✨ Part 2 of this series: Your mindful consumption guide: th-cam.com/video/9P1bkgy1GTw/w-d-xo.html More videos like this: ✨ The simple living habits that paid my house 🏡 th-cam.com/video/l3bo7pAwBCA/w-d-xo.html ✨ Is a simple life only for the wealthy? th-cam.com/video/SVasp05Z9Ls/w-d-xo.html ✨ 7 Steps for a simpler life: th-cam.com/video/cRrbswCvnmQ/w-d-xo.html ✨ How to start slow living in 2025: th-cam.com/video/b-f9PhYDviI/w-d-xo.html ✨ 8 simple living habits that will improve your life 🌱 th-cam.com/video/BwH2hIZOQaU/w-d-xo.html ✨I bought an 18th century cottage 🏡 th-cam.com/video/8mSO4ft19Ag/w-d-xo.html
Don't tell anyone, but I have been using the same purse for about 30 years, the same dozen tops for 15 years, and had the same car for 20 years.😊 I have never been in debt.
Oh, I might actually tell someone because it's seriously cool and something to be proud of 😊 It feels really good to see there are people here who consume mindfully and sustainably ✨
You know what? That is brilliant. I'm slapping my forehead now, because I just realized why people get into debt - overconsumption. Not counting stuff such as a house or a car we buy so much things we don't need.
Hahaha 😂 Yeah, I got a comment on my "No more fast fashion" video once in which someone said they ordered the dress I wore - I realized there is a certain danger of being an accidental influencer even in a no-buy video 😂
@@livelikeliz It is a working point for me for sure! That's why I stopped following a lot of YT channels over the past months. Somehow buying that dress (or whatever) makes me think I am also then that body type (aka slim/skinny). It's hard to fight that but I'm trying. But, by the way, your dress in that video is indeed beautiful. 😊
I mean, if you’re gonna wear it every day… 🤷🏾♀️ I have a dress that I wear weekly (I live in Florida). I get compliments on it. I bought it at Ross for about $20 a couple of years ago.
@@ms.rivera7898 Well yes! that is a great use of a new dress. But I don't always do that with the dresses I have bought in the past. I do think now I have found the shape of dress that fits me best and those I do wear almost week so I am getting better at it. 😊😊 Oh, it's probably so warm in Florida! Here it is cold and raining.
I recently unsubscribed from all my TH-cam influencers. I love to knit and I am pretty good at it. I decided to do a no spend year this coming New Year. I prepared myself for this by asking myself what it was that I truly needed. Not much I realized. I paid my mortgage off and my car is paid for and all of my credit cards are paid off. I made sure that I had books to read and enough yarn to keep my hands busy for the year. I’m all set to just enjoy my slow life. No more consuming, no more grasping for things that aren’t essential or resisting the things I have because they may not appear good enough for others. I’m practicing gratitude for what I have. This reinforces my decision, thank you ❤
This sounds absolutely fantastic ✨ Exactly - what is it that we truly need? Not much as much as the outside world often makes us believe. All the best to you for 2025! 💕
Wishing you all the best for your journey. I wish I could follow your footsteps, but I simple can't live a whole year without buying some new (actually 2nd hand) books. I'm such a book nerd! 😊
The best self-care I'd done over the new year was to go on a communication blackout (turned off all my phones and computers) and be completely with myself for two whole days. Total luxury.
I love this! Hope you are having fun. I know we did. My community has a no technology, caffeine alcohol and extra hours of sleep and extra time for praying, mediation and spending more time with our children and loved ones. That's between Nov 26 to Jan 10. It is sooo refreshing! Obviously, there are a few exceptions for the few who are disabled and rely on their tablets or mobile phones for communicating, ordering medication, transport, etc. It feels like a complete detox from the chaotic world that we live in! I hope you are keeping well and having a delightful time.
We live in a beautiful house close the beaches in New Zealand with no mortgage, no loans, no debts. I cook a lot, gardening, feeding my brain and all what I buy even Christmas gifts It’s second hand 😊 and I am so happy❤
Hi! This sounds like us❤but we are not by a beach. We are in rural Midwest USA surrounded by farmland. We have a century old home and are debt free. I retired at 51 in 2023 due to health reasons. I cook daily, garden, take care of our pets, and read & write. Life is finally mine❤and I don’t care what anybody else thinks anymore. When I do need or buy, I also buy secondhand. This upcoming year has me so concerned with the future and the uncertain economy💔, but we are much better off than many people here who are in over their heads and are already struggling.
@ I am 48 and don’t work anymore since 18 months, taking care of my family, myself and my mental health, my cat. I feel blessed, I’m very grateful, I have worked hard and now I just want a simple life with no stress 😊
@@huskyclan345 What do you know! I live in the rural Midwest also, sold my previous house and bought a very inexpensive house built during the Great Depression, with a horseless carriage house which had a bit of fire damaged, that is now a very pretty cottage. Got tons of offers from idiots to buy it. No way! Zero mortgage. Done some upgrades but only when I save the cash to pay it off immediately. Has 1/3 of an acre, right in the middle of town. I can farm in it, because they had in the city book, the "grandfather clause", which said that you could grow food in your property. They got rid of clause after they had to give my permission. It's also a certified wildlife habitat
Confession: addiction runs strong in my family. For many of them it’s alcohol, for me, it’s shopping. Retail therapy has been my primary coping mechanism for decades. After mom died a few years ago it got worse. A couple years ago I made the decision to go to college. The stress hasn’t helped. Now I find that I need a serious change. I entered therapy for my mental health and a week ago I started purging my house. The amount of clothing I’ve pulled out and boxed up is embarrassing. The craft room and bookshelves are next. After that… the garage. There’s a local volunteer-run thrift store that donates all profits to scholarships for local girls that is happy to accept everything. Letting go of so much high quality stuff is hard, but being able to see empty space in my closets, and knowing it’s going to directly benefit some of my classmates is compounding my drive to keep going. Then I saw this video. What timing. I wish I had started sooner.
In 2025 I am only replacing things that I run out of or irreparably damage. Nothing new. I am shopping my home and looking to let go of a lot. I have been an unconscious shopper for decades but this year will be for me a reset. I hope to forever change my relationship to stuff...thank you for this video.
I hope your plan goes well, Karen! If it helps, know that there are others out there who have found success changing their consumption pattern. After a decades-long addiction to clothes shopping, I've now gone for almost a decade buying no new clothes except at thrift stores. I've discovered that an occasional stop at a thrift store satisfies my urge to shop, and over time, I managed to find most of what I need: mostly gardening tools and the jeans and dress slacks I wear out regularly. Around my home, most of my favorite items are thrift store finds, or items I've re-purposed, recycled or otherwise salvaged.
@KarenBachar-c6m I have a similar commitment for 2025, as I have wasted so much of my money after paying actual bills, for decades. If I did not waste all that money, I could have purchased a house outright with no mortgage. *So many regrets!!!* But as I deal with depression and spiraling about myself, I have to focus on the *future* and what I can help correct, based on my poor choices and experience. I hope your journey and mine of not buying anything new except actual *needed* items will be a successful one during 2025 and onward! 🤩
I’m a thrifter, I rarely buy anything new. If I do I try to buy from local small businesses. I prefer vintage/antique/pre-loved furniture and decor items. I have a thrifted minimal wardrobe of natural materials. I live a slow, low waste, 80% off grid lifestyle in a tiny cottage in a forest. I drive a 17 yr old car that I keep maintained. I’ve had the same iPhone for over 7yrs. I hand mend and make what I can. I agree with all you’ve said here 🙌
Best thing I did: I never had a spending problem, but I finally bought a cheap notebook and kept track of every dime I spent for an entire year. I just wanted to know exactly what I needed to live on. At first it was a nuisance to record every bill, every food purchase, but then it became an easy habit. I learned so much.
We did this but on excell. It helps us to plan to get out of debt. We are hoping to be free of debt by mid 2025. The debt wasn't necessary expense we started with rent and food. Then both vehicles broke at the same time as the washer and dryer all with in 4 months. 🙃 on our way to recovery. Which this has taught me that I don't really want anything. Just things we need.
I started working 4 hours less a week, that was in February 2 years back I have more time to spend on my hobbies and I noticed there’s more time for grocery’s and planning meals and cooking. And as a result of this I spend less money. I saw my savings increase. In October that year stopped working another 4 hours a week. I started living more conscious for the first time in years I realized I did a lot of consuming in need of satisfaction. Now I know better, I found myself. Slowing down made me a better person.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything! Can you believe I’ve been rocking the same clothes and shoes for 17 years? 😊😊😊 It’s amazing how “less is more” can bring so much joy! Sending warm greetings from beautiful Finland! 🌟
This is a great reminder for the beginning of 2025. My goal this year is to declutter all of the items that I let myself get influenced to buy and donate them to someone or an organization so the next person can use them. Seeing that I'm not, and its taking away my time to manage them.
