I’ve started to recognize subtle shifts in my approach to life over the past few months, especially when it comes to consumption\time spent. I noticed this when our chair broke and we realized we should probably buy a new chair and eventually we are going to need a new dining table. In the past, I’d happily jump on the latest sale or scroll through my phone endlessly until I found that perfect piece of furniture that would elevate our home. I’d dream up the perfect aesthetic in my mind, and, in a matter of days, have it delivered and set up. Done. Now, something has shifted. Something has changed within me… something is not the same.. As I’ve navigated through this journey of underconsumption, I’ve started looking at things differently.

It’s not about just buying less—it’s about being more intentional with what we purchase and the time spent doing so. No more mindless spending or quick-fix purchases. Instead, it’s about making do with what we already have and being resourceful. For example, instead of tossing out paper towels with every little spill, I’ve switched to cloth towels. We still buy paper towels, but we use them much less and they last much longer. Which means I am not buying so much as often. It’s a small change, but it’s had a big impact. And don’t get me wrong, I’m not perfect. I’ll still pull out a paper towel for quick wipe down, and that’s okay! The point is I am fucking trying and its fucking helping.

One of the most powerful parts of this shift has been how much slower and more intentional our life has become. I’ve been finding ways to include my family in everything. For example, instead of shopping alone for a new dining table (and simply ordering something off the internet), we’re going to hit the thrift stores. It’s about finding the perfect piece, yes, but it’s also about turning it into a family event—making it a moment where Ayana gets involved, and we make memories together. Even though she’s just four, I believe she can learn to appreciate the value of thrift and resourcefulness. She can help pick out things for the house, learn about where things come from, and feel connected to the process.

Another area where we’ve slowed down is meal prep, we now make it a family event. Sundays are spent making bread, marinara sauce, and prepping meals for the week. Going in the direction of being more self-sustaining. We CAN make whole meals from scratch and it’s okay if that’s all we do in a day.  Ayana is learning the joy of cooking (even though she’s four!)—because why wait until a child is “older” to teach them important life skills? Ayana can snap a whole bag of green peas on her own and lay them on a baking sheet AND season them. These experiences  have brought us closer as a family, and instead of being tired of cooking, we now look forward to it.

We’ve shifted our family dynamic. It’s no longer about rushing to get things done so that we can move on to the next thing. It’s about being present in each moment, from choosing a dining table to making pasta. Ayana’s involvement has transformed the way I approach everything. I love being present with my family, with my home, with myself. That’s always been my priority, and it’s something I’ve been working hard to protect.