If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know that my number one goal in life is simple: seek more peace.
I was a nervous kid, an anxious 20-something, and it wasn’t until my 30s that I truly began to come home to myself. Now, as I approach my 40s (this July!!), I’m ready to bring that sense of peace — and a deeper sense of self — to a whole new level.
Enter: Jenna.
My friend Jenna is a fabulous stylist who lives right here in Chester Springs. Recently, she told me she was considering a no-buy challenge. Despite working in fashion, she realized that limiting her purchases could spark more creativity with what she already owns.
The moment she mentioned it, I felt a spark — I knew this was exactly the next step I needed to take toward my bigger goal: living with more intentionality, and ultimately, more peace.
Why a No-Buy Challenge?
I believe what we buy says a lot about who we are. Our purchases reflect our values, our emotions, and our sense of self.
I’ve set intentions before — plenty of them — but I’ve rarely tested myself with something so concrete, so absolute. I’ve never promised myself “no-matter-what” for a real stretch of time. That changes now.
My Goals for the Challenge
1. To become more intentional with my spending.
We’re fortunate not to be in debt, and we don’t need to take on a no-buy challenge. (Does that make it easier or harder? I’m not sure yet.) But I know I say YES to more than I need. With a built-in pause button, I hope to become a more mindful consumer — and to set a stronger example for my kids.
2. To reclaim my time.
Shopping has become a habit, a pastime. Waiting at a kiddo’s game? Lounging on the couch? Scroll, scroll, scroll. I’m excited — and a little nervous — to see what happens when I replace mindless scrolling with something more meaningful. (But what will that be?!?! Stay tuned while I figure it out.)
3. To get creative with what I already have.
Getting dressed for work or events doesn’t have to mean buying something new. Maybe, just maybe, dressing can become an act of creativity instead of consumption. (Full disclosure: this feels hard — I love getting dressed up — but I’m trusting my closet is jazzy enough for the next 90 days.)
4. To stretch muscles I haven’t stretched before.
I’ll be honest: I haven’t needed to be especially strict with spending until now. This will be an opportunity to learn about my habits, emotions, and maybe even parts of myself I’ve never seen before. Growth only happens when we step outside of what’s comfortable.
Want to Join Me?
Maybe you’re also craving a reset. Maybe you’re curious to see what a little intentionality could uncover in your life.
Here’s how I’m structuring it:
- Start date: Sunday, April 28, 2025
- The rules: No unnecessary purchases — no new clothes, jewelry, shoes, bathing suits, jackets, or home decor for myself
- Sharing: I’ll post a blog and a video every week with updates, reflections, and probably a few surprises.
The spirit of this challenge is peace, not punishment. I’ll keep it light, stay curious, and see what unfolds.
And of course, it’s always more fun with friends! If you want to join me, share your journey using #nobuychallenge or send me a message — I’d love for us to cheer each other on.
Here’s to more peace, more creativity, and a little more freedom.
4 the Love of Peace 