I was going to scoff at this video, because underconsumption seems to be just as much much of a money generating trend for youtubers as any fashion fad. But then you said "buying stuff is not a shortcut to build the life we want for ourselves" and that touched a nerve. Gives me something to think about for the coming year.
Wow, this is a really lovely comment - thank you ❤️ Yeah, it's always a bit of a double-edged blade with those TH-cam trends - I completely get what you mean. So happy you found some inspiration to take away from this video 😊 All the best to you for 2025 ✨
My man and I walked all year around town. We loved spending more time outside than inside during the good weather months. Highly recommend. It helps you save
One of my goals this year is learning to sew simple dresses. This way I can have the luxury of high quality, tailor made clothing but without the price tag❤
Also think about buying second hand in a larger size and tailoring it for yourself. Fabric is getting very expensive and causes a lot of pollution when processed.
Sewing your own clothes is the best way forward. We all know that fabric can be very expensive. However, we can use quilt covers, sheets, curtains, and upcycle clothes we already own. A well sewn handmade garment can last for years.
I think my favorite thing is learn to make what your favorite thing is to consume. If you like shopping for clothes.Learn to make them. If you like cozy knitwear, then learn to make it. If you love fancy baked good or coffees learn to make them. Understanding the effort that has gone into making something will make the items so much more valuable and precious. And we tend to be more satisfied with the things we find precious and not feel the need to replace them as often. A lot of times they last longer and I'm way more likely to repair something if I've made it. Buy from artisans also has a similar feeling as making it yourselft but I think understanding how it's made is still so helpful even if you are terrible or unsuccessful at it
Wow this!! My family and I moved rurally 10 months ago and there is no fast food or take away. I’ve learnt to make all our old favourite dishes and it’s much more satisfying!! (Not to mention you know what the ingredients are!)
I have decided I don't need anything else in life right now. I have been doing a lot of mindless spending for years and I have accumulated a lot of stuff that my small house can't hold, and I don't have time to use. I have been going through my house and getting rid of excess and it feels great! I want to now use what I have and only get replacements for things that run out or are too damaged to use. I want this to be for life, not just for a year. I am not in any debt and have my house paid off, but if I keep buying things I don't need because so and so on the internet has it and her art is pretty amazing, I will not have any peace of mind because the space I live in is too cluttered and I am stressed about how many things I need to use because I bought them.
☆ Magic ☆ My new fav Free no consumption hobby is picking up trash/litter outside. It is fresh air, great exercise, inspiring and saving the garbage from the inevitable distination, the ocean.
This is so beautiful. I was planning to start doing this as well, but never got the time or energy. Next year I will do it, I have forest nearby and people do leave lots of trash there. I rarely was picking this up (except glass or packages that reflect the light which might cause the fire), but I must start doing this regularly.
I pick up litter from the street next to my house... i decided to do my little part to keep the streets clean... but try not to be seen... i do the same for the places i stay, for instance for a pic nic... i do my best to preserve this wonderful world.
Amen! I was looking for someone that made a comment that they are a Believer in Jesus! That they look to Jesus to help them to be content with their needs being met and with little! We can only do it with Jesus! We can talk all day about what we should or shouldn’t be doing! Yet, we need Jesus Christ!
@@crmnzcndn5901 I will be praying for you in regards to this! I shop at Goodwill (They are thrift stores over here on the West Coast in the U.S.) I too pray not to buy clothes unnecessarily!
I am so glad you made this video. We need more awareness around it. What you say hit home when I had someone in my life who had Lamborghini, a businesses, 6 bedroom house, etc etc but were still so miserable emotionally. When that person was like on eggshells when someone was walking the footpath close to that car and crossing the road, he would be so tensed - "just don't scratch my car" he would say. What is the point of having such a fancy item, when it will cause you so much tension? The car was not even confortable. It seems that things like these are desirable until we get them. After we get them, we are no happier than we were before. There are no fanfares and people will not love us more. Quite on the contrary, it stems jealousy and envy, not to mention safety risks.
I love simple living. It has helped my mental health so much! The only social media I have is TH-cam and Pinterest. I use Pinterest for crafts. I don't suffer from being envious of the Pinterest perfect lifestyle. I know people do. I hope everyone chooses happiness this year
this day, I use Pinterest for art inspiration and ytube for house tours, art studio tours and follow a few interesting influencers. all out for my inspiration and to keep me engaged, and empowered in my private life and for longevity...cheers
This mine and my husband's goal for this year. So many people in our lives cant understanding it. My own mother was appalled 4 years ago when she found out we look at thrift stores first when shopping for things our kids need. We get brand new shoes, ubderwear and coats bit everything else we try and get at a thrift store first. My kids are still young (10, 5 and 2) so they are still hard on their clothes.
My favourite part of this video: 'please don't go and buy a green linen dress!' That actually raises a really good point - even slow, underconsumption lifestyles as depicted online can be aspirational and can give the 'consume' impulse its fuel, for those of us who struggle with things like that. I appreciate you calling out the potential influence you could be and countering that. It's a lovely dress, btw, but the ones I've got work just fine, and I look forward to being able to go paddling in them come the summer. Thanks for making this thoughtful video. :)
After decades of buying clothes because shopping was cool, I finally caught myself. I haven't bought new clothes for almost a decade. The collection I bought through the years should last, and any new items I need, i purchase them from thrift stores. I've managed to shift my thinking through the years. I still feel the urge to shop sometimes, but I satisfy that urge at the thrift stores, and make a treasure hunt of it. I usually finish these shopping sprees having purchased nothing, and feeling fine about it!
Props to you! ✨ I can relate a lot - it's not about completely surpressing or denying the urge to shop but about being mindful and realizing we don't need everything we see and like. 💕
Me too I do not mindlessly shop! I was going to order two new books. I went on my buy nothing group and placed a request for these books and was gifted both❤ I will pass on when done. The library wait 2 months was too long.
hi my version of shopping for clothes, is to walk in all the top clothes shops. Too look and to look some more, satisfy my curiosity, and then walk out and away. Until my next excusion...cheers
My first step was disconnecting the tv cable back in the 90’s. That eliminates a huge level of marketing propaganda right there. I pay for TH-cam so no adverts there except the ones the content creators are pushing (I limit my subscription to those). I purchase on Etsy and second hand stores. I buy meals locally and food (meat/veggies) from the local farmers market. I am trying to grow a small vegetable garden (with mixed success). I sew and knit and weave and spin my own yarns. Came here looking for more ways to not purchase from corporations! I wish I could have my own chickens but haven’t made it that far yet lol.
I'm starting saving all that I can, and stop spending on usless items that I don't truly need. I'm saving so I can have a tiny home and live on Vancouver island
I am so HAPPY that I found you today, Liz !! I drive my car that is about 20 years old. It is so NICE NOT to have a car payment. It is in great shape because I care for it and having repairs now & then is still a whole lot cheaper than having a car payment every month. My family has encouraged me to get a new car but the feeling I get from having no monthly payment has got to be better than having a new car with all the fancy features. Livung within one's means brings more joy & peace than living under a mountain of debt from overspending.
I'm an over-eater and over-spender. I have arrived at 52 and realised these two areas really need looking at. I have managed to get eating more or less under control but the over-spending is really a problem. Looking more closely I realise I am totally empty. That eating and spending filled that huge void. Now I have to find a way to be a fulfilled human being without those behaviours that make me feel good, while my life is falling to pieces behind the scenes. Not easy to do, but I guess that's my journey.
I soooo relate to your comment… Our problem today is the same with trying filling the void we have inside … We end up overeating overspending and still no satisfaction, especially when we become overweight and have to deal with all stuff we’ve hoarded and accumulated that can inundate us at times … I found meditation works for me when I get time to do it.. or try becoming more productive and active which can help, without the feelings of being disappointed from the foolishness of my habits … Also I try positive talking to myself which I have found working better on many issues… We can do it all.. as long as we put our mind to it !!!
