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I think this totally happens as we go through seasons in our life where maybe we need to accumulate or add a few things depending on what may be going on in our life. When we are so intentional about buying things and when several new things are added, it can seem like a lot when maybe it isn't. I know what you mean. It really is such a balance! ;)

Of course. 🤍I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

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Absolutely! 🙂

I think once I realized that excess shopping was just temporary happiness and more of an adrenaline rush that I was feeling, it was easier to remove that negative habit from my life. The constant chase of things and accumulation left me more drained in the long run. Focusing on removing clutter and seeing the beauty in just normal life really fulfilled me so much more long term. I hope this helps. It really is just a rewiring of the brain and changing our whole mindset. I have a couple videos on my channel about shopping addiction. Those might help. :) Figure out your WHY. Why do you want to live a more minimal life? This will help when you feel the pull to consume material things that you don't need....you will remember your reason for wanting a more simple life. These are habits that we built up over our whole life, so sometimes this takes time to shift everything. 🤍

It sounds like you are tempted to shop and go out to eat as a form of entertainment’ or ‘recreation’. I have heard it recommended instead of not trying to go to these places or to stop these outings…rather find and focus on other hobbies or entertainment. If you are ‘busy’ with your new hobby or new recreational activity then you won’t have as much time or attention for going to stores or going out just for ‘fun’. I find it is true, if you ‘just’ look you will always find something to want/ buy. Make a list and only go to stores when you are consciously trying to find that particular item on your list, not just browsing mindlessly. And set time limits. Also there maybe an aspect of ‘loneliness’. Sometimes we want to go shopping or go out to eat to ‘treat’ ourselves because we are feeling lonely. I don’t know at all if this applies to you. Only you know if it does or not. But if it does, then again it is about focusing on finding and making some more effort and time for relationships, either the good ones you already have or finding some new healthy ones. Often if we have good, meaningful connections with even just one or two good people on a fairly consistent basis it is ‘enough’ for us to not feel lonely and therefore try to mask the loneliness with the dopamine hit of ‘shopping’. Just some thoughts I had in response to your comment.

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I know what you are talking about with the Montessori videos! I used to do the same thing and it is endless the amount of options there are for you to buy! Although I love those style toys. I really think this is just a mindset shift with realizing how much easier and better kiddos play when they are not overwhelmed with so many options. I think just focus on what your kiddo plays with the most, what really engages him, and stick with those simple options. And of course there is nothing wrong with keeping stuff that adds value to you or your kiddos life. It is all about just being intentional and keeping what adds value and removing the excess/clutter. :)