Living with less

 Assalamu aleikum wa rahmatullah dears :) how has your week started?

I had today the group I'm attending, the movement and relaxation one. I didn't go last week, didn't feel like it at all so I decided to pass. But it was good to go there today, it is definitely relaxing and I learn something new every time about my anxiety, and my body too. I noticed today that now when I have been going to the gym, my body is able to relax better. I don't get anxiety from moving, it feels natural and good. I didn't think I'd see results already, both the gym and the group, so alhamdulillah I am happy to get stronger.

For those who wonder that who has to practice relaxing, well yeah I know it sounds silly but I guess mostly us who have struggled with mental health and trauma, have to learn some basic skills later in life. Alhamdulillah for these kind of groups that are accessible.

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One of the things I like about my husband is that he's into minimalism too. So, today was a nice sunshiny day and the Spring is knocking on the door.. so I went through some clothes and was looking over my wardrobe. I am on a really low budget right now so I thought instead of buying a new Eid dress, I could try to leave the treats and try to fit into one dress I have been saving even though it was too small for me still a while ago. Well, anyways! How does this tie up together?

Our Prophet Muhammad saws was also considered to live on a small income and he was the humblest man. His lifestyle was close to asceticism, definitely minimalist, as could say now in this day and age, and definitely he was not leading a capitalistic, consumeristic lifestyle.

So today I wanted to take time thinking what I really need and what I just want to have.

Things I want to have 

- skincare, serums, hair care products

- new home dresses and a Spring jacket

- makeup like concealer, blush, new eyebrow pen

Things I need

- Spring jacket

- makeup like concealer, blush, new eyebrow pen

Things I afford

- none

Things I can't live without (of this list)

- none

So when you put things on a perspective, it actually makes things a lot easier. I can manage well without all these things I want. Even though I know my needs are not that extravagant at all.. 

Also some things can be made with a budget. I'm into making my own cosmetics, so maybe instead of a serum, I could make face masks regularly using nettle and neem etc, to bring some glow onto my skin. And so on. Usually you can succeed if you are ready to work a bit more for it. And because I don't really have options, I can make it a fun challenge, in sha Allah.

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Also the upcoming move makes me think do I really need all the items I have (we have). Like all of the decoration. I have little "bits and pieces" in one drawer which I think could probably make other people happier than me keeping them hidden in that drawer. Moving is a good time to do an inventory of everything, and also without hesitation, donate, give, sell everything which is not needed.

Then the next step is not buying any extra. Note: see the list I made earlier. What is a need, and what is a want?

And make better choices. Do I want to buy a bag of candy to cheer me up, or should I buy a little bouquet of flowers instead? Or should I just save the money for a later need?

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Yeah. Nice day overall, alhamdulillah. Tonight at the iftaar we will be having some Ghanaian food which my husband taught me to make: rice and beans served with tomato sauce (tuna, meat, vegetables), and a side salad. While cooking I was getting so tired. I did make some meat pies too and hubby helped by making an egg filling for the rest of the pies, as I ran down of the chicken filling.

Now we have half hour before Maghreb, so I will go and set the table, and make duaa in sha Allah. I hope your evening is peaceful and you can enjoy with your loved ones. If you're alone, remember Allah swt and His angels are with you ♡

Aisha