#LessIsMore (Mamuhay nang simple)

Tip #18: If it’s not a need, huwag na lang bilhin!

What does this mean for us? If the world’s standard is to acquire more so we can flaunt our social status, we who are being renewed are to keep only what is necessary and—with what is left—bless others who have less or are truly in need. Dahil nagbago na ang pag-iisip natin, huwag basta bili nang bili kahit may pera. Tanungin muna ang sarili: “Kailangan na kailangan ko ba talaga ’yan?” Kung hindi, huwag bilhin! O kung oo, kailangan ba brand new? Makakahanap ka ng secondhand gadgets or pre-loved clothes online, tulad sa OLX.ph, Facebook, or Instagram. Hindi nga sila brand new, pero hindi naman sila kasing mahal at maayos naman din ang itsura nila.

Alam mo ba, according to Psychology Today, nakaka-stress magkaroon ng sobrang daming gamit? Sabi ni Dr. Sherrie Bourg Carter sa isang article, clutter is stressful because:

1. Dumadagdag lang ang mga ito sa ating isip ng mga hindi naman dapat pag-isipan.

2. Nadi-distract tayo sa mga bagay na tunay na importante.

3. Mas mahirap mag-relax, both physically and mentally.

4. It constantly signals to our brains na hindi natatapos ang trabaho natin.

5. Ninenerbiyos tayo dahil we’re never sure what it’s going to take to get through to the bottom of the pile.

6. It creates feelings of guilt (“I should be more organized”) and embarrassment, lalo na kapag meron tayong bisita sa bahay o opisina.

7. Nawawalan tayo ng lugar para mag-isip at maging creative.

8. Mahirap maghanap ng kailangan natin kasi nakatambak lang sila kung saan-saan.[1]

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This is an excerpt from Ang Allowance na Hindi Bitin by Ardy Roberto and Philip Ezekiel Valderas Roa, with cover art by Jose Miguel C. Amante, a book that will teach you how to manage your allowance, save, and prepare for the future.