My Unintentional 2021 Buy Nothing Challenge

This jacket is the last thing I bought for myself. I received it on December 31st 2020. I had waited for as long as I could to get a proper winter jacket - I hadn't had the chance to bring back from France the one I already own - but it was starting to get really cold and I hadn't found what I wanted at the local thrift store (or on my favorite online thrift stores).

Little did I know that 2.5 months later, I would still have not spent any money on myself, besides groceries. No clothes, no beauty products, no home decor, no DIY supplies.

I haven't really planned this no spending period. It kinda just happened. As I wrote down in my 21 for 2021 list, I had plans to pay off my credit cards and track my budget a little better. And since I like to simplify things, the best way to track your spending is... to not spend any money.

I also wanted to break the vicious cycle of spending money out of boredom, or envy. To reach this goal, I distanced myself from the sources of my spending frenzy.

First, I used the strategy of inconvenience by deleting the apps on my phone that make shopping and browsing easy (Poshmark, Craigslist, Etsy, Pinterest, etc.).

Then I muted ALL of the accounts I follow on Instagram...

Now you're gonna think I'm crazy, but I adopted the same strategy on Facebook by unfollowing my friends (not unfriending, just unfollowing). That way, I can still check in on what they're up to - by actively looking for that information rather than being flooded with unwelcome content as soon as I open the app.

Side note: I did quit Facebook and delete Instagram a bunch of times, but would eventually always come back. This in-between method works for me, you do you.

So how are things going you might ask?

Well, I sometimes get the urge to see what my favorite brands have launched, and I sometimes go have a look at their websites. Sometimes I feel that tingle in my belly, the urge to adopt the latest trends, fearing that I might miss out on something. But ultimately, I feel a great sense of relief by simply closing the tab and getting back to whatever I was doing before this virtual-windowshopping session.

I go out on walks as usual but do not enter any shop, even thrift stores, event re-stores, because I know I do not need anything and I also know I might see something I really really like so why would I put myself through the process of either abandoning it or breaking my self-imposed challenge?

Outfit Details:
Quilted Jacket (S) - Everlane
Leggings (S) - Girlfriend Collective
Socks - Smartwool
Boots (AUS 5.5) - Blundstone

Obviously, I have the privilege of embarking on such an adventure. I have everything I need (and more) at home to keep me clothed, comfortable and entertained. I live in a place where I can (safely) go on long walks in nature whenever I feel too cooped up or stuck to my screen.

I don't know how long this "challenge" will last. I haven't come across a major buying decision yet and I have yet to use up all of my crafting supplies.

For now, I simply enjoy the absence of an urge to buy, I get creative with what I own. I have moved the furniture in the house about 100 times already, I'm in the process of converting old bed sheets into a braided rug and I'm finding more ways to use up my DIY supplies (soap, bath bombs and solid shampoo are next on my list).

Would you try a shopping ban / buy nothing challenge?