Breaking Free: My Journey To Living With Less

Finding Joy With Less In A "Buy Everything' World"

Do you ever feel like you can't escape the constant bombardment of "buy this, buy that" everywhere you look?

I'm not even on TikTok, but people tell me the endless pressure from influencers to buy this or upgrade that is relentless. YouTube is just as bad.

I love a good DIY project and finding a deal, but sometimes, I get a little anxious because my house doesn't quite measure up to YouTuber standards.

Television has always been about selling products via sponsorships and ads. But lately, it's like the ads are taking over.

Shows have gotten shorter, and there's barely a minute between commercials.

We're all getting ready for the Super Bowl, and many people are more excited about the ads than the game itself. Crazy, right?

It's hard to keep up with one trend when the next thing is already popping up.

Some YouTubers throw in the line, "You're enough." Then, they turn around and make you feel like you certainly are not enough unless you purchase the next big thing. Well, it gets old real quick.

The Struggle: Consumerism and Debt 💳

Let's face it: the lucky few have solid financial freedom these days.

Over the past several years, we've all experienced a lot. Economic downturns, the Great Recession, and the pandemic shutdown have hit many of us hard.

Prices are still higher than they were eight years ago; let me tell you, it stings.

Whether upgrading your home, redecorating, or scheduling the next big clothing haul, the pressure to consume is immense.

And the gadgets! There's always some new gizmo promising to make life just a teensy bit easier.

Trends change daily on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. We feel a need to keep up, but how can we do that while still having enough cash for the essentials?

Like most people, I want more. However, consumerism is harming all of us. It's also harming the environment, and the totality of it all is starting to weigh on me.

Living with Less: A Personal Journey 🏡

About two years ago, my husband and I made a big move. To make the move easier, we let go of most of our belongings.

Was it scary? Oh, absolutely! Was it worth it? Yes, it totally was!

I'm kinda loving living with less. There are far fewer things to maintain, less clutter, and definitely less cleaning to do.

Our new home is smaller, and there's no way I'll go hoarder mode in this modest home.

We still want things, of course. But we've started to prioritize needs over wants.

And believe me, it's a lot of telling ourselves "no."

Before any purchase, we ask ourselves: "How much do we actually need?" and "How much do we want to take care of?" Is that shiny new gadget worth the space it takes up? How often are we going to use it?

There's much more time for leisurely walks now, and we seem to talk to each other a lot more. Having people over at our place is easier because we no longer have that hurried cleanup session.

And honestly? It's refreshing for the mind and body to live this way.

When we give in less to mass consumerism, we contribute more to the planet in a way that feels real and meaningful.

There's so much more time to enjoy the outdoors, breathe, and feel good about how we're taking care of what's around us.

Taking Steps Toward Freedom 🌱

Stepping back from mass consumerism is a process you learn by taking small steps.

Start, maybe, by committing to a "no-buy month."

Pick just one non-essential purchase each week that you can say no to.

Take time to get away from screens. Put your phone on silent, sit in the sun, listen to the birds, and take in nature.

If you've meant to declutter, now's a great time to get started. Take stock of what you already have.

You might find some hidden treasures tucked away in a closet. Clean them up, use them, and see how much joy they can bring without you buying something new.

Start checking out your local charity shops. Buy second-hand or make a swap with a friend.

Our local Habitat for Humanity store has some great, gently used items.

Supporting an organization like Habitat, which does great things for people, can make you feel oh-so-good. Plus, you're saving money and creating less waste.

And don't forget about your neighbors. Learn the art of borrowing. We downsized to a condo, and while living here, we've learned how to borrow and lend.

The practice is about community and helping each other.

Living with Less: A Life of Peace✨

It's okay to find your own path. Be true to your values.

If you're unsure what you value because you've spent too much time scrolling through TikTok and YouTube, take a step back.

Curb your screen habit for a while, and give yourself the space to figure out who you are and what's truly valuable to you.

Stop putting money in an influencer's pocket — put it in your own.

YouTubers and TikTokers likely have sponsorship deals with many products they promote.

Real power is being true to yourself, your family, and your community.

Living with less can be mighty satisfying.

The wee boost in financial freedom ain't too bad either.

Ready to give it a whirl?