I'm a firm believer that generosity is an instant dopamine booster! Even better, how wonderful that you experienced it when you expected to be the one giving? God is so good that way, isn't He?
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how easily I’ve fallen into overconsumption and am working to pare back my purchasing habits. It seems like many Millennials are having a similar realization—cutting back on frivolous spending, detoxing from social media and technology, and reassessing what truly adds value to our lives. It almost feels like we’ve all hit a wall and are now waking up to how these things weigh us down. There's something comforting in knowing we're not alone in this shift.
Yes, Ellen! I am having SO many conversations like this with my (mostly Millennial) friends 😜 ... have you watched the Buy Now documentary on Netflix? That's sparked some interesting convos as well.
I’ve never heard money and resource as terms used interchangeably and I really love that! As someone who can sometimes hold on too tightly, this was a beautiful reminder to keep taking stock and look at what I can give generously- encouragement, time, hype, homemade bread- it’s exciting to think of the possibilities!
I read the entire CC magazine on the plane to Ca for Christmas. I savored it unlike any other reading material. I looked high and low at the airport and on the plane for a mom to pass the gift along to. I was waiting to feel led to the right moment. Nothing felt right and I ended up leaving it for the owner of a home we stayed at that is a super successful and busy mom of 3. I know that no matter where that magazine ended up it is continuing to bless. It’s a precious RESOURCE. Thank you for all the work and stress and tears you put into it. It was worth it (and I never cared a bit when we got the emails about delays!!)
Ashlee 💛 My goodness. When I think of more generous than necessary, I think of your glitter-throwing, spotlight-sharing ways. I’ve learned so much from you about what it looks like to go first and then to keep the door open, calling for others to join.
Oh man this is such a good reminder to be generous. I tend towards a scarcity mindset, hoarding and entitlement which all lead me to struggle to be generous, even with time or practical help! My husband however is sooo generous. He is such an example to me! And there's always enough, even when I've worried! Love how your parents set such a good example of generosity and that there really is so much kindness out there!
What an enlightening perspective on a “Buy Nothing” group. Thanks for the wholesome influence, I need it 🫶🏽. Now, how do we feel about offering up a carton of cool whip that expires tomorrow?
This is beautiful. What great words to have! Your story about the “Buy Nothing” group reminded me of the group I was part of in Korea, and what a gift it was to give away the table I’d loved for years to the perfect family because I’d been so sad to have to pass it on. I need to see if I can find a group here. I also loved the story of the neighbor putting up the Christmas lights!
My word of the year is confidence. I wrote about it in my last Substack post, and I’m confident (haha) I’ll be writing more about it this year.
Thank you for sharing this little snapshot of the goodness around you—I need restorations of hope like this. As another commenter said, I tend toward a scarcity mindset with so many tangible and intangible things and I forget how good and generous God is, because I’m just silly like that. Your list is amazing, and generous in its own way.
LOVE this! Especially #9! It’s so easy for me to get caught up in saving resources for myself—especially my time. But it’s not ours to hoard! Thanks for the reminders!! 🥰
I'm a firm believer that generosity is an instant dopamine booster! Even better, how wonderful that you experienced it when you expected to be the one giving? God is so good that way, isn't He?
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how easily I’ve fallen into overconsumption and am working to pare back my purchasing habits. It seems like many Millennials are having a similar realization—cutting back on frivolous spending, detoxing from social media and technology, and reassessing what truly adds value to our lives. It almost feels like we’ve all hit a wall and are now waking up to how these things weigh us down. There's something comforting in knowing we're not alone in this shift.
Yes, Ellen! I am having SO many conversations like this with my (mostly Millennial) friends 😜 ... have you watched the Buy Now documentary on Netflix? That's sparked some interesting convos as well.
Ooh! I’ll have to put that documentary on my watch list. Thanks for the recc! 🙏🏻
I’ve never heard money and resource as terms used interchangeably and I really love that! As someone who can sometimes hold on too tightly, this was a beautiful reminder to keep taking stock and look at what I can give generously- encouragement, time, hype, homemade bread- it’s exciting to think of the possibilities!
I read the entire CC magazine on the plane to Ca for Christmas. I savored it unlike any other reading material. I looked high and low at the airport and on the plane for a mom to pass the gift along to. I was waiting to feel led to the right moment. Nothing felt right and I ended up leaving it for the owner of a home we stayed at that is a super successful and busy mom of 3. I know that no matter where that magazine ended up it is continuing to bless. It’s a precious RESOURCE. Thank you for all the work and stress and tears you put into it. It was worth it (and I never cared a bit when we got the emails about delays!!)
This is so kind of you to say, April, thank you!!! And thank you for supporting us. ❤️
Ashlee 💛 My goodness. When I think of more generous than necessary, I think of your glitter-throwing, spotlight-sharing ways. I’ve learned so much from you about what it looks like to go first and then to keep the door open, calling for others to join.
❤️ I could easily say the same about you. Adore you, friend! Thank you for modeling generosity so tangibly. It has left a true mark on me.
Oh man this is such a good reminder to be generous. I tend towards a scarcity mindset, hoarding and entitlement which all lead me to struggle to be generous, even with time or practical help! My husband however is sooo generous. He is such an example to me! And there's always enough, even when I've worried! Love how your parents set such a good example of generosity and that there really is so much kindness out there!
What an enlightening perspective on a “Buy Nothing” group. Thanks for the wholesome influence, I need it 🫶🏽. Now, how do we feel about offering up a carton of cool whip that expires tomorrow?
I've seen weirder stuff! 🤣
Love this! We've been considering generousity this year, too.
Loved this. Thank you 💛
Love this, Ashlee ❤️ And Buy Nothing groups are the best!
This is beautiful. What great words to have! Your story about the “Buy Nothing” group reminded me of the group I was part of in Korea, and what a gift it was to give away the table I’d loved for years to the perfect family because I’d been so sad to have to pass it on. I need to see if I can find a group here. I also loved the story of the neighbor putting up the Christmas lights!
My word of the year is confidence. I wrote about it in my last Substack post, and I’m confident (haha) I’ll be writing more about it this year.
Oooooh I can't wait to read more about that.
Thank you for sharing this little snapshot of the goodness around you—I need restorations of hope like this. As another commenter said, I tend toward a scarcity mindset with so many tangible and intangible things and I forget how good and generous God is, because I’m just silly like that. Your list is amazing, and generous in its own way.
LOVE this! Especially #9! It’s so easy for me to get caught up in saving resources for myself—especially my time. But it’s not ours to hoard! Thanks for the reminders!! 🥰
I relate to how you entered the new year! Thus my phrase for 2025: Slow and steady.
I love that, Kellie!
This is gorgeous!
Such a great post!!! Saving this one. ❤️
I loved this!