6 minimalist tips on how to shop less
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- Опубликовано: 27 июн 2024
- Tips for those who want to cut spending and shop less without feeling miserable 😊 Especially if you’re doing a low-buy or no-buy year and are an aspiring minimalist.
Thank you for watching, my friends!
You can support me as a creator (or grab some free printable postcards with my collages) here: www.buymeacoffee.com/siberia....
Or: paypal.me/sibirbirdy
From Siberia with love,
Your Ana(stasia)
When you said that “ when we make things for ourselves we become closer to our true nature” It really made me think that maybe that’s why so many of us are so unsatisfied in our daily lives.. we rarely make anything for ourselves anymore. We buy premade food, preassembled furniture, decorations for our houses. We are very separated from the satisfaction of just meeting our basic needs that our ancestors focused on everyday. Thank you for revealing this to us Ana. I learn something from everyone of your videos. Your a calm and beautiful spirit.
I think this is so true, Jeff... We've lost the true value of things that surround us.
Thank you for being here 🌿❄️
This is so true.
Very true! My older son is a very privileged boy who has many expensive toys and most of the time he just wants to draw and make his own paper toys. And I just regret spending so much money on those expensive toys to satisfy a very fleeting desire of his. So hard to escape consumerism…
Yes lurn to be happy with what we already have is a great step... Also we should trust ourselves, trust in our capacity to provide for ourselves by finding or making what we need... That is when knowing how to cook, sew, knitt... But also gather wild plants in nature so we are never hungry is usefull 😂
I felt that too Jeff. When we think about childhood memories, a lot of the most comforting ones will be about food made by mum, snacks made by grandma, toys made by an uncle or neighbour. Now in modern life we dont make anything and nothing is made especially for us. Ana teaches a lot without saying a lot x
Dear Ana. The older I get, the less i buy, I'm not a minimalist, but figured out that I don't require too many items to be happy. Happiness is an inside job. Have a good day 😊
Oh, so true, Anita! And this inside job should be always maintained, with no excuses 😊
Sending love!
"Happiness is an inside job." God, if I had realized that sooner. I'm 37 and just started realizing that. I wasted so many years chasing one thing to the next, thinking "Okay, this doesn't make me happy anymore so the next thing will." But it never does. At least I'm coming around to seeing that happiness really does come from within.
@@superkitten7560 👍👋
I've been told I'm easily satisfied (as in, low standards). Nope. Takes little to make me happy :)
I also have an "easy laugh".
Life is too short :)
@@Angel-rq3pi 👍
Dear Ana, watching your videos helps me not to loose my faith in mankind and humanity. Especially in these difficult times we're all living in currently. Here in Germany there is so much hate and misunderstanding going on, It's really hard to stand. So knowing that there is a beautiful soul like you (and all others in this Community!) out there is so comforting! Thank you for your precious and meaningful work!🌹 Much love from Germany!💕
I should thank you too and the whole community of friends that we have here! It gives so much hope 💖🌟
❤️
I feel the same way 💓
❤
I don't believe you were overthinking when you saw the sparrow, you were just thinking. If everyone thought more about these simple truths, I imagine the world would be such a wonderful place. I really appreciate your videos. You also remind me of Audrey Hepburn with the same lovely glow (off topic, but I just thought I'd say it anyway!)
Aww, thank you so much, Tracey! It's a sweet compliment and I gratefully take it 💖
I popped to visit my mother a few hours earlier and we were talking about how her and my father made there own things. My mother was a dress maker and she made all our clothes. My grandmother knitted all our jumpers and my father could fix almost anything. Consequently my sisters and myself have grown up and are able to knit, sew, crochet, paint, fix and grow. Before the trend of upcycling we adapted and changed furniture and clothes. Almost everything we own has a story or a memory. The few things we have bought I have noticed we are more likely give away and not keep as they have less meaning.
Dear Ana, thanks a lot for your work and your meaningful way of life. You give so much inspiration and awareness with your content :) I am very grateful that I found your channel :)
Thank you for being here with me, dear Isabel! ❤️
My older sister used to feel this pressure to not wear the same outfit two times in one month to work. I finally told her, no one cares or is looking at her that hard. She had a lot of items in her overstuffed closet that she never wore, but it felt like she had options. I would rather have fewer items I know I wear and can make work together. I asked if she ever noticed I wear the same things over and over. She hadn’t. 😂
Haha, this is such a relatable story! 😀
My coworkers used to talk behind my back about me wearing the same clothes often. I was a single mom at the time and barely had any money left for clothes after paying rent and all my bills. When I found out I did feel very sad and almost ashamed. When I finally had some extra money I started shopping way to much, it was like I could never buy enough. Now I finally accepted I have a shopping addiction and currently I am working on that. I leaned a lot of things in this video that will help me overcome my addiction. It has not been easy but I will keep trying.
