Life Routine by José Encarnação Hey everyone!
You know updating what's happening during my no-spend week is hard to write about - after all what can I say?? Um, woke up, went to work, came home, played with kids, went to sleep - didn't spend any money all day.
And you know, most of the time my days are a like that anyway - just routine stuff - except on a no- spend week, I don't buy snacks or get takeaway.
But I think that as with many challenges in life, much of the action is happening inside my head. During days 3, 4 and 5 I said "no" to people inviting me to eat lunch at the cafe. I said "no" to my kids doing an activity that will cost. And it was hard work!
A no-spend week can really make one conscious of social pressures to spend. Saying "no" to buying can bring on so many insecurities - will people now see me as "poor"? Am I being the "party pooper"? Am I depriving my children needlessly?
Spending has become such a way for people to connect these days that it feels like one must have a good excuse to not buy (and being on a no-spend challenge is not a good excuse). When I said "no" to my workmates to eating lunch at the cafe, I felt compelled to stay at my desk and work through lunch so they can see what my "good excuse" was. When I said "no" to my kids when they wanted to spend for an activity, I felt compelled to come up with a GREAT (and free) alternative activity.
I wonder what would happen if I just said "no"? With no excuses, no "making up for it", no explanation? How big a social faux pas would it be?
Anyway, enough of my rambling. So days 3, 4 and 5 I went to work, then came home, cooked dinner, played with the kids and went to bed. Not much happened.... except inside my head.
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In the meantime, my no-spend buddies have also been updating:
Voice of Many Colours - has had a huge set back regarding her health and having to feed a very hungry boy. You may want to send her some good health vibes!
Christephi - has made a Filipino recipe! Nilaga! For those who don't know, I was born in the Philippines but raised here in Oz. I don't know how to cook many filipino dishes so I am in awe of her ability to cook (what I regard) as one of the harder ones to do.
Eco-chic Mummy - has had a little set-back due to a mix up with grocery delivery. Ah well, these things happen and yep, I can totally understand why she spent a little bit. Keep going anyway ECM!!
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Oh and in the meantime, I have also been busy sorting out stuff for my GARAGE SALE this SUNDAY. I will post details about it tomorrow!!
Hope you all had a pleasant day. :)
5 comments:
One person at a time and we change the social norm. I regularly have lunch with a couple of former co-workers. Most of the time we all bring and eat in the cafeteria style restuarant in the building (they don't mind), but when one of us buys they get it to go and join us at a picnic table outdoors (weather permitting). Instead of saying no, tell them you already brought your lunch, share your no spend week, and invite them to get their meals to go and join you in the break room for lunch.
Encourage your kids to participate in activities that don't cost money. When an invitation to go out to dinner is extended turn it around and say I would love to, but have other plans this evening (not spending money is a plan) but I would love if everyone came buy for coffee afterwards. I bet you have something in your cupboards that can become dessert to go with coffee. Share what you are doing and why and maybe you will inspire those around you to join your cause.
Eilleen, you are so funny!
And I just wanted to add thank you for making me be a better person... your dedication to the 'good chocolate' cause has inspired me! :)
My thoughts were similar to Tree Hugging Mam's.....I wonder if you keep opting out of things like lunch with your workmates, you might become jaded and resentful of the whole business.
If you weren't on a 'no-spend' week, and took your lunch to work, would you go hide from everybody?
I'd like to hear a bit more about what is going on in your head.....how do you feel about sitting at your desk working through lunch?...do you think your actions and feelings are in sync....things like that, if you don't mind sharing.
Nanette
No spend days and weeks (ha!) are a new concept for me and something that I am trying and thinking about how my circumstances will change what a 'spend' is (yes I realise this is contradictory, but I am thinking of things like train travel, which I have no control over to get to uni, but I dont want to buy in advance as my days may change). So, please continue to post, even when you dont think you have anything to say - it is really movitating.
Hi Eileen, just catching up on blog reading, so sorry this comment is a bit late - but I was going to say pretty much what Tree Hugging Mama said - if you just say "no" to your co-workers, they might feel like you just don't want to hang out with them. If you say you've brought your lunch, and you're trying not to spend any money, but why don't we eat together anyway, I don't see it so much as an excuse - it's more of an explanation of what you're doing!
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