This is day six of my No Spend Challenge. So far, things have mostly gone as planned. There was an unplanned doctor visit and some OTC medicine and I stopped at the store for some produce to get me through this coming week. Every dollar spent was well within bounds of my rules and nothing was spent on anything unnecessary – not even a book! 

This was my first week back to work after the holidays and I was a bit sluggish so evenings were quiet. I decluttered a few things and tidied my laundry room. I enter the house through this room. It’s where shoes are kicked off and where a tall open shelving unit serves as a pantry. It also tends to be messy so it  was a relief to clean up this space because it was starting to cause anxiety. 

There remains a long list of things that need done and things I want to do that will keep me entertained through the winter. 

The No Spend Challenge is most successful when I focus on my own thoughts and actions. Nothing makes me appreciate not shopping like decluttering and nothing makes me appreciate staying home like feathering my nest and being cozy inside. While cleaning last night, I discovered no fewer than a half dozen bottles of shampoo of different brands languishing in the cupboard. There’s clearly no need to buy more until this supply is exhausted. It makes me wonder how much more excess lurks in the corners of my home. 

THIS is part of the purpose behind a no spend challenge. It isn’t about deprivation or about being miserable. It’s about taking a hard look at how you live, the excess that fills your home and the choices you make. It’s about being happy with what you have. 

One day next week, I’ll have to buy lunch while out with colleagues. Eating out right now is problematic because of nutritional changes I have made but, as far as the challenge goes, this is fine. Dining out because there’s no choice is acceptable but it’s not ok if I’m just doing it because cooking is hard. So far, every morsel of food I have eaten since January 1 has been prepared by my own hands – nothing processed and nothing from a restaurant – and I’m much happier. 

Are you doing a No Spend Challenge? How’s it going? This is my sixth year and I look forward to it each time. I’m always curious to hear other people’s stories!