The world moves at such a fast pace - immediate gratification becomes an addictive power - the norm. Thank you Ana for sharing the message of slowing down and the joy one can experience from handmade or thrifted items. They offer so much more warmth and value. Enjoy your making and knitting Ana! ❤️🇳🇴🌲👩🏻🌾🐑➰
Thank you, dear Patricia! ⭐🌲💛
It may sound strange, but this pandemic has had some positive effects on our lives too, for example it has slowed down and/or reduced unnecessary spending. It has also helped some of us see that there are so many things out there (health, friendship, relationships, trust, etc.) so much more important than the excitement over new purchases. I have not had the desire to spend money on clothes since it all started, although I had significantly reduced my expenditure on clothes even before that. I smiled when you mentioned duplicates, because it brought back a funny memory, when I loved a sweater so much that I bought three identical ones and one day a friend of mine jokingly said "Did you not sleep at home last night?", implying that I had not changed my clothes for a reason. ;) I got smarter since then, so if I really liked a sweater again I made sure I bought different colors at least. :)
I agree, Magda! The global situation revealed so many important things..
Oh, and your sweater story made me smile huge 😊
Thank you Ana for your comforting company on this cold winter's evening. I identified gaps in my wardrobe & filled them thoughtfully & now I'm deeply satisfied with what I have. I also have a few go to soup recipes that I enjoy cooking for myself. Stay warm & creative & thank you for sharing yourself with us.
"Life is unstable and we don't have control over anything outside our minds" - what a truth in that thought. I will write this up and look at it every day to remind of me of how I react and approach life. Your channel is proof that social media can be so gratifying if used wisely:)
thank you for the videos, ana! these are very calming and pleasant to watch, very very glad to have found your channel, watched almost everything twice lol!! i also recently came to the conclusion how in search of novelty we have confused consumption and creating, replacing the latter with the first and feeling empty in the aftermath. it was too on the nose to see at first, but very freeing to realize. and now back to cleaning up my closet...
Such a great point, my friend! Indeed, it takes time for us to understand what are our real needs...
Thank you for being here with me! 🌸
I used to know all the clothes of my classmates at school, we would wear the same things for years and I had my favorites, even my “lucky” items. Then someone “told” us there are some arbitrary trends and status expectations. It took me a lot of money and time to understand I am fooled around by marketing strategies.
My tips to walk away from impulsive buying:
1. Think if I have space for it back at home.
My wardrobe is so clogged by now that this new shiny dress is going to be a squeezed piece of cloth I am not even able to find
2. Will I wear it 30 times during the year
3. What happens if I don’t buy it (disclaimer: nothing)
And most important for me is remembering my big financial goal: saving for investment. I want my new shopping passion to be properties and businesses that generate income
These are such great insights, my friend! 😍
Loved this: "What happens if I don’t buy it (disclaimer: nothing)"😄
I would love to be one of those capsule wardrobe people who has 10 items that I can make 20 different outfits to wear. My creative comes in the way of cooking or baking. I watch you do your crafts and think why can’t I? Because I am craft challenged. But the satisfaction must be huge!
Hi, Diane! I encourage you to try and craft 💖It's a super rewarding thing to do. Just make simple things - a cup cosie, or a scarf, or a hat, or a bag. Anything:)
Sending love!
Just try 😊 who will know 😊 do things for you... You can cook you'll eat it up no waste ! Japoneese traditionnal art are nice too like ikebana or aïku we strong rules to follow that help creativity (being creative is often solve a problem for a goal 😊) you can use branches or dry herbs gathered outside during walks for ikebana... And soon spring is coming... Writting is easy to hide until we feel confident... Then make easy projects for yourself like bags or tawashi sponge then more difficult things that implies the risk of wasting, small steps to build confidence... And a knitted hat does not need to be perfect to keep you warm 😊 lots of luck in your projects !!
Recently, someone said something about only face to face purchasing rather than online purchasing as a way to not spend. I like that; because I live on a farm, there are not many opportunities to shop for me. But what has really curbed my spending is my goal of saving money for the purpose of retirement (in 5 months-so a real urgency is involved). I’m ready to follow another path for working, but I cannot do that if I don’t save enough money. Having a goal is important.
Oh, wishing you the best luck on your money-saving journey! 🌸
I am doing the same because a dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline. We can make it happen! Good luck!
@@miriamolmo4261 congratulations to my friend! It is time.
