Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /home1/ineedmo3/public_html/wp-content/themes/pipdig-styleandlight/inc/functions/inc/functions/pinterest_hover.php on line 36
At first this post was going to be a cute little story about how I fit a ton of stuff into my small NYC apartment, but then I realized that this really needed to be a serious conversation. Time and time again I have people telling me stuff doesn’t matter, that I have “too much stuff”, I need to get rid of it or that I am too materialistic. I disagree.
It isn’t that I love stuff, it is that I love memories. Everything that I own has a memory attached to it. My little Eiffel tower statue, which has absolutely no purpose, reminds me of the first time I went to Paris. My mason jar filled with random rocks reminds me of going to Lake Placid and buying the little bags of rocks at the souvenir shop with my mom and dad. My hourglasses remind me to take time for myself and that it is ok to stop moving once in a while.
These are all things I want to remember, and one day memory just won’t be enough. As we move on and make new memories, we tend to forget some of the old ones. Seeing these items in my space grounds me. It puts things into perspective when my mind just can’t do it on its own. They are subtle little reminders that life is more than work. It is more than school. All of those things go away or end or change. What stays constant is the memories you take from them.
It is important to accumulate stuff. Not just to buy things to clutter your space, but to surround yourself with things that make you feel joy. Especially in a place like NYC, you need to create a space that makes you feel calm and safe- two emotions that seem to be in short supply these days. (literally as I am writing this a homeless man is screaming at his friend behind me- NOT EVEN KIDDING)
And another thing: let us stop the money shaming. If someone has a lot of money, they can spend it however they want as long as it is not harming anyone. If I have money saved up and I want to go buy pointless stuff that I will probably get rid of next month, it is my prerogative to do that. Society today has made people feel that if you are successful you can’t show that. I disagree. There is a fine line between sharing your successes and being braggy or showy. As long as you don’t cross it and are conscious of the people around you, I see nothing wrong with that.
And you know what, sometimes it feels so damn good to go to Home Goods and buy a ceramic cactus that has absolutely no purpose, but is just the most adorable thing ever. You need to take little moments for yourself, and if that is how you do it then GREAT!
I realize that my blog name isn’t doing me any favors, it is literally telling you to shop. But, a lot of people are missing the point. It isn’t to shop to spend money or give me affiliate credit or force you into buying more useless stuff. It is reminding you to be self indulgent, practice self care and do something for yourself once in a while. We spend all day doing things for other people, it is important to take time for ourselves. Sometimes, online shopping for 30 minutes or buying a new shirt can completely change your mood. This blog is all about distracting you with a fun style post, showcasing items that make you feel confident without spending all your paycheck and promoting self care.
That is why I tell people I love stuff. Not to be materialistic, but to open up this conversation that it is ok to spend your money on whatever you want. It’s your money and no one should shame you for spending it in any way. And it is also ok to NOT spend it too.
Let’s change the way we talk about “stuff”
xoxo Gabriela
Shop the look:
Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /home1/ineedmo3/public_html/wp-content/themes/pipdig-styleandlight/inc/functions/inc/functions/pinterest_hover.php on line 36
You may also enjoy:
Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /home1/ineedmo3/public_html/wp-content/themes/pipdig-styleandlight/inc/functions/inc/functions/pinterest_hover.php on line 36