I agree with the idea of consuming less. I trapped myself in this state of buying more than I actually need so this is one of my major goals for the next year - a big reset. But there are 2 things I think you get wrong. 1. Underconsumption is not consuming as much as you need and not more - which is the goal here, underconsumption is having less than you actually need. It comes from poverty when needs are not actually met. This should never be the goal, you should always make sure you do take care of all of your needs, the challenge is to know what is a "need" and what is a "want". Consuming reasonably is not underconsumption. 2. Self soothing is not the same as self care or grooming yourself. Self soothing might be a part of self care, as well as grooming, but do not confuse these 3 things. Self care is taking care of your basic needs and aims for a longer term goal, while self soothing aims to calm your nerves here and now. Bath with fancy oils to relieve the stress after stressful day is self soothing, eating well, reading books and excercises is self care, putting on makeup up and adding extra steps to your skincare (extra meaning something that can't be considered basic) is grooming.
Very good points, thanks for clarifying! 😊 I totally agree with you on self care, self soothing and grooming. They are really different things. I am referring to "self care" and "underconsumption" in the way they are often referred to on social media. You will, for example, see someone put on a facemask, put a sparkly bath bomb in the tub, put a huge snack tray next to the tub, start watching Netflix in the tub and that's labeled as "self care" on social media. "Underconsumption" is mostly used to simply describe the opposite of overconsumption but I agree that "mindful consumption" would be more fitting for what most people (including me) mean when they talk about it. All the best to you for 2025! 💕
I'm up at 4;30 because I couldn't sleep and I'm glad that I came across your video. It's true and something I've struggled with. Temu online purchases are literally killing my credit card. This is food for thought for 2025
Don’t be fooled by thinking they made these things for you to have ‘pretty stuff’ They made these things for PROFIT. Try to think of ‘how much profit will ‘they’ make’ and remember that’s why they are making it - for THEM to make money. YOUR money! They are conning you. And you are letting them. X
I am definitely on this journey..I stopped buying furniture in the 90's..only spicing it up with new pillows , small decor..riddens to closet clothes, shoes, housewares! Hello minimalist 😊
Liz, Beautifully said and lovely scenery on your video....Just hearing of the all the tragedy in Los Angeles, USA, I live in Maine, USA....it is heartbreaking and this philosophy of buying less really rings true. We have got to stop BUYING ENDLESS STUFF! Our planet can not handle all this ridiculous consumption! And mother nature is showing us that! Global warming is a very real phenomenon happening now, in our country, and of course, we are the biggest consumers in the world. I think everyone in our country should hear this video, and hopefully, these words will start to sink in....Take Care 💙
Yes, we all saw the news we cried for a while because losing your personal belongings, a pet, or a loved one is very hard! I was homeless for a year back in 2009 and lived on and off inside my storage unit and in winter at my friend's couch. Then I heard from the rental units that I had to pay up or lose my stuff. I decided to go to through everything. Sold some items and made enough money to pay off the rental space. Then it became fun and started going to thrift stores to find unique items. I had my online shop through an App. By the end of 2009 I had a part time job, finally. I was too excited selling my things that they didn't matter to me. I only kept things my grandma owned as teen, those small pieces are precious and one-of-a-kind. Seeing how many people lost their homes and belongings, it makes you wonder... did those items matter? what about family handed down the generations, were those items saved in some way to be preserved? I cannot even imagine their frustration and anger. In this section, I would argue whose fault it is and why it matters but I won't go there. We are here to share life experiences, kindness and happiness. 💚💖💚
Hi Liz thanks for sharing this video. You are absolutely right about the spending behaviour. I am 70 years and don't need a lot of stuff. I have 2 pair of winter shoes and 3 pair of summer shoes of good quality and they last for years. This summer i made some nice dresses out of trift store bed sheets. I love to knit and crochet and that makes the rest of my outfits .My wardrobe is completely self made they last long is unique and I enjoy the work. See you next time. Greetings dear Liz 🌷💟🇾🇪
My dear, you are really my rolemodel in this regard. I would love to someday be able to make all my clothing myself 💕 Thanks for watching and all the best to you for the new year ✨
Love this message! I'm buying fewer clothes and I always drive a vehicle until it isn't sensible to put money in it to repair it, actually I do that with everything I own. Keeping care of it so it looks and performs as good as possible. Also I don't waste food, I find creative ways to use it up. Or I will preserve it for later
I'll join you in an effort make our frugal lifestyle cool, Cathy! I do all the same cool things you do to make life comfy without spending much. I even drive a car every day that is as old as I am: 57! I'm proud to keep it running easily, since it was made when cars were simpler. I don't need to plug it into a computer to determine what's wrong. Around the house and barn and shop, we use everything until it is wearing out, then repair it and use it some more. In my shop I have three antique power tools that are still functional, and probably over 100 years old. Most of my tools are antique, and I take pride in using and maintaining them. Many of them belonged to my ancestors. I even have some of my great-grandfather's tools, still functioning today. In fact, I'm not the only one to preserve my ancestors' tools. My great-great-grandparents bought a flour mill in Missouri in 1843, before the civil war. Through time, the mill has been restored by two different families, and it's still operable today: www.ozarkian.com/a-visit-to-britain-mill/
Not me finding this video , i literally was thinking of going shopping but now im having second thoughts thank you for sharing this valuable message and your voice is smooth to put to sleep. Hearing you before my bedtime gn and God bless!!! ❤
I cant afford to buy things, so I try to make everything myself! I have an old truck, make my own medicines, tend my own gardens, milk my own goats, boil my own sap for syrup, grow my own mushrooms, forage in woods,….on and on it goes … But when I do it would be FABRIC to make cloths and home dec projects. And that green linen dress would cost just as much for materials let alone to buy already made! Linen is one of the most expensive fabrics to buy in the industry. But I do love using it in almost all my clothes and house wares! That and cotton! Lots of cotton. Thank you for being a realist and making these videos! Keep em coming! ❤❤❤
Upon reading this I came to realized I am that person you are talking about, and that is exactly me, paying too much attention on self-care in a wrong manner which placed myself in a big trouble and now I"m having problem how to get away from it. I thank you so much that I found you vlog and listened to it, it such a big help, it serves as an eye opener for me. Thank you so much.
Liz, you don't know how muvh I need this❤In the moment my depressions are back and make me feel not to be enough, not to be good enough etc... But your video pushed me and reminded me what is eeally worth in my life y thank you, beautiful soul ❤❤❤
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Your words truly touched my heart. I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through such a tough time right now, but I hope you know how incredibly strong and valuable you are. It means the world to me that my video could bring a little light to your day and remind you of what’s truly important. Please take care of yourself - you *are* enough just as you are. Wishing you so much love, peace, and joy in the New Year. May 2025 be a year full of hope and healing for you. Sending you the biggest virtual hug! ❤❤❤
I used to watch Cottage Fairy but she only provides shows for paying customers. I found you by accident and I’m glad I did! I’ve enjoyed your content and plan on sticking around! Thank you!
I am remodeling a 10x12 shed with 2 sleeping lofts into a realistic looking cave, complete with lighting, huge mirror, exhaust fan, egress window, illuminated faux rock walls, white 'stone' luminous ceilings with stalactites that glow, fiber optic 'glow worms', and stalagmite/stalactite columns that can be re-positioned for different views. All because I intend to make it a Studio for filming videos that talk about where our world is headed now and into our future. Truth matters more than tradition, and that is my passion. Thanks for this video.
"True wealth is measured not by how much we have, but how little we need". In most instances, if we don't already have it, we probably don't need it. Thank you for a thoughtful and entertaining video. Stay well & safe. Cheers.😃❤
Your video popped into my feed after a very busy day of decluttering! I have a lot to go, but finding you and your videos is confirmation that I’m on the right path 🙏🏼💚 ! Hug from Southern California
Beautiful. I was caught by the caption and the natural setting. Left me with a feeling of peace and comfort. Good advice, beautifully shared. Thank you.
Such a wonderful video with beautiful scenery and message! Just discovered your channel and feel really inspired. Thank you so much for these 15 minutes!
That is a lovely encouraging video. I am that kind of person. It made me feel very relaxed. I can live very easely in that infiroment. It just gives me more encouragements. I loved it.
I’m trying to do a no spend year but definitely finding it hard because I think I use shopping as a coping mechanism. Thank you so much for this gentle reminder that we don’t need more to be valuable ❤️
My mom always tells me this story from her younger days, that she was shamed and ridiculed for wearing the same dress everyday of the week. I can see the sadness of someone who is as clean as possible for the society but she's just been put down for it. Definately don't fall for consumerism or peer pressure to do anything. One single tshirt uses 40 litres of clean water and all the chemicals in the sea is staying there, no matter how big corporations justify their practices, the world is not for us to pollute and litter.