The timing of this video is absolutely perfect. I struggle with this a lot, especially as you mentioned, I tend to shop online when I am stressed and it's mostly to try to gain a sense of control over my life. Also bad body image days make me believe I need new items when actually what I already own is just fine. I do need a few new basic items, but it's not easy not to fall in the consumerist trap of buying more than I actually need. Thank you for your wise words and insights. Especially what you said about trying to gain control really struck a cord for me.
Deep down (sometimes not that deep...) human beings are animals, both in the good and the bad sense. For instance, we are predators. We want to devour what we "love". We want to devour beauty, and beautiful objects. What I hear you say is, if you love something, set it free. Don't devour it. Respect it, appreciate it, and let it go. Practice respect even with objects. Only that way can you surround yourself with special things, instead of simply collecting stuff. Also, the forgotten practice of renunciation can be much more enriching than the mindless collecting.
Thank you so much for sharing your time with us, dear Ana.
Agree with you so much, my friend 💛
Renunciation is absolutely enriching as it shifts focus in the right direction.
Well stated, thereisacrack 3. It is too bad the word 'renunciation' has such a negative connotation, when the act is actually moving towards freedom, towards realization of a higher part of ourselves.
Dear Anastasia, I'm so happy that I found your channel yesterday and I've seen almost all of your videos, in 2 days. I must say, that you are a warm gentle soul, full of creativity. Thank you for your tips about life and art. A fellow artist (I love drawing and photography) from Athens, Greece, sending much love! ❤
Aww, so glad to meet you here, my friend and fellow artist! 😘
Thank you for your warm words, they made me smile happily 💖
Sending love and hugs to beautiful Athens!
Another heartfelt message from you dear Ana. Spending money on clothes for myself is probably the most difficult expense I have. It can leave me with feelings of anxiety and panic. I second guess the purchase and question the value it brings to my life. It is amazing that I don’t run around ‘nude’ lolololol. I look forward to hearing from you again. 🥰
Timely advice, as I'm embarking on a low-spend year. I've been switching to wearing natural fabrics, such as linen and hemp - grown and made in Europe (so quite local to me and with good regulations in place to protect the workers). That means that I have to pay more for every item, but the quality is much higher. So I only buy a few items a year. By the way, that oyster mushroom print is so cute!
Oh, I love linen items too, they are so worth the money! Want to try hemp and nettle fabrics too sometime soon (maybe within some DIY project).
Good luck with the low-buy year, my friend!
Glad you like the drawing, too. I used to do a lot of dotwork earlier, need to revive that hobby:)
Yes the knowledge of quality of fabrics and fibers is soooo important... It's almost lost and it's sad... Sergé of the jeans is very durable (it was made for tents !) also the popeline of Liberty fabric... True full wool ! Silk is very very strong... You can keep a good silk scarf for life 😊 for neetles you can make itens from scratch if you have a garden where you can pile stems while they rot until you get the fiber... It can be totally free :) and when taking the leaves away dry them for handfull of dry leaves to put in your winter soups !!! We can provide and nature provide a lot too !! Even if it would be difficult to be fully autonomous as it takes a lot of energy 😊
Excellent advice. Thank you! Here's to No Buy 2022! 🥂
Yay! 🌟
Thank you, my friend!
Thank you for sharing your personal stories, Anna! They are so relatable and heartfelt. I find myself in tears when I listen to your talks, I feel deep down a sense of humanity and feel less alone. So thank you for such meaningful content. Slow art and no rush living resonates with me so much. And I remind myself to create more than I consume. I recently up ended my somewhat comfortable life abroad where I lived and worked for 12 years. Now back in my home country which doesn’t feel like home, I find myself starting over and alone at age 51. Changes can be scary but necessary when one takes the journey back to oneself. Choosing myself meant making these changes. One of the things I realise more and more now is how little I need in terms of money, possessions and luxuries to enjoy life. There is so much joy and peace to be found in noticing and appreciating the mundane things and moments. Love from the Philippines.
This inspired me to finally mend a pair a jeans I set aside a few weeks ago after a small hole tore open near the waist. Sewing a little heart over it made of red cloth flecked with gold 💖 thank you for sharing these thoughts!
Can I just say I love the artwork on your shelf. The Giraffe with the dragonfly head so far is my favorite.
I agree with creating instead of buying! I am not a very good DIY person (like knitting or sewing) but I watch Instagram fashion inspirations and recreate the "vibe" using what I already have in my closet. I use branches and wild plants that grow in my backyard to create arrangements in vases. When I feel like spending I go to the Internet, put things in a basket, and then go away: I completely forget about it and when I go back delete everything....I use to have a wishlist of things I thought I needed in my bag but I stopped as this was more a "wantlist" and an incitement to spend....As you say, what we have in our closet will last a very long time!!!
