Retrospective Lily

Here we are once again, starting off a new year. It’s hard to believe 2016 was a decade ago! Time really flies.

[I may not feel ten years older, but my deepening laugh lines are a dead give-away!]

It’s a fun tradition to reevaluate your life every January, perhaps resetting your habits, goals, and impulses. Maybe you want to work out more and eat less junk food, or you intend to learn a new skill. Maybe you’re striving to read more books and scroll on your phone less. Maybe your priorities are shifting.

I have a few New Year’s Resolutions. Also, lately, I’ve been enthralled by “deinfluencing” content on YouTube and other platforms. We are constantly bombarded by targeted ads AND social media influencers urging us to buy stuff. Thus, deinfluencing content – which encourages us NOT to buy stuff – has emerged.

Avoiding hyperconsumerism is better for your wallet, the planet, and your mental health. Less money wasted, less future-junkyard-decor cluttering your home, less shopping addiction (the dopamine rush of making a purchase, followed by buyer’s remorse and shame).

[Who needs drugs when you can visit the Shein website? Gag.]

The only argument FOR shopping is “the economy.” I actually think we should buy from local businesses and attend craft fairs because they need our support. But Walmart and Target will be just fine, even if we crack down on our spending.

Buying secondhand is great because everything is less expensive and you’re “saving” things from the trash. Supporting companies with good business practices (fair wages and ethical sourcing) is awesome if you can afford to do so. Where we spend our money holds weight and speaks volumes.

But at the end of the day, even if we buy from “the right places,” a shopping problem is still a problem.

[A functioning addict is still an addict, honey.]

We need a whole mindset change. We need organic sources of Serotonin. We need the kind of happiness money can’t buy.

For starters, let’s get back to real hobbies, like knitting or fitness or playing instruments or writing or growing houseplants. Ya know, interests/activities that push us to be creative, set goals, and pass milestone achievements. That’s what I want more of in 2026.

[Fingers crossed I can stick to it!]

In the spirit of deinfluencing content, I made a list of items for a “Low Buy/No Buy 2026.” These are things I don’t need more of, won’t use (even if I think I will in the moment), don’t support for ethical reasons, etc. Here are just a few –

• Cute socks
• Costume jewelry (occasional exception for a craft fair)
• Hair accessories
• Lip products
• Sneakers
• Big box store candles or decor
• Planters/pots
• Lamps

I’m not putting myself on a super strict “No Buy” because an outright ban breeds temptation. Especially for someone with an addictive personality.

[If I went on a diet, sugar would be the ONLY thing on my mind.]

If something important breaks, I will replace it; if I go to a local bazaar, I will probably buy something. And, yes, I’ll sometimes order necessities from Amazon. I don’t plan to go without things I really need.

However, I will make a conscious effort this year to make fewer impulse purchases. I’m especially avoiding the items on my list.

Is there a hobby you would like to pursue this year? What is something you want to buy less of in 2026? Let me know.