She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Consumerism

As I reflect on my relationship with material possessions, I’m reminded of the analogy of binging and purging. After periods of restraint, I’d give in to impulse purchases, only to find myself returning items almost every week. It was a vicious cycle that left me feeling unfulfilled and guilty.

The Illusion of Personal Branding

The internet is saturated with articles on personal branding, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not about the things we buy. It’s about creating an illusion that convinces people to purchase a product, rather than advertising the truth. Take Oreo Thins, for example – they won’t make you thin, no matter how convincing the marketing may be.

A New Chapter in Life

Six months ago, I graduated from college and relocated to Houston to be closer to my boyfriend. I was fortunate to land a job that allows me to live almost anywhere and travel frequently. With a solid emergency fund and additional savings, I thought I was on top of my finances. But, I soon realized that my spending habits were getting out of control.

The Cost of Keeping Up Appearances

I chose to live in a one-bedroom apartment, which stretched my budget to the limit. Rent alone was $1,375 per month. To make matters worse, I furnished my apartment from scratch, spending almost $3,000 on modern furniture. I convinced myself it was a “steal” because of the discounts, but in reality, I was just trying to keep up appearances.

The Empty Apartment Blues

As I waited for my furniture to arrive, I sat in my empty apartment, browsing design blogs and feeling pressure to buy more décor to fit the look I wanted. It was a never-ending cycle of consumption, fueled by social media and the blogosphere. But, the truth is, no one sees my space, and I live comfortably with the things I own.

Rethinking Priorities

I’ve come to realize that true personal branding is about actions, not possessions. It’s about being authentic and making a meaningful impact, rather than trying to project a certain image. As I work on breaking free from the cycle of consumerism, I’m focusing on saving my money and investing in my future. It’s time to prioritize what truly matters.

A New Path Forward

I’ve made a list of things I want for my apartment, prioritized it, and set dates to spread out my purchases over several months. In the meantime, I’ll be finding creative ways to express myself, like weaving an art piece out of scrap yarn instead of buying overpriced prints. It’s time to take control of my finances and live a more authentic life.