Thank you so much for your gentle approach to life! One tip I use is when I'm looking at an item, I compare the cost with how long I need to work for that item. So say I want a sweater -- well it may cost me 5 hours of work to pay for it -- it usually isn't worth it to me!! :-)
Yeah, it's very insightful once we convert the cost into actual working hours!🌟
This video was on point! In todays world it is very easy to numb our pain and unhealed issues with material things and senseless external distractions. The hard part is to not give in and slowly work on our internal healing. You are an inspiration to do this and not give up, even if there are obstacles on the way. Your place of mental calmness, satisfaction with really important things in life and your creativity is a goal I would love to reach.❤️
It's so great to see your channel growing, Ana! You deserve it - your message is very needed in todays world.🌟🕊️🌷
Thanks for taking time with us again this week and sharing your journey - very helpful!
Thank you for this video. It is just what I needed today. I don't have a problem with clothes shopping but I do have a problem with book buying. I am making 2022 a no buy for books and am reading exclusively from my bookshelves.. It has been tough ..and it has only been a month ( I started in December) but I am determined to get rid of compulsive buying.
Hello Ana, your presence is so gentle and calming, I am sure you get that all the time. I do want to attempt a low buy year this year so thank you for the tips xx
Oh, it's exciting! Hope it will be an enjoyable experience 🤗
Thank you for your kind words💚
I always tend to wait. Sometimes we don't really need the thing, is just the excitement to buy. Love the video as always! 🥰
So lovely as always :) I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoy your content.
I also used to buy a lot to gain control of my life... Ironically also when I was in a bad financial situation I wanted to feel secure by at least having lots of things. So I also kept buying things fo upcoming seasons and wasting a lot of money on things that I might need. What helped me to stop this is to just focus on what I currently really need and would use. If I'll need a skirt in the future or a certain book, I'll find a way to make it happen at that point.
Another thing that has helped me, which you are probably already a master at, is to find meaningful hobbies and to replace the hunger for material things with learning something for example :)
Habe a great day 🌟
Oh, I can 100% relate to your experience with things for upcoming seasons, my friend! It took a while for me to end that habit.
Yep, hobbies and any creative passions are the best cure:)
Sending love!💖
Omg so i am not the only one who
is buying for upcoming seasons😀
I have hobby - baking cakes - but i cannot practice my hobby for the moment (don't have oven). Not sure how to stop my spending habbits😢
I really enjoyed your videos. I came to realize a long time ago that if I don’t appreciate, love, and enjoy what I do have, then I will never be happy because I will always want more and more is never enough. I am trying to have more gratitude in my life. Yes I agree with you that when we need things we get such a feeling of satisfaction every time we look at it or use it and when we give gifts they are the ones that are appreciated and remembered even more by the receiver of the gift. Have a beautiful day💐
This is my favourite video so far. It hits all the right spots. And gave me so much food for thought. I will watch it again and again I am sure to help me on my path of spending less.
My partner passed away beginning of the year and thinking that grieving for him would stop my from spending it made it worse. 😢 I just don’t know how to stop. I am 57 and you would think I would have control over my spending by now 😢😢😢❤
RUclips had suggested me your apartment tour video and i am glad i clicked on it. Have seen almost all of your videos. Your content is amazing! Love from India 💕
Thank you so much, dear Ankita! I'm happy to meet you here 🌸
Sending love to India from Siberia.
This was a fantastic video, Ana. I loved your experience with the little sparrow trying to get the blade of grass. It really made me think. I want my little nook to be warm and homey...and not to just shop for the instant gratification. Thank you so much for your insight and sharing it so brilliantly!
Lots of love!
I love your videos, the relax me… This particular video reminded me of something that happened some years ago, my life at that time was very hectic, fast past, full of chaos, when one day I was driving, probably rushing to get to somewhere unimportant no doubt, when I came to red light on a 6 lane road, 3 lanes going north and 3 lanes going south, it was pouring rain, my car was the first at the light, I looked to the left and saw an elderly man push in a wheelchair without legs pushing himself across all 6 lanes, boy oh boy was that a rude awakening for me, I had tears running down my face and thought, wow, o matter how bad we think we it in life there is always someone struggling more, I was very humbled and never got that image out of my head and sadly refer to it from time to time to keep me grounded.
Oh, this story stroke a chord in me too... So deep and even painful, but eye-opening indeed.
Thank you so much for this 💖
I'm not an aspiring minimalist per se but I am always pursuing intentionality and what brings meaning to my life. My friends and family would call me a minimalist but I don't agree. I go through cycles of more and less. I value connection and contentment over stuff for sure and I also love beauty. I agree with you that DIY brings the most meaning in my daily life--it's less about consuming and more about creating. The creative act brings so much joy and satisfaction and it's one of a kind. This year I'm writing down the things I purchase (outside of food and basic necessities) so that I can see it on paper. Shopping online can be so fast that you can forget you even purchased and yet it doesn't give that feeling you described of being in the store with the colors and textures. Slowing down for more intentional consuming by having to write it down has already limited my online purchases. And, thank you for the book suggestion, To Have Or To Be, I'm loving it!
