Small Things I Buy Myself Without Explaining Why

Looking back, that was sad. I was judging myself by my receipts.

Now I have a rule. Once in a while I buy one small thing for myself, and I don't explain it to anyone. Not to my sister, not to the little voice that wants a reason.

Here are a few things I've bought in the last year: a good notebook with thick paper for my evening pages, a cheap bunch of wildflowers from the market in town, and a soft wool shawl for cooler nights on the terrace.

None of these fixed anything. They're small pleasures, and I like having them.

I still ask two questions first, so I don't spend money on mood alone. Will I use this more than once? Would I still want it tomorrow? If yes to both, I buy it, and I don't add an apology to the purchase.

It wasn't obvious to me that I was allowed to spend a little on myself. It took me a long time to accept it.

Pick one small thing this month and buy it. You don't owe anyone the reason.

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