
I always ask myself: “Is this a NEED or a WANT?” If I need something, I buy it, if it is a want then it goes back on the shelf.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree, Eliza.
LikeLike
The Minimalists have a lot of sage advice when we’re tempted to buy on impulse. One thing they do is wait 30 hours to see if they still want it. By pressing the pause button, the impulse subsides. There’s no shame in wanting something. I believe it’s important to reward myself for a job well done, or why work as much as I do? Minimalism isn’t about depriving ourselves. For me it’s about bringing things into my life that add value and have meaning. It’s a valid need if it has purpose and will be enjoyed. Normally, I give a few things away before bringing something else in. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Barb. It is interesting tonknow the 30 hours waiting period!
Agree. Self-reward is also important for keeping the self in a good mood (happy state).
LikeLike