Committing to a No Buy Year has been challenging but also very rewarding.

By this time last year, I’d already failed by mid-February by buying a few things off Amazon and buying clothes and electronics. Once I’d bought one thing the floodgates opened.

This year has been different.

I’ve learned from my mistakes in the past, what triggers me to buy (usually boredom or stress) and I’ve worked on delayed gratification.

As the days go on I find myself not wanting to shop anymore. Clothing was top on my list to avoid, and I’ve been really appreciating the wardrobe that I have.

I thought it would be harder as the months go on, but honestly, it’s easier.

I’m not opening Amazon or looking at online stores anymore. In fact, the only thing I’ve bought online in the past two months was bulk stevia (I love it in my tea, haven’t found an alternate source yet).

January ended with looking forward to how I would get through my No Buy in February. I tried to prepare myself for a month of struggle, but now that I’m at the end of February I’m not just looking at March, I’m ready for the rest of this year (and beyond!).

I’ve spent the last 12 years embracing the mindset of being minimalist. And yet the shopping component was the one that I had yet to break, because if you don’t stop acquiring things, you’ll always be getting rid of your excess.

Thankfully I’ve always kept the one in, one out rule (or one in, two out). Now it’s none in, one out.

If you’re on your own No Buy or Low Buy journey for the year, please share in the comments what your experience has been like.

I hope that you have a day will with kindness, love, and support.