She Strengthens

Embracing the Joy of Conscious Consumption

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that finding happiness in the little things can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth. For me, it started when I moved into my own apartment after a year of living in a shared dorm room. With twice the space to myself, I reveled in the freedom to curate my surroundings with intention.

From Bare Essentials to Cozy Luxury

I began by selecting a few essential items, like giant pillows from H&M and a discounted Christmas candle from TJ Maxx. These small indulgences brought me immense pleasure and a sense of settlement. As I settled into my new space, I continued to add more touches, like a second set of sheets, an extra pan, and a few candles. It was a luxury to have these extras, but it was also a reminder that I had worked hard to get to this point.

Rethinking the Narrative Around Consumption

In a world where minimalism and capitalism coexist, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that buying things is inherently bad. But what about the joy that comes from consciously consuming items that bring us happiness? I believe that it’s possible to trust ourselves to make intentional purchases, rather than buying into marketing schemes.

The Beauty of Clutter

I’m not ashamed to say that I love clutter. To me, it represents a history and soul that’s often lacking in minimalist spaces. My weakness for mugs, for example, has led to an entire shelf in my kitchen dedicated to them. Yes, I could argue that I have too many, but each one brings me joy and serves a purpose.

Mindful Spending and Intentional Living

My philosophy is simple: I choose to spend money on things that bring me happiness, and I’m mindful of my purchases. I invest in solid dishes and cheap candles. I prioritize luxury shampoo and drugstore soap. And I believe that this approach can coexist with a minimalist lifestyle, as long as everything I have was chosen with intention.

A Counterpoint to Minimalism

I want to encourage a counterpoint to the narrative that says we must get rid of everything to be happy. Instead, I believe that we can live in cozy, cluttered spaces and still employ a minimalist lifestyle. It’s about being intentional with our purchases and surrounding ourselves with things that bring us joy.

Finding Happiness in the Little Things

As I look around my apartment, I’m reminded of the happiness that comes from conscious consumption. The fairy lights on my walls, the candle burning in the corner, and the blanket thrown over the couch all contribute to a warm and cozy atmosphere. And while these things don’t replace the happiness that comes from relationships and personal success, they certainly enhance my life.

A Philosophy for Living

In the end, it’s about finding a balance between mindful spending and intentional living. By embracing the joy of conscious consumption, we can create spaces that reflect our personalities and bring us happiness. And that, to me, is the greatest luxury of all.