“The space in my brain created by not shopping is like a room in a house that’s been cleared of clutter. The other things living in my mind now have more room to breathe and coexist. “ This resonates with me so much. Not only with shopping but other things too. I think letting go of the burdens makes room for things that bring more joy. Like mental Marie Kondo haha
Love this, Laura!! Such good insights about the space social media and shopping take up in your brain and the beauty of that space being open for creativity! Always inspired by your no-spends!
I love the line about shopping + social media being fun until they are not— we’ve felt some financial squeeze this year and I think a no spend challenge is in order, and I love your honest feedback on how it’s going for you.
Both socials + $ worry take up a lot of space in my mind right now, and I’ve been contemplating what to do for both…I think this morning you’ve helped me clarify it’s time to take action!
I’m already feeling exhausted and behind with all the gift guides and Black Friday deals plummeting into my inbox. I love your reflections here and feel so inspired by the no spend—the mantra of “I already have what I need,” is so powerful and something I have to remind myself when it comes to a lot of elements in my life.
I cannot believe you were sick with whooping cough for five weeks! That sounds like a nightmare. I am so, so sorry and glad you are finally feeling better! And I loved this update on your no-spend challenge. All those gift guides call to me and overwhelm me, too -- glad I'm not the only one!
I absolutely love following along on this journey, and your insights have me reflecting more on my own life and shopping/social media habits as well 🤍 Here’s to more space and bandwidth for creativity, in this season and the ones to come ✨
I love gift guides as much as the next girl but the Black Friday sales/ads are killing me this year 😵💫🤣 I actually had one gift idea for myself that I emailed to my mom but by the time she got online, it was sold out and I haven’t been able to think of anything else! You articulated this tension well — at the end of the day, even online window shopping consumes a lot of energy that could be spent elsewhere. ❤️
Goodness, so much of this resonated with me. I have long pondered the connection between shopping and social media for me… they’re fun until they’re not, as you said. Appreciate this reflection so much and I hope you are still able to enjoy your Christmas gifts to the fullest!!
Thanks, Megan! I'm excited to have some new sweaters. Doing this no-spend has helped me identify gaps in my wardrobe, and I noticed I'm lacking color. A deep green sweater and a bright red sweatshirt are now on my list!
Amen to your brain feeling overloaded by gift guides and trying to figure out what to ask for. I have always felt bratty for feeling stressed when people ask me what I want for Christmas or my birthday, but I love how you put words to the deeper feelings going on!
Wow Laura! You just said everything I’ve been thinking and feeling for the last few weeks! I have been on a “more than enough” stuff challenge for the better part of this year. Now that the holidays have rolled around and gift giving/ consuming goods has plagued my mind and I have not felt like myself at all. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way!
“The space in my brain created by not shopping is like a room in a house that’s been cleared of clutter. The other things living in my mind now have more room to breathe and coexist. “ This resonates with me so much. Not only with shopping but other things too. I think letting go of the burdens makes room for things that bring more joy. Like mental Marie Kondo haha
Mental Marie Kondo- that’s it exactly! 🤣 thanks for reading!
Love this, Laura!! Such good insights about the space social media and shopping take up in your brain and the beauty of that space being open for creativity! Always inspired by your no-spends!
Thank you, Laura!
I love the line about shopping + social media being fun until they are not— we’ve felt some financial squeeze this year and I think a no spend challenge is in order, and I love your honest feedback on how it’s going for you.
Both socials + $ worry take up a lot of space in my mind right now, and I’ve been contemplating what to do for both…I think this morning you’ve helped me clarify it’s time to take action!
You won’t regret it!
Wow, what a huge realization that you have more brain space!
What wall calendar are you eying?!
this one! https://riflepaperco.com/products/2025-appointment-calendar-roses
I am always so inspired by your no-spend challenges!! This particular reflection gave me a lot of food for thought.
Not gonna lie, I'm ready to spend on a new chambray shirt! ;)
You're a rockstar, Laura! I feel like I sometimes use shopping to make me feel better about myself. 😬 I need to work on this. Haha.
I’ve totally been there, friend! Thanks for reading ❤️❤️
I’m already feeling exhausted and behind with all the gift guides and Black Friday deals plummeting into my inbox. I love your reflections here and feel so inspired by the no spend—the mantra of “I already have what I need,” is so powerful and something I have to remind myself when it comes to a lot of elements in my life.
Thank you, Jessica!
I cannot believe you were sick with whooping cough for five weeks! That sounds like a nightmare. I am so, so sorry and glad you are finally feeling better! And I loved this update on your no-spend challenge. All those gift guides call to me and overwhelm me, too -- glad I'm not the only one!
Thanks, it really was a nightmare. It feels amazing to be well!
I absolutely love following along on this journey, and your insights have me reflecting more on my own life and shopping/social media habits as well 🤍 Here’s to more space and bandwidth for creativity, in this season and the ones to come ✨
I appreciate your check-ins! ❤️
I love gift guides as much as the next girl but the Black Friday sales/ads are killing me this year 😵💫🤣 I actually had one gift idea for myself that I emailed to my mom but by the time she got online, it was sold out and I haven’t been able to think of anything else! You articulated this tension well — at the end of the day, even online window shopping consumes a lot of energy that could be spent elsewhere. ❤️
Thanks, friend!
Goodness, so much of this resonated with me. I have long pondered the connection between shopping and social media for me… they’re fun until they’re not, as you said. Appreciate this reflection so much and I hope you are still able to enjoy your Christmas gifts to the fullest!!
Thanks, Megan! I'm excited to have some new sweaters. Doing this no-spend has helped me identify gaps in my wardrobe, and I noticed I'm lacking color. A deep green sweater and a bright red sweatshirt are now on my list!
Amen to your brain feeling overloaded by gift guides and trying to figure out what to ask for. I have always felt bratty for feeling stressed when people ask me what I want for Christmas or my birthday, but I love how you put words to the deeper feelings going on!
Thank you, Kelsey!
Wow Laura! You just said everything I’ve been thinking and feeling for the last few weeks! I have been on a “more than enough” stuff challenge for the better part of this year. Now that the holidays have rolled around and gift giving/ consuming goods has plagued my mind and I have not felt like myself at all. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way!
I'm glad this resonated with you! Thanks for reading, Lauren. ❤️
Yes! What a gift to give yourself mental space! I’m curious how Christmas and gift buying went for you this season.
You inspire me! And the new painting is a beauty!