I’m embarrassed to write this. Honestly, it feels horrifically stupid. But with Mother’s Day just around the corner—and me on this 90-day no-buy challenge—a small, desperate corner of my psyche is whispering, “Where’s my gift?”
I mean, surely I deserve a little something, right? After all, I haven’t bought myself a single unnecessary-yet-utterly-irresistible item in DAYS THAT FEEL LIKE WEEKS. (Cue tiny violins and a small pack of Cinderella’s mice to play them.)
So now, instead of buying, I’m… fantasizing. Yep. I’ve been mentally shopping. I picture myself gliding through aisles like a budget-conscious queen, gently fondling throw pillows and coffee mugs, then setting them down with a dramatic, “No, no… we need something more special for Mom.”
Here are a few of the very reasonable, not at all ridiculous gifts that have recently floated into my imagination:
- A female Grecian bust planter, ideal for housing a spider plant or my delusions of grandeur.
- A ruby ring, the kind an Earl might bequeath to his favorite daughter if she impressed him with her embroidery skills or ability to marry strategically.
- Short shorts designed exclusively for 19-year-olds, which I could theoretically pull off while gardening, as long as no one’s looking directly at me, and the neighbors drive by fast enough not to notice
- A Tibetan singing bowl that echoes for three hours and aligns all seven chakras before brunch.
- A pair of metallic Oxford platform shoes—preferably Cole Haan—that would make me 2 inches taller and 20% more interesting at parties.
Am I serious? Only a little.
The truth is, I don’t need any of that stuff. I already have more than enough. And yet… there’s something about Mother’s Day that makes you feel like you should want something. Because gift culture. Because Target end caps. Because brunch menus with fancy font.
But here’s the surprise twist I didn’t see coming:
Since I can’t buy anything right now, I’m realizing I don’t actually want anything either.
I mean… do I really need another yoga mat or ceramic mug with a vague inspirational quote? Or do I just want someone to bring me a cup of coffee and tell me I’m doing a good job?
So, what do I want for Mother’s Day?
Nothing.
I just want a peaceful day with my people. Maybe a hike. Maybe a boat ride. Maybe a sandwich I didn’t have to assemble while refereeing a fight over whose bat is whose in the yard (that didn’t totally happen twice already this week– ok, yes, it did). If I’m being really honest, even if I do end up making the sandwich, I’m fine with that.
Because I’m learning that joy doesn’t come from stuff—it comes from meaning. From intention. From being here and not scrolling Amazon looking for a dopamine hit.
So maybe that’s the secret.
When you strip away the buying, you see what actually matters. And what I want… is peace. Connection. Maybe a nap. Definitely a nap.
What about you?
What realizations are you having lately? What do you really want (or not want) this year?
Drop a comment, send a DM, shout it from the rooftops. I want to hear your discoveries.
Namaste Every Day, Friends.
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4 the Love of Peace 