Your scarf looks lovely on you.
Just yesterday I donated some beautiful handmade scarves, some had been gifted to me and others I handcrafted. When I realized 3 seasons had passed without using them, it was time to let go. No need to buy more, or even make more. Just let it be.
Dearest Ana, I truly appreciate your tender-thoughtfulness as you express your feelings so graciously ... wonderful, enlightening videos ... thank you so very much :) love from us! ❤️
It's interesting to me that once I moved out of the city to live in a home in the woods near a lake, I lost all desire to buy and acquire material things. I guess maybe it's because I find so much peace and contentment in this environment that it's helped me lose the need for things.
This sounds good - I can relate to this pressure of buying to many things while living in a city. A simple life near nature seems to help many people with mental or stress related problems (addiction, overspending, sleep issues,...).🍀
Hey my friend. Love your content, your point of view. Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching, dear Anna! 🌼
Your videos really comfort me and I enjoy listening to you. Thank you 😊
Hi Ana :) You've once mention your childhood /adolescene trauma of poverty and that open a closed door in my mind. It's a door to a small, grouse and stinky room. I shut that door many years ago - I just wanted to cut off my past. I didn't know any other way of dealing with harsh experiences. Now, it's to open the door, clean up the room and air it. It's not an easy thing to accept my shopaholism. But, it's the first step to take over the control. Thanks for the impulsem to do it :) Waitng for more of your content. Stay true to yourself on your journey!
*impulse
Hi Renata! I think you're just on the right path to self-acceptance. I know it's painful, but it's so worth the effort and pain. You can do it! 🤗
Sending warm hugs, my friend.
@@anagoldberg Thank you Ana! You do read every comment! RESPECT!
Dear Ana, or Anna,
This video, and a similar one with 7
points is shot in a wonderful light.
The wall behind you and the colors
you wear make it feel like a
Painting. Thank you, for who you
are, who you are becoming, as an
artist, woman, human being. Your
videos bring out the best in your
viewers, and a decent community
of people is forming here. Lyn
Such a wonderful comment, dear Lyn. Thank you! 💚 I'm so glad to give something to the community as I get so many things back to boost my spirit and creativity. You are all a wonder! 😍
I am someone who spends when emotional and stressed, using the online platform mostly, so I appreciated the tips you shared. Thank you 🙂
I'm so glad I found your channel. I find you an honest and charming person and although I am not a minimalist I enjoy learning about other ways of being in the world. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I could listen to you for hours, you always make so much sense. Thank you Ana, your tips will help me with my ‘low buy year’ ahead. 😊💛🏴
Dear Ana, you have such a wonderful community here. You must bring out the good in people. So many kind and thoughtful commenters on your channel from around the world!
Thank you, dear Marla! It's all thanks to the amazing people (like your beautiful self!) responding and sharing💚
This is what I do most often to resist the urge: I ask myself what would happen if I didn't purchase the item right now. And then I wait. Often, I quickly forget about whatever it was, or realize I don't actually want it. Another thing I do, when it comes to wanting things for my home: If I think I "need" to replace something (kitchen cabinets, appliances, shutters), I instead clean it thoroughly. Then I like it again!
I began this year with the goal of consuming less and if do when I do it more consciously. Very proud of myself until now and from the beginning of the year I expended just one day ( 3 clothing items because I lost some weight.). This doesn't count food which I I am reducing the buying to just what I really need. It is challenging and eye opening. Thank you for your thoughts on this. It is always great to have a person as a mirror sharing the journey.
I have had a shopping problem for a number of years and it is usually anxiety driven it is something I am really working on and I really appreciate this video. Thank you
Hi Jean, I fully understand how you feel. I have struggled with this problem for many years due to anxiety and depression. I never thought I could improve, but with work I have changed over the years, although I must admit to sliping back even now when things get rough. Videos like these are very helpful, also videos on budgeting. Please keep going and don't give up, you can do it. Don't be too hard on yourself if you have a slip up, dust yourself down and watch some more of these wise words and eventually you will get there. Take care. 😁👍xx
I really enjoyed this video, you gave sage advice that resonanted with me in so many areas of my new minimalist journey. Thank you so much for sharing!! 😃
Thank you for watching and resonating, Cindy! ⭐
for myself, it is helpful to write down the things I'm grateful for, and these things are usually not the material things, but as you said, experiences or immaterial things such as children and grandchildren, friends, my cats, watching things grow in my garden, making a trip on my bike, hearing the nightingale sing just before I go to bed, standing at the window of my bedroom, seeing a deer on a hiking trip, ... Love the story about the sparrow
Thanks a lot dear Ana, I really appreciate your thougts you are kindly sharing with us. So great, it helps me a lot not to feel bad about myself sometimes. Sending you love 💚🌈
I grew up very poor barely having my needs met. I come from a family of seven children. When I was 10 my Dad left and we had nothing. I used to think that It was a bad thing to live like that as a child but when I look back I am happy that I learned about what is truly valuable in this life and it certainly isn't material things.