This is beautiful. I am so glad I saw it. It will certainly influence my decisions going forward into the new year. I hope I can continue to be more mindful of what I spend. I will try to buy only things that I really do need in future. 💚
I’m ready! I live alone and find myself scrolling and having the urge to buy things. I need more hobbies to replace the habits that don’t serve as a positive to my life. Thank you for the ideas and the reality check. I welcome any and all suggestions 🙏
Reading. Instead of a dozen streaming platforms to pay for each month. Go to your local library and find a genre of books you will cherish. Guess what, they are still loaning out DVDs for free too
For clothes, it is the mainly expense i face as a girl, so i follow to have a capsule wardrobe idea now. Have separate clothes for workwear and outing and other casual stuffs. It works because for work example have a set of 4-5 trousers and 9-10 of tops can save you buying work wear for another 4-5 years unless damaged.
Thank you for sharing. I am definitely on a mission this year to change my way with how I spend money. I want to be more intentional and know where and how I spend it. So, I am doing a low-to-no-buy year for 2025. Happy 2025!
Thank you sister❤......I used to think like this before...But I can understand that I have started to go the opposite directon which I mean, now I like to perchase new things to look fancy..I want to stop that really..And your video helped me.. Now on I will think as like you❤
Last year I promised not to buy more pens and notebooks but I couldn't keep it. I intend not to buy pens until I run out in 2025. By the way, your shots and tone of voice are fascinating 🥰
OMG I'm guilty of that too 🙈 pens and notebooks are sooo beautiful! I still have so many beautiful notebooks I got when I was in school and didn't even get around to using THAT MANY NOTEBOOKS 😄 Thank you so much 🥰
Thank you so much for this very profound and thoughtful video! I am a fellow underconsumption woman, and I really enjoyed it! I am so thankful for underconsumptionists! Saving the planet one unnecessary purchase at a time!!!💚👍💚
This is such a beautiful video. Such a treat visually, and such an important message, communicated in such a soothing way. For many years, while my children were growing up, I rarely bought things. We didn't have the money, and we made do with what we had/actually needed. I have become a person who purchases too much now. Your opening message is the reason: It's so easy, so accessible, so pushed by online ads, with an easy click or two to satisfy an urge: My skin will look younger and more radiant, my house will look nicer, I'll have a cute outfit that I feel good in, my health will be improved by a supplement, etc. etc. This video was perfect to help in my determination to purchase less. Thank you.
This could be all of my words... Followed by 'less is more'. What I take from this though, is that you, are a wonderful beautiful soul. Thank you for shining your light and love out. Much love and endless blessings to you. 🙏🤲🙌🫶💜
Thank you I really listened to your advice.... .can't wait for part two. Shopping is my outlet it fills my need for my own space. Inside a store I can walk and linger as long as I can till I have to go home, to a place I have to share. I spend foolishly with so much regret and hope for a better life. I don't see a good future for me. So that keeps me from saving. It's a vicious cycle.
Love this. Stopping buying stuff I don't need has been a gamechanger for my mental health. It also means I have more time to do things I really enjoy 🙂 Thank you for your video, I will share it, and have a great day!
I started collecting porcelain dolls. All of them are so beautifully done, "artwork", especially the old Victorian Style Dolls. However, it has turned into an addiction! The thrill of finding just one more doll! Now, within 2 years, I have over 40 dolls and I'm running out of room to display them, that is without my place looking like an overwhelming doll museum! It's funny how sometimes it takes over- consumption to finallly realize less really is more.
Completely agree - sometimes we need this moment of "snapping out of it" and thinking to ourselves "Wait... why am I even doing that?". So are you just gonna keep your collection as it is now? 😊💕
You can admire beautiful art without needing to keep possession of it. I love looking at beautiful items at stores and at the art museum but I know that I do not need to own that item and have it take up space in my house in order to appreciate it. Who are you storing those dolls in the house for? Is it to impress visitors? Is it just to look at for yourself all day? Sounds like it’s the thrill of acquisition that keeps you collecting.
I'm not so much trying to buy less as get rid of items that I've had for years as most of it was never used, and due to my work, I was mostly in uniforms. I'm on the same page as yourself when it comes to consumerism. My this is not wanting to become a horder. It's a slippery slope. Most people could actually shop their own closets. Usually styles come back around and repeat themselves. PS I like your way of thing. Have a blessed 🙌🏾 day. 😘🦋
Welcome back, Liz! :D I completely agree with all the things that you say in this video. I have never bought lots and lots of things but little by little, except for a period in my life, when I started buying lots of books and now I have lots unread, but a few years ago I realized this was not the real me, and I stopped. And now I am buying very few books a year so that I can read all those unread I have. And, yes, I realized that happened because I compared myself with other readers and writers, and thought I should buy more books instead of reading also from the library (oh, what a mistake). Luckily, it just happened during a few years and I noticed it and changed it without problem. Thanks for this video, I'm looking forward the next one.
Thanks - so happy to be back 🥰 Thank you so much for sharing your story - that's exactly what I meant in the video! So often we buy things because a lifestyle appeals to us or we want to be the type of person who has many books etc. I guess it happens to most of us at some point 😄❤️
For many years I was guilty of shopping just for the experience of buying. At this point in my life I've gotten out of debt but I regret the years I wasted my money on things i didn't really need. And I still feel the pull of shopping just for the experience of buying. Just little things. A fancy coffee. A new gadget for my hobby. It's a constant effort to resist it but I'm trying to change my mindset.
This has resonated with me as I paid off my credit cards before a surgery. This health event made me meditate on things you mention here. Now I ask myself why, and even where would this go.
✨ Part 2 of this series: Your mindful consumption guide: th-cam.com/video/9P1bkgy1GTw/w-d-xo.html
More videos like this:
✨ The simple living habits that paid my house 🏡 th-cam.com/video/l3bo7pAwBCA/w-d-xo.html
✨ Is a simple life only for the wealthy? th-cam.com/video/SVasp05Z9Ls/w-d-xo.html
✨ 7 Steps for a simpler life: th-cam.com/video/cRrbswCvnmQ/w-d-xo.html
✨ How to start slow living in 2025: th-cam.com/video/b-f9PhYDviI/w-d-xo.html
✨ 8 simple living habits that will improve your life 🌱 th-cam.com/video/BwH2hIZOQaU/w-d-xo.html
✨I bought an 18th century cottage 🏡 th-cam.com/video/8mSO4ft19Ag/w-d-xo.html
I want to buy less books as I have many both art and craft books and novels
Don't tell anyone, but I have been using the same purse for about 30 years, the same dozen tops for 15 years, and had the same car for 20 years.😊 I have never been in debt.
Oh, I might actually tell someone because it's seriously cool and something to be proud of 😊 It feels really good to see there are people here who consume mindfully and sustainably ✨
That's so wonderful! 😊
Very good Hushingsilence! I’m going to begin to do the same!❣️
You know what? That is brilliant. I'm slapping my forehead now, because I just realized why people get into debt - overconsumption. Not counting stuff such as a house or a car we buy so much things we don't need.
Blessings ❤
"Please don't go and buy a green linnen dress because you liked this video." Oh damn! I feel so called out right now. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hahaha 😂 Yeah, I got a comment on my "No more fast fashion" video once in which someone said they ordered the dress I wore - I realized there is a certain danger of being an accidental influencer even in a no-buy video 😂
@@livelikeliz It is a working point for me for sure! That's why I stopped following a lot of YT channels over the past months. Somehow buying that dress (or whatever) makes me think I am also then that body type (aka slim/skinny). It's hard to fight that but I'm trying.
But, by the way, your dress in that video is indeed beautiful. 😊
I was just thinking the same!
I mean, if you’re gonna wear it every day… 🤷🏾♀️ I have a dress that I wear weekly (I live in Florida). I get compliments on it. I bought it at Ross for about $20 a couple of years ago.
@@ms.rivera7898 Well yes! that is a great use of a new dress. But I don't always do that with the dresses I have bought in the past. I do think now I have found the shape of dress that fits me best and those I do wear almost week so I am getting better at it. 😊😊 Oh, it's probably so warm in Florida! Here it is cold and raining.
¨Looking rich keeps you poor¨ Love it!
Happy to hear it resonates with you - it's a simple truth 😄
I’m going to remember that! What a great visual and it’s easy to remember. 😂say that before pressing the Pay button!
Hallelujah 🙏
It's true, that's why you see rich people wearing the most plain clothes.
Looking rich doesn't keep you poor. Not knowing how to handle money does.
