Disclosure
Just so you know, I did spend money this week. I enrolled Carver in summer camp (sleep away summer camp... so I am an emotional wreck). But they were offering a sweet deal where if you registered by January 13th you saved $50. I thought it would be a stupid financial decision not to take advantage of that discount just to "experience" financial willpower. Besides, it was a very hard purchase to make. I'm transitioning to a new stage of mothering with Carver, and it's rough. Don't get me started.

Jayme has (as usual, if you know Jayme) some insightful thoughts on her blog. She wrote:

"One of my biggest personal challenges for this year is to learn how to appreciate the beauty in the world without feeling the need to possess it. I have this innate "need" to surround myself with aesthetically beautiful, whimsical, fun, colourful, and meaningful things. My house is an eclectic collection of African sculpture, Costa Rican Art, Thai Pottery, American crafts, ultra-modern statement pieces and antiques. Everything I own has some sentimental value, but recently I've found myself wondering when "enough is enough"? I don't "need" anything more to feel fulfilled and content. But that fact rarely stops me from wanting. From coveting. And from comparing what's within my means to what's within the means of others. I think that's the nature (and one of the worst aspects) of our "keeping up with the Joneses" culture.

It's interesting to me because I've never really been one to "follow the crowd". And yet, I've hopped right on the consumerist bandwagon with reckless abandon. And although my purchases might be off the beaten path, does that really make it any better? This experiment has given me a lot to consider."

How do you appreciate "things" without giving in to the need to "own" them?

Hope this Monday finds you well!