I don’t know if you celebrate Christmas today, if you do I wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful one 🌟 if you don’t- I apologise
Loved your sparrow analogy❤️
Настя , вы большая умничка. Светлый вы человечек! 💚👍
О, спасибо огромное, Ольга! 💚Так приятно 😊
Hi my dear friend!
Hope you’ve been well. It’s so funny and a coincidence you’ve posted about this!
just the other day while I was packing to move out to a new place, I found myself decluttering as usual but this time has been harder. I first moved abroad with only 2 luggages and a heart full of dreams. I wore clothes until they’ve torn apart, shoes until they looked disgusting and had only a box with letters and small souvenirs from my younger years.
Since I’ve settled down the last two years, it’s quite impressive the amount of “small items” and repetitive objects that I encountered. It got even more obvious when we finally moved out and got to unpack in the new place. Our stuff don’t fit all in here. And I can finally see why…I’ve been struggling to let go of “good items”. Things that are in good condition and I like, but don’t love. I just feel so overwhelmed by having so much. I wish we lived in a world where marketing would be more sensible, not seducing us all the time, but that’s exactly what it is.
Sorry for the long text, but most of the time I wonder when and how I will detach from my old self who still gives such value to material things.
Thank you and I wish you s great week ❤️
Your last observation about why we might choose a material item over an experiential one makes a lot of sense. Our desire to try to control our lives is very true. Thanks, Ana, for pointing this out. Gives me something to think about.
Dear Ana, I just discovered your channel, and I rarely see someone who seems as honest and pure (in a really good way) like you. To your content and lifestyle, I feel like I can relate, which is so refreshing after all the other minimalist youtubers I know, who often promote very expensive products, which is kind of controversial to me. I really hope you get enough positive feedback, what you do is great, and I look forward to your upcoming videos. Have a nice day.
I struggle with resisting buying things that I really, really enjoy: yarn, fountain pens, tea... As a result I have too much of that stuff, so I put a ban on myself for this year. In other words I'm trying a low-buy year and allowing myself replacements only, which should even be unlikely to happen at all. Maybe I'll run out of my favourite tea... At the same time, I am making my own crochet and knitted clothing. Just today I finished a summer top and when I put it on, I was so happy I had to dance a little in front of a mirror. I have never felt this happy with a purchased item. DIY is so much more rewarding. I would recommend for anybody to try and learn how to make with your own hands something that brings you joy!
You should harvest and make your own herbal tea... You will never lack of tea... At the moment you have the peals of your apples, rosa canina fruits in nature and for sur lots of spices in your cupboard... Then in spring you'll have so many options... Adopt a pot of mint... You can prepare it now : save all your infused tea for making it a compost, find a pot, find a friend with mint in his garden and ask for a fragment... Lots of plants for herbal tea can be harvested around us 😊
I love your point about keeping in touch with your own wardrobe. I try to do that and I enjoy reorganizing and rediscovering items I've forgotten about, but with all the post-holiday sales I've been browsing online a lot more and feeling the temptation. Thank you for the timely reminder!
I've also found the joy of dusting off old clothes and using them again 😁
Such a timely video, as always Ana! I've never really been a true 'consumer' but do struggle with the temptation of unnecessary things. Trying to rein in completely this year to pay off small debts I have, and cut as many corners as I can. You're always so inspiring x
Hi dear Ana 😊 I decided not to buy anything unnecessary this year, especially clothes for me.
I'm fond of colors and boho style too, and when I see something I like very much and my sons say "Buy it for yourself, mum", I explain that not everything we like we have to own.
I often look at thing I consider beautiful and really matching my personal and house style, but I remember: use what you already have till the end, then you'll buy something nicer.