I recently unsubscribed from all my TH-cam influencers. I love to knit and I am pretty good at it. I decided to do a no spend year this coming New Year. I prepared myself for this by asking myself what it was that I truly needed. Not much I realized. I paid my mortgage off and my car is paid for and all of my credit cards are paid off. I made sure that I had books to read and enough yarn to keep my hands busy for the year. I’m all set to just enjoy my slow life. No more consuming, no more grasping for things that aren’t essential or resisting the things I have because they may not appear good enough for others. I’m practicing gratitude for what I have. This reinforces my decision, thank you ❤
Me too!
This sounds absolutely fantastic ✨ Exactly - what is it that we truly need? Not much as much as the outside world often makes us believe. All the best to you for 2025! 💕
Congratulations on starting the lifestyle you really want. 🎉
Wishing you all the best for your journey. I wish I could follow your footsteps, but I simple can't live a whole year without buying some new (actually 2nd hand) books. I'm such a book nerd! 😊
I am living this way began this 2024
Having God in our lives is more important rather than luxurious things in this world. God blessed everyone.🙏❤️
The best self-care I'd done over the new year was to go on a communication blackout (turned off all my phones and computers) and be completely with myself for two whole days.
Total luxury.
Love this xo
I love this! Hope you are having fun. I know we did. My community has a no technology, caffeine alcohol and extra hours of sleep and extra time for praying, mediation and spending more time with our children and loved ones. That's between Nov 26 to Jan 10. It is sooo refreshing!
Obviously, there are a few exceptions for the few who are disabled and rely on their tablets or mobile phones for communicating, ordering medication, transport, etc.
It feels like a complete detox from the chaotic world that we live in! I hope you are keeping well and having a delightful time.
@@hameley12 cheers to more time away from the chaotic world 😉 🍻
wow👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
We live in a beautiful house close the beaches in New Zealand with no mortgage, no loans, no debts. I cook a lot, gardening, feeding my brain and all what I buy even Christmas gifts It’s second hand 😊 and I am so happy❤
Hi! This sounds like us❤but we are not by a beach. We are in rural Midwest USA surrounded by farmland. We have a century old home and are debt free. I retired at 51 in 2023 due to health reasons. I cook daily, garden, take care of our pets, and read & write. Life is finally mine❤and I don’t care what anybody else thinks anymore. When I do need or buy, I also buy secondhand. This upcoming year has me so concerned with the future and the uncertain economy💔, but we are much better off than many people here who are in over their heads and are already struggling.
@ I am 48 and don’t work anymore since 18 months, taking care of my family, myself and my mental health, my cat. I feel blessed, I’m very grateful, I have worked hard and now I just want a simple life with no stress 😊
@@huskyclan345 What do you know! I live in the rural Midwest also, sold my previous house and bought a very inexpensive house built during the Great Depression, with a horseless carriage house which had a bit of fire damaged, that is now a very pretty cottage. Got tons of offers from idiots to buy it. No way! Zero mortgage. Done some upgrades but only when I save the cash to pay it off immediately. Has 1/3 of an acre, right in the middle of town. I can farm in it, because they had in the city book, the "grandfather clause", which said that you could grow food in your property. They got rid of clause after they had to give my permission. It's also a certified wildlife habitat
Confession: addiction runs strong in my family. For many of them it’s alcohol, for me, it’s shopping. Retail therapy has been my primary coping mechanism for decades. After mom died a few years ago it got worse. A couple years ago I made the decision to go to college. The stress hasn’t helped. Now I find that I need a serious change. I entered therapy for my mental health and a week ago I started purging my house. The amount of clothing I’ve pulled out and boxed up is embarrassing. The craft room and bookshelves are next. After that… the garage. There’s a local volunteer-run thrift store that donates all profits to scholarships for local girls that is happy to accept everything. Letting go of so much high quality stuff is hard, but being able to see empty space in my closets, and knowing it’s going to directly benefit some of my classmates is compounding my drive to keep going. Then I saw this video. What timing. I wish I had started sooner.
Also think about putting things for free on locals apps for people that are struggling to buy anything.
@ My sister also suggested this to me. Additionally, I started looking into local shelters to see if they could use anything I’m getting rid of.
Good for you for having the strength to make the changes you want to make. You can do it ❤
Better late than never. You’re on the right track to healing.
In 2025 I am only replacing things that I run out of or irreparably damage. Nothing new. I am shopping my home and looking to let go of a lot. I have been an unconscious shopper for decades but this year will be for me a reset. I hope to forever change my relationship to stuff...thank you for this video.
That sounds fantastic! Part 2 of this video will be exactly for you with lots of practical tips! All the best to you for 2025 💕
I hope your plan goes well, Karen! If it helps, know that there are others out there who have found success changing their consumption pattern.
After a decades-long addiction to clothes shopping, I've now gone for almost a decade buying no new clothes except at thrift stores. I've discovered that an occasional stop at a thrift store satisfies my urge to shop, and over time, I managed to find most of what I need: mostly gardening tools and the jeans and dress slacks I wear out regularly. Around my home, most of my favorite items are thrift store finds, or items I've re-purposed, recycled or otherwise salvaged.
On this boat with you! 2025 is my year to break the cycle
@KarenBachar-c6m I have a similar commitment for 2025, as I have wasted so much of my money after paying actual bills, for decades. If I did not waste all that money, I could have purchased a house outright with no mortgage. *So many regrets!!!* But as I deal with depression and spiraling about myself, I have to focus on the *future* and what I can help correct, based on my poor choices and experience.
I hope your journey and mine of not buying anything new except actual *needed* items will be a successful one during 2025 and onward! 🤩
My philosophy in life is less is more, and the older I get, the less I need or want! Living simple is so freeing!
I’m a thrifter, I rarely buy anything new. If I do I try to buy from local small businesses. I prefer vintage/antique/pre-loved furniture and decor items. I have a thrifted minimal wardrobe of natural materials. I live a slow, low waste, 80% off grid lifestyle in a tiny cottage in a forest. I drive a 17 yr old car that I keep maintained. I’ve had the same iPhone for over 7yrs. I hand mend and make what I can.
I agree with all you’ve said here 🙌
My Mini van has been with me since 1999. Works just great and I talk to it. lol
Best thing I did: I never had a spending problem, but I finally bought a cheap notebook and kept track of every dime I spent for an entire year. I just wanted to know exactly what I needed to live on. At first it was a nuisance to record every bill, every food purchase, but then it became an easy habit. I learned so much.
Absolutely - it really helps to keep track of our spending habits! I really admire you for taking the time to record everything 💕
I need to do this ❤
We did this but on excell. It helps us to plan to get out of debt. We are hoping to be free of debt by mid 2025. The debt wasn't necessary expense we started with rent and food. Then both vehicles broke at the same time as the washer and dryer all with in 4 months. 🙃 on our way to recovery. Which this has taught me that I don't really want anything. Just things we need.
I started working 4 hours less a week, that was in February 2 years back I have more time to spend on my hobbies and I noticed there’s more time for grocery’s and planning meals and cooking. And as a result of this I spend less money. I saw my savings increase. In October that year stopped working another 4 hours a week. I started living more conscious for the first time in years I realized I did a lot of consuming in need of satisfaction. Now I know better, I found myself. Slowing down made me a better person.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything! Can you believe I’ve been rocking the same clothes and shoes for 17 years? 😊😊😊 It’s amazing how “less is more” can bring so much joy! Sending warm greetings from beautiful Finland! 🌟
This is a great reminder for the beginning of 2025. My goal this year is to declutter all of the items that I let myself get influenced to buy and donate them to someone or an organization so the next person can use them. Seeing that I'm not, and its taking away my time to manage them.
I was going to scoff at this video, because underconsumption seems to be just as much much of a money generating trend for youtubers as any fashion fad. But then you said "buying stuff is not a shortcut to build the life we want for ourselves" and that touched a nerve. Gives me something to think about for the coming year.
Wow, this is a really lovely comment - thank you ❤️ Yeah, it's always a bit of a double-edged blade with those TH-cam trends - I completely get what you mean. So happy you found some inspiration to take away from this video 😊 All the best to you for 2025 ✨
My man and I walked all year around town. We loved spending more time outside than inside during the good weather months. Highly recommend. It helps you save
One of my goals this year is learning to sew simple dresses. This way I can have the luxury of high quality, tailor made clothing but without the price tag❤
Also think about buying second hand in a larger size and tailoring it for yourself. Fabric is getting very expensive and causes a lot of pollution when processed.
Me too, ❤
Sewing your own clothes is the best way forward. We all know that fabric can be very expensive. However, we can use quilt covers, sheets, curtains, and upcycle clothes we already own. A well sewn handmade garment can last for years.
