The Ever-Changing Challenge
Today I’m laughing at myself because each day of this 90-Day No-Buy Challenge feels wildly different.
What did I expect?
I guess I assumed it would be SUPER ANNOYING and COMPLETELY UN-FUN.
But, I figured I would learn a thing or two in the process, and that would be worth it. Turns out, I’m right about the learning part, but I was wrong about WHAT I would learn.
Every day is different.
Every day is new and unexpected.
And, apparently, I had a lot to learn about my habits and tendencies.
The Pleasure of a Beautiful Space
Today I had space in my schedule. Whenever this happens (I never noticed this before the challenge) I crave a little stroll and something beautiful to look at.
I’ve written this in other posts: there’s something visceral about walking into a beautifully curated shop. Whether it’s a boutique, garden center, or local home store, I find myself inspired by how spaces are styled—thoughtfully, artfully, with intention.
The feelings I get from walking through a store include: awe, excitement, and inspiration.
Some people find that feeling in nature. And I do too, sometimes. But I also experience that spark in a well-designed retail space. It’s like stepping into someone’s creative mind—seeing how textures, colors, and objects all harmonize.
My Favorite Place: Terrain
One of my all-time favorite places around here is Terrain. (Even if you just click on THIS LINK for a view of their website, you’re likely to feel inspired.) I could wander there for hours, soaking in the ambiance and admiring the creativity behind every display. It feels magical. (Spoiler alert: I’m 100% sure that’s what they were going for. Their strategy for beauty WORKS. Everything there is beautiful, and I want to buy it all!)
I know I’m not alone. There’s a reason why walking through Anthropologie feels like a treat, but a trip to Goodwill feels… well, less so (no shade, Goodwill—you serve our communities in tremendous ways, but you don’t exactly need a strong marketing platform to sell $4 everything).
Sidebar consideration: Maybe donate to Goodwill sometime soon!
Is It About Buying—Or Feeling Inspired?
This challenge is making me question:
Is it the buying I enjoy? Or the inspiration?
Can I soak up beauty without bringing home more crap?
That’s the shift I’m working on—separating the feeling from the habit. So, I’ve been diving into James Clear‘s amazing book, Atomic Habits, which offers great insight: if we want to truly change a habit, we need to change the environment that supports it. We also need to change the habit response.
Rewriting the Script
So now, when I feel the urge to shop, I pause and ask:
- What am I really craving?
- Is it peace? Inspiration? A new experience?
- Could I fulfill that need in a different way?
Maybe instead of heading to a store, I’ll:
- Take a walk outside
- Rearrange a corner of my home
- Journal or read for a few minutes
I want to keep the awe and ditch the impulse.
What About You?
This challenge isn’t just about not buying—it’s about learning more about ourselves.
So I’m curious:
- What habits are you rethinking?
- What fills you up that doesn’t involve shopping?
- How are you staying inspired without adding more stuff?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or even your struggles.
We’re in this together. Let’s make space for beauty, without cluttering our lives.
4 the Love of Peace 