Appreciate things without owning them

This has been a lesson in a long time in the making, in my opinion.

It boils down to acknowledging that somthing can be, useful/beautiful/nice to have, and not needing to own it myslef. Do I always do this? No. Is it a perfect solution? No Can it still be helpful? Yes.

What this often helps me do though is realize in a store or online or whatever that an item might be something compelling intriguing, or just plain nice but that I don’t have to own it myself and have to store it in my home to enjoy it. It honestly comes from intentionalism (read: minimalism) and trying to limit what I bring into my home, but I’ve realized that it’s easier to justify buying “pretty” or “cute” or *insert desirable adjective here*, items.

I’m also trying to get out of my habit of shopping even just to window shop, because it often leads to unnecessary (even if on-sale) purchases. And as I have to remind myself, just because it’s on sale, or a good price, doesn’t mean you need it. I often pair these decisions with The Minimalists shopping questions.

But what has stuck with me as a stand alone reminder is to appreciate things without owning them, whether you’re shopping at the local mall, online shopping, or browsing boutiques on vacation I think there’s room for this to be considered.

I also try to remember that just because the item is on sale doesn’t mean I need it anymore than I did.

I’m trying to be more thankful, and work more with what I have already, and see the beauty in what I already have at home. I know it might sound cheesy, but I think it’s true. It goes with the “garbage trick”. This means when you see a beautifully styled item in store that you like, pick it up and take it to the garbage can aisle and set it on the shelf see if it looks as lovely there and if you may be buying it for the sake of the whole aesthetic that you saw the item in across the store. This isn’t a perfect solution but it could add more friction to your purchases.

So next time you see a pretty shirt at the mall, a cute mug at the store, or maybe a fun tchotchke online, realize that you don’t need to own it to appreciate the value or visual of the item, that and you either may already have something like it, something that does the same thing, or that you don’t even have room in your budget for or space for anyway.