I think my favorite thing is learn to make what your favorite thing is to consume. If you like shopping for clothes.Learn to make them. If you like cozy knitwear, then learn to make it. If you love fancy baked good or coffees learn to make them. Understanding the effort that has gone into making something will make the items so much more valuable and precious. And we tend to be more satisfied with the things we find precious and not feel the need to replace them as often. A lot of times they last longer and I'm way more likely to repair something if I've made it. Buy from artisans also has a similar feeling as making it yourselft but I think understanding how it's made is still so helpful even if you are terrible or unsuccessful at it
Such an important comment - thank you so much! 💕 I 100% agree with you!
I also agree with you 100% and doing this has great satisfaction.
This mindset is the antithesis of what powers fast food, fast fashion.
Wow this!! My family and I moved rurally 10 months ago and there is no fast food or take away. I’ve learnt to make all our old favourite dishes and it’s much more satisfying!! (Not to mention you know what the ingredients are!)
Great idea, lets make the focus on expanding skills and not buying junk
I have decided I don't need anything else in life right now. I have been doing a lot of mindless spending for years and I have accumulated a lot of stuff that my small house can't hold, and I don't have time to use. I have been going through my house and getting rid of excess and it feels great! I want to now use what I have and only get replacements for things that run out or are too damaged to use. I want this to be for life, not just for a year. I am not in any debt and have my house paid off, but if I keep buying things I don't need because so and so on the internet has it and her art is pretty amazing, I will not have any peace of mind because the space I live in is too cluttered and I am stressed about how many things I need to use because I bought them.
☆ Magic ☆ My new fav Free no consumption hobby is picking up trash/litter outside. It is fresh air, great exercise, inspiring and saving the garbage from the inevitable distination, the ocean.
That is an absolutely fantastic hobby 😊 I'm really happy there are people like you in this world 💕
This is so beautiful. I was planning to start doing this as well, but never got the time or energy. Next year I will do it, I have forest nearby and people do leave lots of trash there. I rarely was picking this up (except glass or packages that reflect the light which might cause the fire), but I must start doing this regularly.
I pick up litter from the street next to my house... i decided to do my little part to keep the streets clean... but try not to be seen... i do the same for the places i stay, for instance for a pic nic... i do my best to preserve this wonderful world.
I absolutely love this 💡❤
Swing by my neighborhood ❤
Hello luv🌿, Jesus removed the desire of worldy desires from me. It feels so good to buy the necessities in life. God is good all the time🌺.
Amen! I was looking for someone that made a comment that they are a Believer in Jesus! That they look to Jesus to help them to be content with their needs being met and with little!
We can only do it with Jesus!
We can talk all day about what we should or shouldn’t be doing! Yet, we need Jesus Christ!
Amén! I want for Jesus remove the desire for more clothing and shoes, and help me resist the tentation from the big discounts sales.
@@crmnzcndn5901 I will be praying for you in regards to this!
I shop at Goodwill (They are thrift stores over here on the West Coast in the U.S.) I too pray not to buy clothes unnecessarily!
Amen 🙏
Amen, & Amen.
I am so glad you made this video. We need more awareness around it. What you say hit home when I had someone in my life who had Lamborghini, a businesses, 6 bedroom house, etc etc but were still so miserable emotionally. When that person was like on eggshells when someone was walking the footpath close to that car and crossing the road, he would be so tensed - "just don't scratch my car" he would say. What is the point of having such a fancy item, when it will cause you so much tension? The car was not even confortable. It seems that things like these are desirable until we get them. After we get them, we are no happier than we were before. There are no fanfares and people will not love us more. Quite on the contrary, it stems jealousy and envy, not to mention safety risks.
I love simple living. It has helped my mental health so much! The only social media I have is TH-cam and Pinterest. I use Pinterest for crafts. I don't suffer from being envious of the Pinterest perfect lifestyle. I know people do. I hope everyone chooses happiness this year
That sounds so wholesome 💕 All the best to you in 2025! ✨
this day, I use Pinterest for art inspiration and ytube for house tours, art studio tours and follow a few interesting influencers. all out for my inspiration and to keep me engaged, and empowered in my private life and for longevity...cheers
Jesus will be the center of whatever lifestyle He wants me to pursue. Thank you for so many good ideas. 😊
This mine and my husband's goal for this year. So many people in our lives cant understanding it.
My own mother was appalled 4 years ago when she found out we look at thrift stores first when shopping for things our kids need. We get brand new shoes, ubderwear and coats bit everything else we try and get at a thrift store first. My kids are still young (10, 5 and 2) so they are still hard on their clothes.
My favourite part of this video: 'please don't go and buy a green linen dress!' That actually raises a really good point - even slow, underconsumption lifestyles as depicted online can be aspirational and can give the 'consume' impulse its fuel, for those of us who struggle with things like that. I appreciate you calling out the potential influence you could be and countering that. It's a lovely dress, btw, but the ones I've got work just fine, and I look forward to being able to go paddling in them come the summer. Thanks for making this thoughtful video. :)
After decades of buying clothes because shopping was cool, I finally caught myself. I haven't bought new clothes for almost a decade. The collection I bought through the years should last, and any new items I need, i purchase them from thrift stores. I've managed to shift my thinking through the years. I still feel the urge to shop sometimes, but I satisfy that urge at the thrift stores, and make a treasure hunt of it. I usually finish these shopping sprees having purchased nothing, and feeling fine about it!
Props to you! ✨ I can relate a lot - it's not about completely surpressing or denying the urge to shop but about being mindful and realizing we don't need everything we see and like. 💕
Me too I do not mindlessly shop! I was going to order two new books. I went on my buy nothing group and placed a request for these books and was gifted both❤
I will pass on when done. The library wait 2 months was too long.
hi my version of shopping for clothes, is to walk in all the top clothes shops. Too look and to look some more, satisfy my curiosity, and then walk out and away. Until my next excusion...cheers
My first step was disconnecting the tv cable back in the 90’s. That eliminates a huge level of marketing propaganda right there. I pay for TH-cam so no adverts there except the ones the content creators are pushing (I limit my subscription to those). I purchase on Etsy and second hand stores. I buy meals locally and food (meat/veggies) from the local farmers market. I am trying to grow a small vegetable garden (with mixed success). I sew and knit and weave and spin my own yarns. Came here looking for more ways to not purchase from corporations! I wish I could have my own chickens but haven’t made it that far yet lol.
Me too! Etsy and thrift stores. I have chickens. But I haven’t spun my own yarn yet.
I'm starting saving all that I can, and stop spending on usless items that I don't truly need. I'm saving so I can have a tiny home and live on Vancouver island
I am so HAPPY that I found you today, Liz !! I drive my car that is about 20 years old. It is so NICE NOT to have a car payment. It is in great shape because I care for it and having repairs now & then is still a whole lot cheaper than having a car payment every month. My family has encouraged me to get a new car but the feeling I get from having no monthly payment has got to be better than having a new car with all the fancy features. Livung within one's means brings more joy & peace than living under a mountain of debt from overspending.
I'm an over-eater and over-spender. I have arrived at 52 and realised these two areas really need looking at. I have managed to get eating more or less under control but the over-spending is really a problem. Looking more closely I realise I am totally empty. That eating and spending filled that huge void. Now I have to find a way to be a fulfilled human being without those behaviours that make me feel good, while my life is falling to pieces behind the scenes. Not easy to do, but I guess that's my journey.
Wishing you happiness, luck and success. X
I soooo relate to your comment…
Our problem today is the same with trying filling the void we have inside …
We end up overeating overspending and still no satisfaction, especially when we become overweight and have to deal with all stuff we’ve hoarded and accumulated that can inundate us at times …
I found meditation works for me when I get time to do it.. or try becoming more productive and active which can help, without the feelings of being disappointed from the foolishness of my habits …
Also I try positive talking to myself which I have found working better on many issues…
We can do it all.. as long as we put our mind to it !!!
I loved your video. Thanks ❤. We are all too addicted to shopping and spending money even though we don't need it at all.
I love your calming voice Liz 🌱soo beautiful . Thank you soo much for valuable massage. ❤sending love from Sri Lanka.🇱🇰
I am on a journey now to halt impulse buying. It's a mess. I'm here for it.
I agree with the idea of consuming less. I trapped myself in this state of buying more than I actually need so this is one of my major goals for the next year - a big reset.
But there are 2 things I think you get wrong.
1. Underconsumption is not consuming as much as you need and not more - which is the goal here, underconsumption is having less than you actually need. It comes from poverty when needs are not actually met. This should never be the goal, you should always make sure you do take care of all of your needs, the challenge is to know what is a "need" and what is a "want". Consuming reasonably is not underconsumption.
