FRIDAY FUNDAY
On Fridays Hubs and I try to sneak away for an hour or two to do something as a couple. The kids are in school, the house is quiet, and we try to enjoy 60 minutes of fun— something to remind us of the couple we were before we were parents.
Only 60 minutes means we need to get creative.
Doing a 90-Day No Buy Challenge means we need to get really creative.
A CRAVING
Today I was craving a visit to the Life’s Patina for a beautiful pastry and a cup of tea. This is a hard impulse to fight. It seems to be the most comforting habit I have…even more so than spending money on clothes or little finds on Amazon. More than anything else, I really love the feeling of walking into one of my favorite local spots for a sweet treat.
Is it the locale?
Is it my sweet tooth?
Is it an old pattern from when we were first dating? The feeling of going out with my man and having him treat me to something?
Whatever it is, I wanted to push past the impulse today. Not because coffee dates are bad or because cafe stops are un-fun. This 90-day challenge is simply asking me to think differently about how I spend my time and money. So, we’re behaving differently. Since the weather has changed and it’s warmer out, we opted for a walk at Upland Farms.
TIME FOR NATURE
We’re so lucky to have lots of amazing spots near our home, all of which are perfect for an afternoon stroll: Marsh Creek State Park, Walnut Lane, The Struble Trail, The Bryn Coed, and Binky Lee Preserve are a few favorites.
Lately, it seems we don’t have time for these spots. As the kids grow older, our lives are pulled away from the preserves where nature and quiet reign, to the ball fields, the soccer fields, and the art classes where our children are finding new strengths and skills.
But today, we had time. And Upland Farms rose to the occasion.
THE TAKEAWAY
Today we traded a walk for a lovely tea and sweets. Do I have a preference? Is one necessarily better than the other? The challenge asks me to consider this. I think in most cases, I would prefer a walk, but I usually opt for the treat because it feels like “a treat.” Walks feel like any old day, and I want my time with Hubs to feel “special.” I use the words “special” and “treat” often, and I wonder how those phrases may be the things that play into habit formation.
So, what if I called my walks outside “my treat?” Would I think differently about them?
Has Day 20 brought you any new clarity? Fill me in! I can’t wait to hear what new discoveries you’re making. Namaste every day, friends! Be well and hang in there!
NoBuyChallenge #IntentionalLiving #MinimalistMom #MindfulSpending #ConsciousConsumer #SimplifyYourLife #AntiConsumerism #LessIsMore #MindfulLiving #MinimalistLifestyle #ShopWithPurpose #BuyLessLiveMore #SustainableChoices #DeclutterYourLife #LiveIntentionally #NoBuyYear #FrugalAndFree #MinimalMomLife #SpendWithIntention #FinancialFreedomJourney #MinimalismForMoms #BreakTheHabit #IntentionalShopping #SimpleAndSlow #NoBuyMonth
4 the Love of Peace 