So I do live a more minimal/zero-ish waste lifestyle. I have been really good about what I do and do not bring into my life: products mostly, people included. But that doesn't mean I don't ever want STUFF. My birthday is coming up and I have curbed the enthusiasm for a ball gown. That is an actual problem I have. I like ballgowns on my birthday. I want a lunya silk gown and robe, shaquda body brushes, leahlani face products. But I keep it in check. The lunya robe and dress would be about 5 days of work if I made 100usd/day. Or like 5 external hard drives. I usually reframe in hard drives or microphones lol. Or fitness equipment. Like stall bars range 300-500usd, an indoor aerial rig is 300-700usd ish, and a lyra is usually 300-500usd when I look. So is the silk worth it right now? No. Is it worth it generally speaking? YES. Do I still want it? YES. Can I wait? Obviously, yes. I am focused on my debt, funding my roths, getting that credit score up, and minimizing my possessions. I need to get that emergency fund up, too. My dad is improving but definitely the unplanned situation from last week and my dad's condition make me really think about how I am lacking in emergency funds. I have dresses I can wear for birthday shenanigans. I don't feel deprived. I am doing things for me. People sometimes don't understand my schedule and how much time I don't have for other things/people. But just because I lack a lot of free time doesn't mean I feel depraved or have fomo. If I prioritize you I see value in you and your company. For those who don't see the value in what you are trying to accomplish in your life: maybe they are not worth your time. If they don't give a fuck about the shit you are trying to accomplish, they aren't paying your bills or living your life. You are living Your life. No one else. People that give you shit about trying to improve yourself probably aren't real friends. Let's try to be compassionate and empathetic to others and ourselves. Thanks for reading/listening! I am @bellinissima at twitter/twitch/discord/instagram. See ya soon!