I heard someone say once that to buy something you don’t need is greed.

Ouch.

I heard another person remark recently that when they bought something they didn’t end up wearing or using a lot, it wasn’t a good use of the materials or the cost of the work to put it together, etc.

To be intentional with my spending choices means a lot to me. It has roots in my desire to store up more treasure in heaven than on earth, but also to be wise, a good steward, and cultivate a heart of contentment.

I’ve been on a simplicity journey for the last few years, from media inputs to stuff to my calendar. In an effort to challenge myself a little, I’ve been thinking of things I want to not buy in 2023.

Candles – I have many I need to use up; the cabinet is getting a little too full.

Clothes for special occasions – I have this habit of buying items for specific trips or occasions and then rarely wearing them again. I’d like to do better at practicing contentment and making something in my closet work (because normally it will and work well). I have a few weddings in 2023. If I really want something new, maybe I’ll try one of those renting websites like Rent the Runway or Nuuly, or I’ll borrow from a friend. :)

Journals – I have been a journal probably all my life. Prayers, rants about high school crushes and mean girls, honest questions to God, reflections on fun happenings, etc. But I write so much and so often that I burn through them and hardly ever go back to read them, probably because I then can’t remember when I wrote what thing. Anyway, just as an experiment, I’m going to try utilizing an early Christmas gift, an iPad pro, to journey and sketch and process.

Pens – There’s just no need for more. Enough said.

Shoes – I’m a bag lady and I’ve had a rule for years that if I wanted a new purse I needed to give away or sell on. This keeps my collection thoughtful and not excessive. I think the same can now be applied to shoes. In this season of life, I know what shoes I wear every day and what shoes I gravitate toward for special events and I’m all set. Until a pair wears out, shoe shopping can go off my mental plate.

Greeting cards – I’m not only a graphic designer but a happy note-writer, so if I need a greeting card, I’m committing to creating my own. #nerdalert

Home Decor – This will be a fun one. After many years of buying cheap decorations and then not liking them years later, I decided I wanted to have a handful of seasonal decorations that I loved and that was it. It would make changing up decor easier, quicker, and the simpler look would just be more enjoyable for me. It includes: a seasonal / holiday throw blanket (we currently have collected springtime, Valentine’s day, Fall and Christmas), an item or two for the mantle, something as a centerpiece for the table and a few things as shelf and guest bathroom fun. I have been so happy with this decision! In 2023, if I wanted something fresh, I’d like to be creative with what I already own.

So far that’s my list. I’ll circle back if anything gets added by January 1st.