If you follow me on social media or subscribe to my newsletter (which you totally should!!!) then you’ve heard me express a couple of times that April was the hardest month EVER!!! When May arrived, we had gotten our tax return which gave us some breathing space, I signed some new clients, and we were splashing in the proverbial puddles that the April showers left as we danced in the May sunshine. But it’s June and what’s the point in going through things if not to learn some lessons and APPLY said learned lessons. So this is what we’re doing for June–applying those lessons from April.

April Showers

I swear that I’ve been over here living the life of metaphors and alliterations. Sure, weather wise, it typically rains more in April. The last of the frost was March 23rd and all seeds should have been deposited in the ground so these April showers can give them the nutrients to prepare them to grow. This was my life. March wasn’t terrible BUT I did do some planting of the seeds. I knew where I wanted to take TCM, I planned my re-design of the site and had started working on it. But man, when it rains, it pours.

With April arrived a shower that I was unprepared for and my umbrella must’ve been kicking it with Rihanna because it was no where to be found. My family’s health, our finances, my “keeping it together”-ness seemed to be washed away with the rain. We survived. I don’t know if we thrived but we definitely have made it through unscathed. We even somehow managed to make it to Orlando and back for a 4-day trip on just about $25 spent–which included a virtual trip to the doctor for me–for mini’s Spring Break. But there were some really great lessons I learned once I was done crying and having a pity party.

May Flowers

As my tears dried and the storm clouds faded, I was really able to see all the blessings that I got from this time. Lessons upon lesson upon lessons shone brighter than the rays of sun. I could write a book on what I learned, and I might, but here are some of the top shareable lessons:

  1. My village is unmatchable: I have probably received more words, hugs, messages of encouragement than ever. Anything I needed, it was provided from trying to brainstorm how this entreprenuership thing is going to work to clients to just “here, I know you need it”. But more importantly is the lesson in creating a village. They don’t just pop up because one day you need them. Just like in building a house, you need to create a strong foundation through vulnerability and more. You have to know when to give and when to receive. And this may take time but it’s always worth it.
  2. Ask for what you need: It’s so hard for us to let go of that ego and say “I need help”. When you do, I promise that your life will be so much easier and more full of happiness. People will rarely “just know” what it is that you need unless you ask.
  3. Cry. A lot.: Again, that ego will prevent us from letting go of what we need to. Sometimes it’s actually crying that we need or it’s metaphorically speaking. But release and do so happily.
  4. Love yourself even though you’re in process: So often we treat ourselves badly because we don’t think we’re thin enough, make enough money, pretty enough, perfect enough. Cut it out! We are beautiful works that are in process. We don’t lose beauty simply because we are still being formed and growing. Treat yourself!
  5. Celebrate the small wins: Everyone has said this to me but it wasn’t until I actually started doing this that it made sense. Find something to celebrate daily.
  6. Give yourself permission to be happy: This is in line with #4. IT’S OK TO BE HAPPY IN THE MIDST OF YOUR GROWTH!!!!

Trust that there were more “flowers” that popped up in the month of May but these I feel like need to be shared now.

After sopping up all the lessons that a tumultuous April left me, we're ready to kick off June without buying new things. Check out why, what, and how!

No-New June

So how does this get us to no-new June? One of the things that I’ve learned about myself is I like to spend money. This is a big stress-reliever for me but it’s also a pain point. I love having a savings and our goal is build back up what we once had. I’m an extremist when it comes to money–I either hoard it or spend it all. I want to focus on the hoarding–tis the season of hoarding!

What I’m Not Spending Money On

Who can live without spending money on new things?? We have bills and need food and stuff right? So yes, there will be spending on SOME new things. But here are the things I won’t be spending money on:

  • New shoes/clothes for adults
  • New fabric
  • New pens
  • New things that we don’t NEED

What I AM Spending Money On

  • Bills/Utilities
  • Sewing Notions needed for projects
  • Groceries/Food
  • Shoes for Kids

Goals

I want to have more money in savings and detach the emotions with spending and stress. I need to have a healthier outlet for my stress instead of buying things.

Stay tuned for my update at the end of the month on how I did!

Have you ever done a “no-spend” or “no-new” month/year? How did it work out for you?