Welcome back to Mama Mondays!
Today I’m sharing all about a contentment challenge that I am doing from April 1st-June 1st. I had heard and read about contentment challenges before but had never really looked into it or thought about doing one for myself before now. A contentment challenge is essentially a pause on spending money on clothing, seasonal home decor, and just unnecessary stuff.
My thinking is that this will be a welcome addition to my focus on joy this year. I am the guiltiest at wandering around Target and filling a cart with things that aren’t needed and honestly, just clutter up our home more.
So what is off-limits?
Clothing.
Y’all I do not need anything this spring and most likely summer) I will be “shopping” my closet and try to learn that I don’t need a new outfit for everything I do. This means kid’s clothes too. I just did a major haul at Old Navy and Target and they are set.
Exceptions-
If a clothing item is absolutely needed. Think Caleb rips or stains a few pairs of shorts then he’ll need replacements. If it’s not 100% needed then it’s not happening.
Seasonal home decor.
This one will be hard, but necessary for this contentment challenge. We do not need any more “seasonal” home things. Trust me.
Exceptions- Permanent home decor. For example, Caroline needs a new headboard and a few other things for her bedroom. Permanent home fixtures are allowed during this challenge. Also allowed, lawn maintenance expenses and normal house upkeeping expenses.
Kids toys.
WE.DO.NOT.NEED.ANY.TOYS.
Exception- The kids will need replacement outdoor water toys. I will give myself a small budget for these.
Makeup & hair.
All new makeup and hair products are off-limits. Sad, but an important part of this challenge for me.
Exception- If I run out of a product I can replace it.
Starbucks.
YIKES. This may be the hardest one for me. I will be limiting myself to one starbies treat a week. Homemade iced coffee will be my lifeline.
Exceptions- Wedding setup days will require starbies runs and out-of-town days.
Eating out.
Another hard one. With girl’s night and guy’s night on our weekly schedule, eating out is the norm around here. The limit during the contentment challenge is max 3 times per week.
Exception-
BIrthdays and special events.
What is okay?
Essentials- obviously I will still be buying essentials including food, cleaning products, hygiene products that sort of thing.
Gifts are okay! If I need to buy a gift for someone that is allowed.
The goal of this contentment challenge for me is to be at peace with what we /I own and already have. I do not need more throw pillows or dozens of candles. This contentment challenge is to put me in a position of stopping justifying buying “this cuteeee dress” when I already have 8 just like it at home. I have way more clothes than I know what to do with and can actually feel some weight being lifted off of me knowing I won’t be adding to the already overwhelmed closet.
With this being said, Friday Favorites will be on hiatus until June. It’s my favorite blog post each week but with this contentment challenge, it needs to be put to the side for a little while.
I’ll definitely keep you updated as I go through this challenge! More to come soon!
Warmly,
Michelle