Less Stuff, More Self: Redefining What’s Truly Enough
- Metadel Lemma
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30
I recently went on a trip to the Caribbean—something I absolutely love to do. And like I’ve done many times before, I bought new clothes for it.
But here’s the truth: I didn’t need to.
I’ve done a few island trips before. I already had more than enough—bathing suits, sundresses, cute sandals. The essentials were covered.
So why did I find myself shopping anyway?
Because somewhere in the back of my mind, there was that quiet pressure to show up “new.” To have fresh outfits for the photos that would inevitably make their way to social media. And even though I’ve been working on shifting my mindset—being more intentional with my spending and embracing the idea that “less is more”—I still bought a few new things. Just not as many as usual.
Because I’ve been questioning my habits. A lot.
The Pressure to “Show Up” New
While on vacation, I wore one of my older outfits and sent a photo to a close friend. Her reply?
“Girl, I know that outfit!”
She didn’t mean anything by it, but her reaction still caught me off guard. It made me realize how deeply conditioned we are to avoid repeating clothes. Like wearing something twice somehow makes us less put-together, less stylish, less... something.
But what exactly are we measuring here?
That we’re rich? That we’re abundant? That we’ve got it all together?
I caught myself laughing at how silly that actually sounded. But also, how real that pressure is.
The Truth About Our Spending Habits
We’ve been sold this idea that the more we have, the better we are. That new equals valuable, desirable—even necessary. But lately, I’ve been trying to untangle myself from that belief.
Because here’s what I’ve come to understand:
💡 Money is our life energy.
We exchange our time, our effort, and our unique talents to earn it. So when we spend it, we’re not just handing over dollars—we’re trading pieces of our lives. That $60 dress? It’s not just fabric. If you earn $20 an hour, that’s three hours of your time.
Three hours away from your family. Three hours of focus, stress, and hard work.
Is it really worth it?
For me, especially since becoming a mom, the answer is often no. Motherhood has shifted how I see time and energy. I now value both in ways I never imagined I would. I protect them. I pause before spending, not with guilt—but with curiosity.
Is this purchase adding to my life or just filling a temporary feeling?
That simple question has changed everything.
What “Enough” Means to Me
I’m choosing a life of enoughness—a life where I have what I need, aligned with what actually matters to me. And what’s enough for me might look different than what’s enough for you. That’s the beauty of it. It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s personal. Intentional.
We live in a culture that makes us feel like we need a new outfit for every party, every trip, every photo. But why?
Really. Why?
Is it for approval?
To feel accepted?
To prove we’re successful?
To silence the little voice that says what we already have isn’t good enough?
Every time you spend on things you don’t truly need, you might be trying to fill a gap — one that whispers, 'I’m not enough'.
A Challenge for You (and Me)
Next time you’re getting ready for an event or a trip, I challenge you to wear something you already own and love. Then pause and pay attention.
What comes up in your mind?
“This isn’t trendy anymore.”
“People have already seen this.”
“What will they think?”
Write those thoughts down. Reflect on them. That’s where the real growth starts.
Let’s Talk About Enoughness
If you’re ready to be more intentional with your money, to spend in a way that aligns with your values instead of outside pressure—I see you. You’re not alone on this path.
✨ Let’s redefine what “enough” looks like together.
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