#contentment project

I have been really enjoying Shawna Ripari's content recently, and her "year of contentment" project especially has given me a lot to think about in terms of my own spending habits and current low buy. I've never really had a problem with impulsive spending; in fact I would say I have the exact opposite problem where I can be overly strict with spending on myself. I have been trying to get better at this, while trying not to go too far/overcompensate and develop a overspending habit --- hence the low buy I'm currently on.

Shawna talked in her first "year of contentment" video that low buys/no buys tend to focus on the act of buying/spending and on stuff, which I agree; low buys/no buys in my experience doesn't help to shift focus away from stuff or spending on a fundamental level that will help you change your relationship with what you own, which might be part of the reason why they can be difficult to stick to for some. No buys and low buys basically cuts down spending cold turkey which also doesn't help in cultivating and exercising discipline and healthy spending habits. Personally, as someone who is generally too strict with my personal spending, no buys/low buys can vilify spending in away that exacerbates that guilt after spending which is not healthy or helpful at all.

Watching Shawna's videos have given me the inspiration to come up with my personal goals that I want to achieve with my low buy - in doing so, a low buy becomes more of a means to an end and not the end in itself, which I think is much healthier and reminds me not to hyper-focus on the dollar amount of what I'm spending/not spending. Instead, a low buy becomes a very powerful tool to help me do what I want. So, very briefly, here are some of my goals that I set for my low buy this year:

1. To hit savings/investment goals

2. To build healthier spending habits

- Be less strict on spend $$ on items that can improve health/general well-being/quality of life etc. (within reason) - To enjoy my spending with less guilt and not hoard money unnecessarily - To support local businesses as much as possible when I spend

3. Donate more $$ to charity more regularly

4. Help save for parents' retirement

5. To be a more conscientious consumer

- Spend $$ on fewer but better quality items that last - Avoid fast fashion

6. Use what I already own - avoid waste!

I think I can probably do a whole other post on being a conscientious consumer - another thing that has been on my mind a lot lately especially since Earth Day.