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I feel like I have the relationship I have with shopping is too complex. Whenever I shop, I feel happy. At the same time I am thrifty. I don't feel good buying expensive stuff but rather the stuff on sale. Isn't it supposed to be the opposite? At the same time I want to be a minimalist cause I hate looking at clutter. I'm so confused on what to do.

It sounds like you're juggling a few different feelings and values when it comes to shopping and managing your space. It's absolutely okay to feel happy when you find good deals—it shows you're mindful of your finances and getting value for your money. Wanting to be a minimalist yet enjoying shopping isn't contradictory; it just means you're conscious about what you bring into your space. Maybe you could focus on purchasing items that truly bring you joy or serve a purpose, aligning with both your thrifty side and your minimalist aspirations. It's all about finding that balance that works for you. Remember, it's a journey, and it's okay to adjust your approach as you learn more about what makes you happiest.

Well the thing is I want to be a minmalist but when I am shopping I can find a reason to use everything. I feel I have so much clutter now but I would hate to throw them away. I hate having so much colors in my home.

It sounds like you're in a bit of a tricky spot, feeling pulled between enjoying shopping and the desire for a minimalist, more cohesive space. It's completely understandable to find a use for everything you see when shopping—that's a sign of creativity and practical thinking. Yet, I hear your frustration with the clutter and the craving for a more visually harmonious home. One approach might be to slowly start decluttering, focusing on keeping items that truly serve a purpose or bring you joy, and perhaps adopting a "one in, one out" rule for future purchases. This way, you're still honoring your thrifty and practical side but also moving towards that minimalist aesthetic you're yearning for. For items you feel bad about throwing away, could you maybe donate them? Giving to someone in need can make parting with your items feel more meaningful and less wasteful. And when it comes to the colors in your home, perhaps you can start integrating items in a specific color scheme that feels calming and cohesive to you. It's all about taking small steps towards creating a space that reflects your ideal balance between functionality, aesthetics, and minimalism.

I know like donating is good but I feel like if I give it away I'm at a loss. I just can't stop myself from thinking about losses. I was shopping the other day and I regretted buying only one pair of shoes during the sale. I keep thinking, even right now, I should have bought an extra pair for work..they were so cheap. I would have to spend more next time.

It sounds like you're really feeling the weight of making sure you're making the most out of every opportunity, especially when it comes to spending and saving money. This feeling of regret over missed savings or the thought of being at a loss if you give things away is a common struggle. It's that tricky balance between being practical and thrifty, and the fear of overaccumulating or missing out on good deals. Maybe reframing how you view these decisions could help ease that sense of loss. For instance, when you donate items, instead of seeing it as a loss, it might help to think about the value it brings to someone else's life. You're not just getting rid of something; you're giving it a new purpose and helping others, which is a beautiful and positive outcome. As for shopping decisions like the shoes, it's natural to feel regret in hindsight, especially when a deal seemed too good to pass up. However, it's also important to remind yourself that there will always be more sales and opportunities to find good deals. Maybe setting a guideline for future purchases could help, like asking yourself if an item is something you need or have an immediate use for. This way, you can feel more confident in your shopping choices, knowing they align with both your practical needs and your financial goals. It's all about finding that balance that works for you, where you can enjoy the thrill of a good find without the burden of clutter or regret. Remember, it's okay to take it one step at a time and forgive yourself for not making the "perfect" decision every time.

I feel so conflicted like why am I like this. I know there are girls that spend frivolously but I still look for deals. However, I want everything still. I wish I didn't desire anything so my space would not be cluttered but I always feel like I'm missing something. Like when I'm cooking I want a strainer and it keeps going on.

It's completely normal to feel conflicted in situations like this. On one hand, you have a natural desire to find and acquire things that you feel will enhance your life or make daily tasks easier, like cooking. On the other hand, you're striving for simplicity and a clutter-free environment. These feelings can certainly pull you in different directions, making it challenging to find a middle ground that satisfies both desires. The fact that you look for deals shows that you're conscientious about how you spend your money, which is a positive trait. It means you're thoughtful about your purchases rather than spending frivolously. However, the desire to have everything can lead to that sense of clutter and overwhelm you're trying to avoid. One way to navigate this is to give yourself permission to own things that truly add value to your life or make your day-to-day activities more efficient—like a strainer for cooking. Before buying something new, you might consider if it's something that will be used frequently and if it truly serves a purpose that isn't already covered by something else you own. This way, each item in your space has a clear role and value, helping to mitigate that feeling of missing out on something. Also, embracing the idea that it's okay to want things but not act on every desire can help. It's a practice of mindfulness, acknowledging the desire without immediately needing to fulfill it, especially if it conflicts with your broader goals of minimalism and reducing clutter. Remember, it's a journey and not something you have to perfect overnight. Each small decision is a step towards finding that balance that works uniquely for you.

And the hard part is, to decrease clutter, I'll have to buy like containers to organize stuff. Aka spend more money and time. Or throw the item away, which is losing the money I spent for it. It's so conflicting.

That does sound like a tough spot to be in. It's a bit of a paradox, isn't it? On one hand, you want to reduce clutter and live more minimally, but on the other, it feels like you need to spend more money or let go of things that cost you, to begin with. It's understandable why you'd feel conflicted. When it comes to organizing and potentially buying containers, it might help to see it as an investment in your peace of mind and the functionality of your space, rather than just another expense. Good organization can actually help you save money in the long run because it prevents you from buying duplicates of things you already have but can't find. It might also make your space more enjoyable and manageable, aligning with your minimalist goals. As for letting go of items, it's tough to feel like you're losing the money spent on them. However, if they're not being used or bringing you joy, they might be costing you more in terms of the space they take up and the mental clutter they contribute to. Sometimes, the value of decluttering and creating a more peaceful environment can outweigh the initial cost of the items. If it's helpful, you could try selling some of the things you no longer need or use. This way, you're not just throwing things away; you're giving them a second life with someone else and recouping some of the expense. Finding balance in these situations often involves a bit of give-and-take, and it's perfectly okay to take your time figuring out what approach works best for you.

You're right good organization and letting items go aren't certainly a loss because they might help give me a peace of mind which is probably worth it.

Absolutely, you've got it. Finding peace of mind and creating a living space that feels right for you are definitely valuable outcomes. It's all about what those changes bring to your life as a whole—more calm, less stress, and the freedom that comes with not being overwhelmed by your possessions. Letting go of items or investing in organization can feel challenging at first, but once you start noticing the positive impact on your daily life and overall well-being, those decisions can start to feel more like gains than losses. Remember, it's a process, and it's okay to take it step by step. Celebrate the small victories along the way, like a drawer you've organized or a few items you've decided to part with. Each step is progress towards that peaceful and clutter-free space you're aiming for.