the lipstick fix: committing to a less-is-more life
One of my girlfriends and I have been working on committing to a less-is-more life.
She wants to focus on being in the moment for herself and for her family. And get rid of a bunch of stuff, because too much stuff means stress.
I feel the same way, particularly about the stuff part. Most of my life I was obsessed with the pursuit of it. And although the desire for more has lessened in intensity, it’s still very much alive and well.
So what are the things I find myself wanting? Usually things to do with making my exterior look better. Sephora has never been a safe store for me. It’s pretty easy for me to become consumed with all the high-end lipsticks and convince myself that I need one.
I’m getting better at it. I can talk myself off the consumer ledge and say, “hey, you know this will be around after pay-day, and you can come back then instead of stressing yourself out with guilt by buying it now.”
But it’s not even the timing of the purchase that concerns me anymore. And it’s not that I have a major issue with buying myself a lipstick either. I appreciate quality items, particularly when it comes to cosmetics. The issue I have is that I already have all of these (see evidence A):
I don’t NEED any new lipsticks. I’ve got everything on the colour wheel that matches my skin tone. And I hardly wear any of them anyway.
So what’s with my drive to get a new one, even though I don’t need it?
Something inside doesn’t feel good, and I think lipstick will fix it.
This isn’t the worst case scenario. Wine used to be my fix-it of choice. So much so that there was a time I considered myself to be fully addicted to alcohol.
I can happily and gratefully confirm that those days are behind me, but I still have this tick: this void I try to fill with stuff.
I’m not in hoarder territory (full disclosure: that’s an insignificant detail my ego feels the need to include so I don’t feel ashamed about what I just shared.) The issue is that I still feel the forever empty.
And although the intensity of it has subsided, it’s still there, and it still runs the show at times.
Hence the lipsticks.
Lipstick doesn’t affect my life the way alcohol did: I can still write after using it. But it remains an overpriced band-aid that siphons from my physical and emotional bank account.
So yeah, I have these little ways in which I try to suffocate the inadequate feelings. And one of those happens to be by buying things.
Lately it’s been vitamins and supplements.
As soon as I get paid, I’m off to the local health food store to pick up a slew of concoctions I’ve convinced myself I need. And while I tell myself I need them (“it’s for my health”) I don’t know that I really do. At least not all of it. (see evidence B)
I’m spending too much money. And I’m doing the same thing I used to do with alcohol: putting health products before everything else, even before groceries at times, because I believe I must have them.
My spending sprees aren’t working. And there’s no proof the vitamins are working either. (Except maybe the skin/hair/nail supplement* — I’ve got some seriously strong nails right now)
What I’m ending up with is a new addiction, and a sad-looking bank account. So I think it’s time to go back to the beginning and simplify. Release the false need for stuff, and step up to focusing on the activities that are proven to make me feel good. And for me, those include:
- Meditating twice a day
- Stretching/yoga
- Walking in nature
- Writing
- Eating and preparing whole foods with an emphasis on plant-based
- Reading inspirational books
Sometimes we just need a reminder of what’s really important, and what works best for us in order to be in our optimal state. That’s what this is for me.
I’m open to taking some vitamins, but the amount I have convinced myself I need is excessive. And it’s been a good beard for the truth:
Wellness comes from within.
I’m going to commit to focusing on how I can make myself feel better — all by myself. Without the high-priced supplements. And sadly, the lipsticks. (Even right now as I type that I’m wanting one. Yeesh.)
I can start the process by answering the following question, courtesy of Danielle LaPorte*
How do you want to feel, in order to achieve this less is more life?
Here’s my answers, in no particular order:
Peaceful
Calm
Secure
Safe
Confident
Strong
Healthy
Generous
Lighter — mentally and physically
Energetic
Balanced
Grateful
Free
Creative
Prosperous
Abundant
So after writing that list, it’s pretty clear to me that I’m not going to experience those feelings by taking a supplement or buying an expensive lipstick. That being said, I think I know what I need to do.
At least I know where to start: out into nature I go.
Wish me luck on my journey to a “less is more” life.
Did you enjoy this post? Recommend it, by clicking the heart ♡ icon below, or to the left.
Andrea Scoretz is a freelance writer, storyteller, and Huffington Post blogger from Vancouver Island, Canada. Contact her via me@mustlovecrows.com or check out more of her writing: www.mustlovecrows.com
