No Spend March: More Action, Less Reaction
Song Of The Week
Gather 'round because this week's sonic delight is brought to you by none other than Lunar Vacation, with their dreamy track “Blue Honey.” This tune feels like a sun-soaked daydream where warmth wraps around you like a soft blanket, and the worries of the world seem to melt away like butter on hot toast.
Opening with delicate guitar strums reminiscent of lazy afternoons by the beach. "Blue Honey" transports you to a land where the air is fragrant and sunsets are painted in pastel hues. Lyrically, the song captures those ineffable moments that glide just out of reach — the bittersweet taste of connection, the honey-sweet echoes of laughter, and the heart-tugging desire for just a little more time. It’s relatable, it’s whimsical, and trust us, it’ll leave you humming long after it fades out.
Let the waves of sound wash over you, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself daydreaming about endless summer days.
Economy Boost
This March, I finally checked off one of my New Year’s goals—well, by the skin of my teeth. Saying it aloud makes it sound easy, but this month, I decided to put my money where my mouth is and commit to a No Buy month. If you haven’t heard of a No Buy month, it is where you buy nothing, only essentials. Example gas, groceries, cleaning supplies, rent and… that’s about it. So that means no clothes, no fast food or eatery, no coffee or matcha, no Marshall’s, Home Goods, Michael’s etc. It was painful.
You might be thinking, “Janessa… that is so easy! Why were you struggling?!” Well, as someone who struggles with a shopping addiction, it was honestly eye-opening…and also difficult because I love to spend money! Getting my nails done here, thrifting, trying new coffee places etc. My spending habits are way out of control, which is why I wanted to try in the first place and luckily, I’m not in credit card debt. I just need a bit more self control when it comes to impulse buying.
I have little to no savings—savings that are important as an adult. Savings for a big trip, savings for a new car, savings for a nice safety cushion. On top of that, I barely make any money, so saving feels damn near impossible. All my money already went to essentials. So what was really left went to my mental health in the form of purchasing. Still, I know that doesn’t mean I can ignore my responsibilities as an adult and save my money. Sadly.
Plus in this day and age, anytime you step outside you automatically spend 50+ dollars! In this economy, things are not as cheap as they used to be in the 1900's. Bread is not 90 cents anymore and gas is not 60 cents a gallon. It was time for me to lock in yet, there was this overlayering theme that just kept finding its way into my brain. Truly had me stumped on ideas and made me aware of those around me.
Really, what I want to know is how do you deal without spending money or is everyone constantly spending money?
No Receipt Required
There’s been a lot of superficial talk about credit card debt lately, especially among Gen Z—because let’s be real, we make fun of everything. Which I’m not sure is a good thing or a scary thing. On the bright side, it’s nice that we’re becoming more open about finances and whatnot, but let’s make sure it doesn’t turn destructive.
On one hand, the internet preaches “life is short”—so go to the concert, take the trip, get your nails done. Just put it on the tab. But as someone with a spending addiction, I know I could run it up to billions if I could—without hesitation or consequence. The problem is, on this Earth, there’s no such thing. That billion-dollar debt would fall right back on me to… somehow pay off? I don’t know anyone working a part-time job who could even put a dent in that. Just watching the negative number climb would create the worst chemical imbalance in my brain. I get stressed just looking at my bank account—so adding a negative balance? A high one? Nah, bro. I can’t fathom it.
On the bright side, I survived this month—and maybe I even see a part two in my future. And now you might be wondering, “Well, how did you survive?” Don’t worry, of course I’m going to spill the beans.
Fighting the urge to hit up Marshall’s and Michael’s was a constant uphill battle. But not only did I save a few extra bucks—I also took a full-on dive into the deep end of my big feelings. And here’s the thing—not spending money made me feel lonely. Like I had cut off my closest coping mechanism. Shopping has always been my way of softening life’s hardships—a quick fix for boredom, stress, or just the general ache of being human. It’s not even about the things I buy most of the time. It’s a ritual. The mindless scrolling, the casual stroll through aisles, the tiny rush of holding a new bag in my hand. Instant gratification disguised as self-care.
Without it, I was forced to actually sit with my emotions. No quick dopamine hits. No temporary distractions. Just me and the uncomfortable hum of everything I usually drowned out with retail therapy. At first, it was all that bad but towards the end it was suffocating. The itch to swipe my card didn’t just go away—I had to wrestle with it. I’d find myself lingering on shopping sites, filling carts I knew I wouldn’t check out, as if the illusion of buying could scratch the itch. Spoiler: it does!
But somewhere along the way, I had to look elsewhere for comfort. And slowly, I did. I started finding joy. Silly, quiet things. Like taking my time making breakfast instead of grabbing something on the go. Opening the bling and letting the sun warm my face. Reading without checking my phone every five minutes. Even just lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling, letting my mind wander. It felt like I had all the time in the world in my hand and instead of buying random purchases I figured I needed to tie up my time.
Eventually, I started offering that time to others—the people in my spaces. I reached out to friends and local organizations, asking if they needed help fulfilling their duties, because hey—I am available! You could say I’m in my community gathering era—giving back not just through online support but through in-person meet-ups too. Whether it was helping someone organize their home, volunteering at a local event, or just lending a hand where it was needed, it felt good to be useful. To show up. To connect in ways that didn’t involve a checkout line.
And through it all, I realized just how much stuff I’ve collected over the years. Random supplies from forgotten hobbies, craft materials I swore I’d use “one day,” and stacks of things I kept just in case. So, instead of letting it sit around, I plan to start using it. I pulled out old paints and brushes, made cards I’d actually send, and turned my surplus into something tangible. It felt good to create, to repurpose, to put things to use rather than just accumulate more. Somewhere in between the giving and the creating, I found a different kind of fulfillment. One that didn’t come with a receipt.
Up to Me
This week’s song is a dreamy blend of indie pop and smooth melodies—Blue Honey by Lunar Vacation. As the days get longer and the sun hits us with its ray, it’s perfect for those moments when you just need to unwind and let the day float by. The track has this ethereal feel, like it’s pulling you into a quiet, golden afternoon, making it easy to get lost in the lyrics and the rhythm. If you're in the mood for something soothing but still with a little spark, this one’s for you. Which perfectly captures my vibes for the summer along with the feeling of freedom. I remember being a teen was so easy, so carefree, where are those days? Remember those? I do. How do we get that back? Is it up to me? Janessa, the author of this blog to bring back the good ole summer days? I think so.
Enjoy This Journey With Me
° 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 °
Enjoy This Journey With Me ° 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 °
This isn’t the end—just a bookmark in the conversation. Stories don’t really close; they unfold, shift, and find new voices. If this one stirred something in you, let it breathe. Leave a thought, challenge an idea, or carry it forward in your own way. And if you ever feel like wandering through more unfinished thoughts, you know where to find me. Let’s keep the conversation alive. ~XOXO