2. Self soothing is not the same as self care or grooming yourself. Self soothing might be a part of self care, as well as grooming, but do not confuse these 3 things. Self care is taking care of your basic needs and aims for a longer term goal, while self soothing aims to calm your nerves here and now. Bath with fancy oils to relieve the stress after stressful day is self soothing, eating well, reading books and excercises is self care, putting on makeup up and adding extra steps to your skincare (extra meaning something that can't be considered basic) is grooming.
Very good points, thanks for clarifying! 😊 I totally agree with you on self care, self soothing and grooming. They are really different things. I am referring to "self care" and "underconsumption" in the way they are often referred to on social media. You will, for example, see someone put on a facemask, put a sparkly bath bomb in the tub, put a huge snack tray next to the tub, start watching Netflix in the tub and that's labeled as "self care" on social media. "Underconsumption" is mostly used to simply describe the opposite of overconsumption but I agree that "mindful consumption" would be more fitting for what most people (including me) mean when they talk about it. All the best to you for 2025! 💕
Thank you both for clarifying ❤
@@livelikeliz mindful consumption is a great term! Happy 2025! 🥳
I'm up at 4;30 because I couldn't sleep and I'm glad that I came across your video. It's true and something I've struggled with. Temu online purchases are literally killing my credit card. This is food for thought for 2025
It is hard. Are your temu purchases making your life better or easier?
@marram2852 no, it's just pretty stuff.
Don’t be fooled by thinking they made these things for you to have ‘pretty stuff’ They made these things for PROFIT. Try to think of ‘how much profit will ‘they’ make’ and remember that’s why they are making it - for THEM to make money. YOUR money! They are conning you. And you are letting them. X
@janegaff6970 not anymore I'm not 😊
@@Lisa-kd6ro Good for you. ❤ My daughter has a shopping addiction and I'm not sure how to help her in a way that doesn't appear critical.
I am definitely on this journey..I stopped buying furniture in the 90's..only spicing it up with new pillows , small decor..riddens to closet clothes, shoes, housewares!
Hello minimalist 😊
6:00 - 6:15 ~ you hit the nail on the head. Thank you! 🙏
Liz, Beautifully said and lovely scenery on your video....Just hearing of the all the tragedy in Los Angeles, USA, I live in Maine, USA....it is heartbreaking and this philosophy of buying less really rings true. We have got to stop BUYING ENDLESS STUFF! Our planet can not handle all this ridiculous consumption! And mother nature is showing us that! Global warming is a very real phenomenon happening now, in our country, and of course, we are the biggest consumers in the world. I think everyone in our country should hear this video, and hopefully, these words will start to sink in....Take Care 💙
Yes, we all saw the news we cried for a while because losing your personal belongings, a pet, or a loved one is very hard! I was homeless for a year back in 2009 and lived on and off inside my storage unit and in winter at my friend's couch. Then I heard from the rental units that I had to pay up or lose my stuff. I decided to go to through everything. Sold some items and made enough money to pay off the rental space. Then it became fun and started going to thrift stores to find unique items. I had my online shop through an App. By the end of 2009 I had a part time job, finally. I was too excited selling my things that they didn't matter to me. I only kept things my grandma owned as teen, those small pieces are precious and one-of-a-kind.
Seeing how many people lost their homes and belongings, it makes you wonder... did those items matter? what about family handed down the generations, were those items saved in some way to be preserved?
I cannot even imagine their frustration and anger.
In this section, I would argue whose fault it is and why it matters but I won't go there. We are here to share life experiences, kindness and happiness. 💚💖💚
Hi Liz thanks for sharing this video. You are absolutely right about the spending behaviour. I am 70 years and don't need a lot of stuff. I have 2 pair of winter shoes and 3 pair of summer shoes of good quality and they last for years. This summer i made some nice dresses out of trift store bed sheets. I love to knit and crochet and that makes the rest of my outfits .My wardrobe is completely self made they last long is unique and I enjoy the work. See you next time. Greetings dear Liz 🌷💟🇾🇪
My dear, you are really my rolemodel in this regard. I would love to someday be able to make all my clothing myself 💕 Thanks for watching and all the best to you for the new year ✨
Love this message! I'm buying fewer clothes and I always drive a vehicle until it isn't sensible to put money in it to repair it, actually I do that with everything I own. Keeping care of it so it looks and performs as good as possible. Also I don't waste food, I find creative ways to use it up. Or I will preserve it for later
You are definitely on the right path, love it! 💪💕
I'll join you in an effort make our frugal lifestyle cool, Cathy! I do all the same cool things you do to make life comfy without spending much. I even drive a car every day that is as old as I am: 57! I'm proud to keep it running easily, since it was made when cars were simpler. I don't need to plug it into a computer to determine what's wrong.
Around the house and barn and shop, we use everything until it is wearing out, then repair it and use it some more. In my shop I have three antique power tools that are still functional, and probably over 100 years old. Most of my tools are antique, and I take pride in using and maintaining them. Many of them belonged to my ancestors. I even have some of my great-grandfather's tools, still functioning today.
In fact, I'm not the only one to preserve my ancestors' tools. My great-great-grandparents bought a flour mill in Missouri in 1843, before the civil war. Through time, the mill has been restored by two different families, and it's still operable today: www.ozarkian.com/a-visit-to-britain-mill/
Not me finding this video , i literally was thinking of going shopping but now im having second thoughts thank you for sharing this valuable message and your voice is smooth to put to sleep. Hearing you before my bedtime gn and God bless!!! ❤
You have a warm and sweet voice.
Beautiful, thought-provoking and affirming. Thank you 🙏🏻
I cant afford to buy things, so I try to make everything myself! I have an old truck, make my own medicines, tend my own gardens, milk my own goats, boil my own sap for syrup, grow my own mushrooms, forage in woods,….on and on it goes … But when I do it would be FABRIC to make cloths and home dec projects. And that green linen dress would cost just as much for materials let alone to buy already made! Linen is one of the most expensive fabrics to buy in the industry. But I do love using it in almost all my clothes and house wares! That and cotton! Lots of cotton. Thank you for being a realist and making these videos! Keep em coming! ❤❤❤
Am starting a low buy year on January 1, 2025. I am so tired of all the consumerism.
Happy to hear that! My next video (part 2 of the series) will be for you then! All the best for your journey! 💖
Upon reading this I came to realized I am that person you are talking about, and that is exactly me, paying too much attention on self-care in a wrong manner which placed myself in a big trouble and now I"m having problem how to get away from it. I thank you so much that I found you vlog and listened to it, it such a big help, it serves as an eye opener for me. Thank you so much.
I just stumbled upon this video. I appreciate the slow paced, beautiful footage you share. Thank you for sharing!
I agree people are more important than things. We just need the basics. Thanks for sharing.❤
Liz, you don't know how muvh I need this❤In the moment my depressions are back and make me feel not to be enough, not to be good enough etc... But your video pushed me and reminded me what is eeally worth in my life y thank you, beautiful soul ❤❤❤
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Your words truly touched my heart. I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through such a tough time right now, but I hope you know how incredibly strong and valuable you are. It means the world to me that my video could bring a little light to your day and remind you of what’s truly important.
Please take care of yourself - you *are* enough just as you are. Wishing you so much love, peace, and joy in the New Year. May 2025 be a year full of hope and healing for you. Sending you the biggest virtual hug! ❤❤❤
I used to watch Cottage Fairy but she only provides shows for paying customers. I found you by accident and I’m glad I did! I’ve enjoyed your content and plan on sticking around! Thank you!
I am remodeling a 10x12 shed with 2 sleeping lofts into a realistic looking cave, complete with lighting, huge mirror, exhaust fan, egress window, illuminated faux rock walls, white 'stone' luminous ceilings with stalactites that glow, fiber optic 'glow worms', and stalagmite/stalactite columns that can be re-positioned for different views. All because I intend to make it a Studio for filming videos that talk about where our world is headed now and into our future. Truth matters more than tradition, and that is my passion. Thanks for this video.
And you’ll be a cave man of course. That sounds fun to do and watch!
"True wealth is measured not by how much we have, but how little we need". In most instances, if we don't already have it, we probably don't need it. Thank you for a thoughtful and entertaining video. Stay well & safe. Cheers.😃❤
Just discovered your channel such gorgeous images, the swan on the water was beautifully filmed.
The editing, cinematography etc of this video. Is so inspiring. I love it. Something ambient, chill and almost fairytale like about it.
After watching this l am definitely cured , it is so eye opening for me now!
