Something weird has happened to me lately. And to all of those who know me in real life – you will understand just how weird this is. For the past few months I have had no desire to spend money. SHOCKER right?!?
I am your typical run of the mill gal. I like to do a bit of shopping and I love splurging on a schmancy pair of shoes or a going out top. I can never leave a store without buying something and I have to keep my credit card at home in fear that I will spend above my means. I try to be frugal with my money but when a girl wants a new gadget… well…
Which is why I find it odd that for the past couple months I have had no desire to buy things. I will walk in and out of a store and not feel that usual burning desire to make a purchase. The other week I went to the mall to buy a little gift for myself for all my hard work, and left the mall EMPTY HANDED! Nothing called to me! It was such a bizarre feeling – I just knew from the depths of my soul that buying that pair of sunglasses or that necklace would not make me happy.
One possibility is that now that I am working for my money (instead of relying on my parents and college loans), I appreciate it a little more.
But what I really think is happening is lately I realized I have two options – either I spend that money on things, or on experiences. And to be honest, I would rather spend $100 on a weekend trip to New York City where I can connect with people and take fun yoga classes, then on a pair of jeans. Because bottom line is, after that instant surge of excitement of buying a new item, you are right back to where you were before. Sure you may have a great purse and get tons of compliments, but are you any further in life than you were pre-purse? Are you really that much happier? On the other hand, the memories I made in NYC will last me a lifetime. I have learned things about myself that will carry me through and those experiences contributed to my spiritual and yogic foundations. That’s something that cannot be taken away from me.
My spiritual path has been leading me down this road where I am really starting to believe that less is more. The fewer things I possess, the more I can fly. I long for the day where my environmental impact is miniscule and I can be as compassionate and loving to Mother Earth as I am to my beloved puppy. I do not need things in my closet or a million pairs of shoes to fill up my soul. I would much rather just walk through the grass barefooted, stare up at the big open sky, listen to the wind blowing through the trees and just be…
April 6th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
I feel the same way, but my experiences are food oriented. I prefer experiencing, tasting, eating new meals that cost $100 than buying jeans or a shirt. We went to Vegas and eat our way through it, without as much partying or diong "the Vegas thing". I'm with you friend, all about the experiences!
April 6th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Such a great post. I've been dealing with something similar lately too. The purchases provide instant gratification…but that's not really enough anymore.
April 6th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
I've never been materialistic or a shopper but I'll gladly spend money on traveling or an 'experience' than I will an actual 'object'
April 6th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I hear you! My husband and I made this same decision last year. We would rather travel and have new experiences (and food!) than have material things in our home.
April 6th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
I LOVE this post. A mirror image of what I'm going through right now, I feel like you were speaking right to me. I also think discovering this new lifestyle is part of growing up and getting older. Material things just aren't as important anymore.I happened to fall upon your blog today while searching stuff, and you got me hooked.
Thanks!
April 6th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
I'm lovin' this. Memories over materials.
April 6th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
i just had this talk with another friend after yoga class on monday! not that im a "shopper" persey- but the idea of where we spend our money is VERY important to the root of what makes us feel whole~good post!
April 6th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
good for you.
i know exactly what you're saying. getting my finances together & spending money on yoga & travel sound way better than stocking up on a bunch of material things that i don't really need.
April 6th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
@Elizabethaw yay I am so happy you found me =)
April 6th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
I've noticed that I'm buying less too. Don't get me wrong I still have my tea/book/scarf addiction, but I don't feel like I need to go buy something on payday to "reward" myself
I'd rather take a yoga class!
April 6th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Experiential purchases are definitely longer-lasting than material ones. That's why sites like Groupon and LivingSocial are sucking the life out of my wallet, because they promote those exact things: good food/restaurants, fun weekend activities (bowling/karaoke deals), and new fitness classes/massages!
April 6th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Great post! And I totally know what you mean. I used to be a big spender and used "retail therapy" quite often. But now, I can go through a whole mall and come out with nothing… which, to me, is shocking. I'm glad though, need to save up that extra cash for experiences like you mentioned.
April 7th, 2011 at 2:41 am
You go girl! I've been in the same place lately, though I must admit that I'm jonesing for some new yoga duds.
April 8th, 2011 at 8:17 am
in complete agreement! it took me a while to realize material wealth rarely brought me the true happiness i was searching for. a few years ago i stopped shopping incessantly and wouldn't you know it, i felt lighter and happier without all that STUFF i never really needed! we tend to always have exactly what we need we just also tend to over see that. now whenever i buy new things i really relish them and the initial happiness i get when i first purchase them usually sticks around! it's pretty neat
April 9th, 2011 at 4:53 am
I love this! I honestly found when money is available, I would rather go on a trip, and explore some different food. Shopping….well it is boring….eating new, and exotic food….well that is memories baby!!!! Hugs,Terra
April 25th, 2011 at 12:52 am
I LOVE this post. A mirror image of what I'm going through right now, I feel like you were speaking right to me. I also think discovering this new lifestyle is part of growing up and getting older. Material things just aren't as important anymore.I happened to fall upon your blog today while searching stuff, and you got me hooked.
Thanks!
April 25th, 2011 at 12:52 am
i just had this talk with another friend after yoga class on monday! not that im a "shopper" persey- but the idea of where we spend our money is VERY important to the root of what makes us feel whole~good post!