A Wren Says

I have a very fancy candle and diffuser set. I bought during a sale. It was a bit of splurge, but I told myself that it would be addition for my new place when I moved. It was such a good deal, I went ahead and bought it, in hopes of having the keys in just a little while after. Update, that discount happened again. And that box is still unopened. And I don’t have that new place yet.

This is not the only time I have done such a thing. I am guilty of making aspirational purchases in multiple categories and for many reasons. Be it a new job, special event, health goal, or whatever else I am wishing of, I have bought things in hopes of bringing me closer to the goal. It’s like a celebration in advance, which is vain when I never achieved it. I don’t want to do that anymore.

My effort (and money) was misplaced. It was like I was making my dream come true. I made it all seem more real, though it was very false. It was like I already had it. I didn’t have to put the effort into working, just more online shopping. That was the easy way out. The hard thing would have been to plan for the future I wanted, actively worked on it, and then live in the life that I built for myself. Not a fairytale of what could be.

This year I want to focus on planning and doing instead of wishing. Instead of dreaming of a better life or different circumstances, I want to work towards it. I don’t want the clothing, homeware, or appliance that would “be great if…” I want to set myself up for success now and celebrate later. And maybe give myself a little treat once I’ve earned it.