Does exist in Siberia "FlyingTiger" shops? It's exactly what you' re talking about: the nicer and the cheaper things you want to buy. I trained myself to enter, join and exit buying nothing 🤣
Start saving your onions peels and in some month you can treat yourself with a new dyed blouse for almost free (you will need to boil your item with the peels)... Lots of ressources in nature for bringing new colours in your life 😊
@@anne-cecilemouget1657 🙏 good advice 😊
I'm lucky @ my new job we wear scrubs. I mix & match different colored tops & bottoms to change things up. One of the girls was talking the other day & she's right. Our best outfits are cozy pajamas and lounge wear for around the house now
Hi Ana! I am from the UK and have recently moved to Russia after learning Russian for four years at university. I have recently discovered your channel and find your videos really comforting 😊 I too have a shopping problem (and a weakness for colours!!) so find the minimalist content really fascinating too 😍
I am really glad I discovered you channel, Anna. You presence is very calming and you are so genuine which I have so much appreciation for.
A few years ago I started my minimalist journey. One day I opened my closet and felt totally overwhelmed by the amount of clothes I had. After a lot of decluttering, I decided to keep my wardrobe at no more than 45 items. Currently my wardrobe is about 37 items. That's what I am comfortable with.
I am trying to do a very low buy year in 2022. Last year I purchased too many books (in English and in Russian:) and I just decided that I won't buy any more until I read at least thirty of those unread one's. I want to rethink book buying in general. I rarely keep books. I have a small collection, but I read books and usually just give them away or end up selling them. I am thinking to just utilize the library like I used to before and only buy the books for my forever library. Thank you again for your thoughtful video. Пока. Пока. :)
I so enjoy your inciteful thoughts. I have had a problem buying things my whole life. It is a form of control when we seem to have none . I am better but it is ongoing. Thank you for sharing
I am sure it will get even better, Rosemarie, as you are already aware of your inner processes 💚
Ana…Just ‘met you’ yesterday, enjoying your videos very much. I loved when you said we are afraid to miss out on a good deal, very true.
I know it’s off topic, but I just have to say it: your cat is adorable! 🐈⬛ 😍
Hello,
I love the way that you think ! I don't know if I'm wise but watching videos like yours helps a lot. kiss from south of France
Have a good day , happiness comes from the heart 😍
I enjoy your insights. When I look around my room after listening to one of your videos all the clutter jumps out at me! Time to straighten out. Lol!
Hugging Ulysses! 💖 Nice ideas on how to avoid shopping. Especially the one with "shop from your wardrobe".
this is so insightful and wise. I live on a low income and in a very small apartment, and feel uncomfortable if any debts or when things get crowded, therefore to focus on that feeling of discomfort is a good teacher in not overbuying/not let myself go on impulse shopping. Also I have worked in retail these past years and when I see in the stores the overproduction and how it harms our natural ressources, it really refrains me from superfluous purchases !! I haven 't reached the stage when I can still feel content when I want/need something/would like to upgrade in... something that I can't afford, and I try to ignore it instead, but I am working on it and your words will certainly be remembered in that process. Thank you !
Oh, I've heard terrible stories about overproduction and the amount of waste. It's happening everywhere in the world now and is such a shame. I agree, understanding this is a great tool to reject unnecessary buys.
Sending love and support your way, my friend! 🌸
Now that I am older I buy I only what I need , but can't resist yarn and books my down fall is yarn my personal therapy... Agree w you much love
Hello from the Northeast coast of the US .I have been watching your videos these past few days.Very interesting to hear you explain your way of living intentionally.I wish I could be more minimalistic 😣It's so hard esp when you are an artist by hobby and also a little bit of a hoarder..lol 🤦😅I grew up poor and now that I'm an adult ,I find myself always justifying my purchases by saying "you deserve a treat or why not,you worked hard this week".It's funny cause I don't have expensive taste at all,but my money still leaves me as fast as it comes.i think I have the mentality of "well,it's cheap so it's ok" but then I say that 100 times .🙈
You are quite right, Anna, in the consumerism has to do, among other things, the fear of death. I'm sick, I'm being treated for a major illness and, locked up at home, I make compulsive purchases. A few days ago I went at home to the online sales and bought a lot of clothes. I know I don't need it, I have many others in my closet, but it was as if a new garment was going to bring me a new life experience, an interesting outing, a walk. Clothes as a promise of life in the face of the disease that keeps me at home in pajamas and a dressing gown, without socializing, without living.
I'm so sorry you have to go through the ilness, dear Nina 🌸 Hope you'll feel better. Sending love and support 💚
Thank you, I need to do more DIY, I LOVE how you describe the experience of do in something.
I would love to see and hear more about your knitting.
Hi, Ana, it’s just so easy nowadays… ONE click and you have in an instant what you want and what you think makes you happy. And you ARE happy…for an instant. But mostly it’s a surrogate for something you’re missing (leaving a boring job…) or the fact that you just CAN afford the wanted thing finally (mostly books in my case). Like you I’m often playing around with new combinations of clothes, I call that 'shopping in my wardrobe' or checking my overflowing books shelves. What often helps me: creating meals, painting, singing. If I even forget my filled tea cup, I know I was successful. Sometimes I’m not. Nobody is perfect… and it can be along lasting joy to explore new things, too. BALANCE is the magic word. Love, Monika❣
Wonderful thoughtful video Ana, thank you and I think your headress looks darling on you.
