Spending. Shopping. Why do we do it?
We either need something, we WANT something or put simply, habit.
Needing something like food, household items, everyday clothes and shoes (in moderation) goes without saying. These are the products that sustain us, help us day to day and basically keep us alive.
However, the other reasons feed a toxic trait of entitlement, greed and in a sense, juvenile spoilt behaviour.
"I work hard so I Should be able to have this".
"Why shouldn't I"?
"Fuck it, I'm buying it, Why not, I want it".
This attitude has been taught to us over the years through media. Success = Stuff.
We get programmed by the socials and the mainstream media to "Treat" ourselves, oh go on "You're worth it". They feed on our need to want to be better. To look better. To have more. To be successful. They tell us that this revolutionary new underwear Bodysuit is the answer to all our flabby belly problems. (Trust me, it wasn't, I was still fat). Or that this new hair product is way better than the others you've already bought, tried and now don't use. But we buy it just incase. Desperate to look and feel better.
We get suckered into buying things that are going to change our lives and the world for the better. For instance, Those bloody Silicone reusable lids, (Now, I know you have them, i've discovered many at the bottom of your kitchen drawers lol). You know the ones, the idea is to replace clingfilm "Save the planet by buying this sustainable product". Which I did and it was shit. So not only had I wasted money, but i've killed the planet anyway by having it delivered and then I still carried on buying the clingfilm because let's face it, it's just better.
Whether it is new sustainable kitchen equipment, beauty products or a new dress, the retailers are extremely clever. They trick us you see. Trick us into believing that they care about us, our health, our mental wellbeing and the planet. When in fact it is all just a business. Don't allow yourselves to be manipulated into buying something you don't need or had never even thought of before. You are smarter than that.
Don't go shopping for fun. Only go when you need something in particular. If you need a jumper, go for a jumper. If you then see something you like, stop for a second and ask yourself :Do I actually need this or simply want it? Have i already got something similar?
Leave the shop, you can always come back later but I guarantee you'll either forget or won't be bothered to walk back.
Also, don't be fooled, Nothing is ever really a "Bargain". Something may have been cheap in price but It eventually ends up owning us, costing us our time, money and peace of mind. For some bizarre reason we give items worth and power even when they don't work as they were promised or we don't use it or even like it . But because we bought it, we keep hold of it because it would be a waste to throw it away or we "might use it one day".
But these things add up over time. Not just in wasted money but in decreased space in your home and in your mind. Clutter is anything that isn't loved or used regularly. If you have a little shout of 'For fuck sake" when you try and get something you want out of a cupboard and something you don't want/like falls on you, you have a clutter problem. No matter how big or small, if things cause you stress, even just a little bit, you have too much useless shit.
When you really start to look and question items are in your home, I mean really look, as if I were there, "Do I need this"? The answer is already No. Because if you needed to ask the question in the first place, you were already unsure of its worth. It should go without saying that you only have stuff you need.
As long as we have the basics around us we can manage. We manage on holiday don't we? With only one chopping board, one sharp knife, minimum amount of pants and outfits. We mix and match and become creative with styling So why not do that at home. Have one or two item in each style not 10 versions of a long sleeved black top and umpteen pairs of skinny jeans.
Be smart. Be creative. Have less, be happier. Have more space and less decisions.
We alone have the power over what we buy. So join me in Sticking two fingers up to the retailers who trick and manipulate us into buying things and then make us feel guilty when we try and get rid of it.
Say NO I don't need that.
Say I can manage with what I already have.
Say Id rather go on holiday than line the pockets of the already stinking rich retailers.
So change your habits.
Spend your money on experiences, not stuff. x
