Breaking Free: My No-Spend Revelation About Marketing
One month into my No-Spend Year and I had a major revelation... I am brainwashed. I thought I was a smart shopper, avoiding all the marketing ploys, buying items on sale or second hand. Although it is smart to buy on sale/second hand, it isn't smart to buy it when you don't need it just because it's cheap.
I came to this conclusion while at Walmart shortly after New Years. I decided to check out the clearance Christmas items. The main items remaining were Christmas baking kits. My brain instantly began whirling, trying to figure out how I could use these kits because they were cheap. While I was thinking, my 2.5 year old began racing the aisles.
Then it hit me, "Why am I trying to justify buying this baking kit? My child obviously does not need the sugar. I'm trying to eat less sugar so I don't need it. The only Christmas baking I did was peanut butter kiss cookies at request of my husband. We don't need this." I put the kit back; even though it would have eventually been used and the cost wasn't a factor, we didn't need it. I had won the battle!
But the war wasn't over. I moved down the aisle to the remaining Christmas items. Once again my brain started working overtime, trying to figure out who I could gift the foot tall, silver, glass snowman to because of its price. Then I was struck again. " Obviously this isn't an item most people want in their home if it is still available for 75% off. I wouldn't want this random thing so why am I trying to give it to someone else?" I put it back and decided my gift giving will be more intentional and not dictated by sales.
Another incident that contributed to my revelation also involved Christmas clearance. The one item I planned on buying was wrapping paper. Somehow this was brought up at Christmas while at my parents. My mom offered I take some of their wrapping paper because they had too much. I accepted the offer, but was still planning on purchasing more that was less Christmassy, to be used for birthdays/weddings/etc.
On the drive home I contemplated why I felt a need to get additional wrapping paper. I realized I had succumbed to the lie that people will judge me if I don't have the "right" product. That I am not a good mom/wife if I don't have things perfect. A part of me has been letting my worth be dictated by products and other people. I am taking that power back. I don't need to have what everyone else has. I don't need things to look perfect. I don't need others approval to know my worth. My worth comes from God. Buying certain wrapping paper (products) is not going to make me more or less worthy in His eyes.
Participating in the No-Spend Year has provided me with space to explore my thoughts and behaviors around consumerism. It is opening my eyes to the lies I have believed that I wasn't aware of. I am excited to see what other insights the rest of the year will bring!