When i am about to make an impulse buy, I remember a greek philosopher, Diogenes. He was walking in the market of Athens and he said "Look all this things that Diogenes (himself) does not need!!!!" That's how i resist.. feeling happy that I have everything to survive and I don't really need all this beautiful things I see in the shops. 99% of the time it works!
I love your reflexions and I look forward to watching all of your videos, thankyou for sharing!
I love you Ana. I'm really rooting for you to do really well with RUclips. I'm excited for your future videos and resonate with so much of what you have to say. Thank you for putting these videos out and sharing your beautiful spirit with us all... ♥️ xxx
You add a wonderful perspective on materialism and our desire not need to own and participate in un needed consumerism...thank you again Anna...
I just needed to hear this today. My son was in an accident and I realized no matter what I can try to do , I can’t control everything in his life or mine for that matter. Great information. !
Hope your son is well, my friend. 🌸
Yes, we can't control the majority of things in our lives...
Hi Ana ,I'm doing a no buy year! as the last 2 years I've bought some new items due to moving in with my partner. I will reuse, upcycle and make do and mend. We have just started redoing our kitchen as its old, we are doing all the work ourselves and reusing as much as we can. We did have to buy a new cooker as the old one only half works and a new fridge as the existing one is 21 years old! but we have saved a lot of money. Anything we save but don't need we will resell at a cheap price so at least its reused. I loved the little sparrow story 🙂 Thank you for the tips x
Hi Suzanne! Aww, congratulations on moving in with your partner, yay 😊 It's so exciting to do the renovation yourself! When my husband comes here, we want to do the same with my parents' apartment.
Sending love! 💖
What a lovely video. What you said at 6:00-6-15 really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
New to your channel, so many things you said makes a lot of sense. I think shopping a lot can become a habit based on a persons personaility. Or as you said when we get bored stressed or say what can I do today if we have a lot of free time we can shop. I think in America many people do not realize how blessed they are with things. So we in the world have become a throw away society rather than taking care of our stuff because we can afford to buy something else. With clothes being so cheap many times people buy that and toss it aside. If we buy better quality pieces then they will last longer. Yet that means having less and for some reasons we as humans always think more is better when Less can be more if we change our mindset. Thanks for sharing with us. I have enjoyed so far watching your videos.
So glad to meet you here, Patricia 🌼
Anna, I have so enjoyed your posts. Yes, I have Too many pairs of shoes.
This is such a timely video, thanks Ana! I try to buy less and only sustainable items, where possible (ofc this is also my New Years resolution) but my biggest issue these past two years are online clothing sales and FOMO. It’s just so easy thinking ‘oh, it’s a great price, I will return this if I don’t like it’ but then end up with bunch of stuff I don’t even enjoy. Your point about appreciating things as they are, without buying, like in the Lisbon shop, is beautiful. It’s not just better for the wallet but also I find I often grow out of liking those things, particularly clothes, I thought my life will be that much better with. Memories of experiences on the other hand are always special.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend! 🧡
This is always such a trap with online shopping... Recently I've read somewhere about the statistics of how many ordered things are neither returned nor used. It's mind-blowing.
Yep, experiences are often free and so precious:)
Sending love! 💛
Thank you for this video... wonderful inspiration...namaste🙏❤️✌️
I learn so much from you. Send all my love from Italy ♥️
Hi Ana, I am so happy to see you. This is a very timely video, I try to unclutter and simplify. I am trying to buy only what I absolutely need, but I am a sucker for plants. So I am trying to work with what we already have. Hope you are well, sending you lots of love. 🪴⚘
Hi, dear Debbie!
Oh, we all have our soft spots:) Don't be too hard on yourself! And good luck on your exciting journey 💚
@@anagoldberg 💖
Im joining a "no spending january" idea and when I feel like "shopping" i go to the library and get a new book to read :)
Yay to the challenge, Paula!
Such smart tactics with reading and not shopping 😍
Paradoxically, at a certain point it becomes quite a task or even a burden to buy stuff. I usually make a list of things I 'need' and take my time to select the right product. When I don't succeed at that, buying is not really pleasant anymore and I delay it. It gives me time to consider if I really need something, and I don't spend money in the mean time. Delaying or ignoring the first impulse to buy something is one of the most important steps in buying less imho.
Ana I LOVE HOW YOU MAKE THINGS💜I definitely will find something to make too