I'm no longer letting things define me...

A year ago, I studied abroad in New Zealand, which is one of the most amazing countries in the world in my opinion. When I was there I adapted to their minimalist lifestyle and I was the happiest I have ever been. Upon my return, I faced reverse culture shock and was back to consuming things I don't need. Eventually, this got to me and became part of my ways once again.

I did this challenge along with some of my best friends, which was kind of fun because we were all in this together. We motivated each other to stay on task and joked about things that we almost caved into buying. It was a lot harder than I anticipated. Sometimes when I get bored I like to go to Marshalls or TJ Maxx and just look around. When I was doing this challenge I went to the mall on one of my breaks between school and work and I was convinced that I needed new running shoes. I told myself it was a necessity and when I was there I asked myself if it was really worth breaking the challenge for this one thing. Instead, I went home and wrote down the shoes I wanted, how much they cost, where they were, and why I thought I needed them. I decided I would wait until the challenge was over to go back and get them.

Well, guess what?

The challenge is over and I decided I really don't need them. My current pair of running shoes are still not worn out, they are in mint condition and I don't see the point of accumulating many different pairs of running shoes so they can just sit in my closet.

I am really happy I did this challenge. I feel like I'm developing habits that were a positive influence on me in New Zealand. I've noticed a difference in my overall mood too. I know that buying things is what makes the economy healthy, however, as a broke college student it's in my best interest to not buy things that I deem unnecessary until I'm at a more stable point financially.