Thank you so much Liz ❤
I am so glad I came across your channel today. Thank you for this video. Much appreciated ❤
Well that was what I needed to hear and I feel like I just nurtured myself by watching this. Thank you. 💐
Your video popped into my feed after a very busy day of decluttering! I have a lot to go, but finding you and your videos is confirmation that I’m on the right path 🙏🏼💚 ! Hug from Southern California
Beautiful. I was caught by the caption and the natural setting. Left me with a feeling of peace and comfort. Good advice, beautifully shared. Thank you.
Such a wonderful video with beautiful scenery and message! Just discovered your channel and feel really inspired. Thank you so much for these 15 minutes!
Thank you liz 🙏❤️
The clarity in your life advice is just what I needed.
So happy it helps you! 💕 Thanks for stopping by!
Honestly speaking, your video is nothing short of magical moment for me ❤️ Loved every bit of it❣️ Your voice is so soothing!
That is a lovely encouraging video. I am that kind of person. It made me feel very relaxed. I can live very easely in that infiroment. It just gives me more encouragements. I loved it.
I’m trying to do a no spend year but definitely finding it hard because I think I use shopping as a coping mechanism. Thank you so much for this gentle reminder that we don’t need more to be valuable ❤️
My mom always tells me this story from her younger days, that she was shamed and ridiculed for wearing the same dress everyday of the week. I can see the sadness of someone who is as clean as possible for the society but she's just been put down for it. Definately don't fall for consumerism or peer pressure to do anything. One single tshirt uses 40 litres of clean water and all the chemicals in the sea is staying there, no matter how big corporations justify their practices, the world is not for us to pollute and litter.
This is beautiful. I am so glad I saw it. It will certainly influence my decisions going forward into the new year. I hope I can continue to be more mindful of what I spend. I will try to buy only things that I really do need in future. 💚
I’m ready! I live alone and find myself scrolling and having the urge to buy things. I need more hobbies to replace the habits that don’t serve as a positive to my life. Thank you for the ideas and the reality check. I welcome any and all suggestions 🙏
Reading. Instead of a dozen streaming platforms to pay for each month. Go to your local library and find a genre of books you will cherish. Guess what, they are still loaning out DVDs for free too
For clothes, it is the mainly expense i face as a girl, so i follow to have a capsule wardrobe idea now. Have separate clothes for workwear and outing and other casual stuffs. It works because for work example have a set of 4-5 trousers and 9-10 of tops can save you buying work wear for another 4-5 years unless damaged.
Thank you for sharing. I am definitely on a mission this year to change my way with how I spend money. I want to be more intentional and know where and how I spend it. So, I am doing a low-to-no-buy year for 2025. Happy 2025!
Your video is wholesome in insightful. Thank you❤
Thank you sister❤......I used to think like this before...But I can understand that I have started to go the opposite directon which I mean, now I like to perchase new things to look fancy..I want to stop that really..And your video helped me.. Now on I will think as like you❤
You're voice sounds soft and kind and I think it's heavenly to listen to.
Thank you for your calming vibes and good advice. Beautiful video 🎉.
Last year I promised not to buy more pens and notebooks but I couldn't keep it. I intend not to buy pens until I run out in 2025. By the way, your shots and tone of voice are fascinating 🥰
OMG I'm guilty of that too 🙈 pens and notebooks are sooo beautiful! I still have so many beautiful notebooks I got when I was in school and didn't even get around to using THAT MANY NOTEBOOKS 😄 Thank you so much 🥰
This is such a good video! Thank you! I needed this ❤
Thank you so much for this very profound and thoughtful video! I am a fellow underconsumption woman, and I really enjoyed it! I am so thankful for underconsumptionists! Saving the planet one unnecessary purchase at a time!!!💚👍💚
I'm trying to buy less clothing. Love to go to second-hand shops. I'm a quilter, have tons of fabric, use up what I have first. 😊
Love it, that's what I try to do as well 💕
really like ur message, it made me compelled to hear the whole video
This is such a beautiful video. Such a treat visually, and such an important message, communicated in such a soothing way.
For many years, while my children were growing up, I rarely bought things. We didn't have the money, and we made do with what we had/actually needed. I have become a person who purchases too much now. Your opening message is the reason: It's so easy, so accessible, so pushed by online ads, with an easy click or two to satisfy an urge: My skin will look younger and more radiant, my house will look nicer, I'll have a cute outfit that I feel good in, my health will be improved by a supplement, etc. etc. This video was perfect to help in my determination to purchase less. Thank you.
This could be all of my words... Followed by 'less is more'.
What I take from this though, is that you, are a wonderful beautiful soul. Thank you for shining your light and love out.
Much love and endless blessings to you. 🙏🤲🙌🫶💜
Thank you I really listened to your advice.... .can't wait for part two. Shopping is my outlet it fills my need for my own space.
Inside a store I can walk and linger as long as I can till I have to go home, to a place I have to share. I spend foolishly with so much regret and hope for a better life. I don't see a good future for me. So that keeps me from saving. It's a vicious cycle.
Love this. Stopping buying stuff I don't need has been a gamechanger for my mental health. It also means I have more time to do things I really enjoy 🙂 Thank you for your video, I will share it, and have a great day!
I started collecting porcelain dolls. All of them are so beautifully done, "artwork", especially the old Victorian Style Dolls. However, it has turned into an addiction! The thrill of finding just one more doll! Now, within 2 years, I have over 40 dolls and I'm running out of room to display them, that is without my place looking like an overwhelming doll museum! It's funny how sometimes it takes over- consumption to finallly realize less really is more.
Completely agree - sometimes we need this moment of "snapping out of it" and thinking to ourselves "Wait... why am I even doing that?".
So are you just gonna keep your collection as it is now? 😊💕
You can admire beautiful art without needing to keep possession of it. I love looking at beautiful items at stores and at the art museum but I know that I do not need to own that item and have it take up space in my house in order to appreciate it. Who are you storing those dolls in the house for? Is it to impress visitors? Is it just to look at for yourself all day? Sounds like it’s the thrill of acquisition that keeps you collecting.
Don't tell anyone but i have been using my husband for over 50years- comparring to my other family members who re married and are all indebt
Okay that made me laugh 😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂
I invest in my new house and a nice simple life ❤ so glad to see a video of yours dear Liz ❤
So happy to see you here! ❤ That sounds like fantastic and very worthwhile investments ❤ All the best for the new year! ✨
@@livelikelizthanks for you to dear Liz ❤
We are working on this as well central Portugal 🇵🇹 😊
Simplicity is the best ❤
Love the way you talked on this under consumption journey… ❤❤❤
I'm not so much trying to buy less as get rid of items that I've had for years as most of it was never used, and due to my work, I was mostly in uniforms. I'm on the same page as yourself when it comes to consumerism. My this is not wanting to become a horder. It's a slippery slope. Most people could actually shop their own closets. Usually styles come back around and repeat themselves. PS I like your way of thing. Have a blessed 🙌🏾 day. 😘🦋
Welcome back, Liz! :D
I completely agree with all the things that you say in this video.
I have never bought lots and lots of things but little by little, except for a period in my life, when I started buying lots of books and now I have lots unread, but a few years ago I realized this was not the real me, and I stopped. And now I am buying very few books a year so that I can read all those unread I have.
And, yes, I realized that happened because I compared myself with other readers and writers, and thought I should buy more books instead of reading also from the library (oh, what a mistake). Luckily, it just happened during a few years and I noticed it and changed it without problem.
Thanks for this video, I'm looking forward the next one.
Thanks - so happy to be back 🥰 Thank you so much for sharing your story - that's exactly what I meant in the video! So often we buy things because a lifestyle appeals to us or we want to be the type of person who has many books etc. I guess it happens to most of us at some point 😄❤️
This was beautiful to watch and hear. I feel empowered to make better decisions. Thank you this 💚
For many years I was guilty of shopping just for the experience of buying. At this point in my life I've gotten out of debt but I regret the years I wasted my money on things i didn't really need. And I still feel the pull of shopping just for the experience of buying. Just little things. A fancy coffee. A new gadget for my hobby. It's a constant effort to resist it but I'm trying to change my mindset.
amazing Liz! thanks for the eye opener great video.
This has resonated with me as I paid off my credit cards before a surgery. This health event made me meditate on things you mention here. Now I ask myself why, and even where would this go.
Congrats to you for paying off that debt ✨ Glad to hear you can relate! 💕
Thank you for all the advices regarding breaking the harmful cycle of consumerism😉
Under consumption. The world needs it.
I love how calming this is ❤