Wednesday

"I can be soft in my heart and firm in my boundaries."

Welcome to Wednesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• What is the slow-buy method?

• How to grocery shop better

• A list of genius money-saving hacks

• Why rest takes practice

A More Thoughtful Way to Shop

Buying things has never been easier, and that ease can quietly add up. The Slow Buy Method is gaining attention for one simple reason: it encourages people to pause before purchasing, instead of buying on reflex. For many, that pause alone has led to noticeable savings within just a few months.

The method works by asking a few intentional questions before checking out. How much is this really worth? How disappointed would you feel to miss out? Is the desire practical, emotional, or tied to an image of who you want to be? Answering honestly can shift a purchase from urgent to optional.

Instead of defaulting to buying, the Slow Buy Method also invites alternatives. Sometimes that means waiting a week. Other times, it’s finding a smaller action that satisfies the same feeling: refreshing a space, revisiting what’s already owned, or letting the urge pass.

Over time, these small pauses can change spending habits. Not by forcing restriction, but by making purchases feel more intentional and less regretful.

A More Intentional Way to Grocery Shop

Grocery shopping can feel overwhelming, especially when prices keep rising, and every aisle offers endless choices. The 6-to-1 grocery shopping method offers a calmer way in, replacing overthinking with a simple structure that makes decisions easier before you even step into the store.

The idea is straightforward: aim to buy six vegetables, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one “fun” item. It’s not about strict rules or cutting things out. It’s about creating balance while leaving room for flexibility and enjoyment.

What makes the method work is how it limits impulse without feeling restrictive. Instead of wandering and grabbing extras, the framework gently guides choices toward ingredients that can mix and match across meals, reducing food waste and decision fatigue throughout the week.

Over time, this approach can make grocery trips faster, spending more intentional, and meals easier to plan. It’s less about perfection and more about giving yourself a helpful structure that still leaves space for preference, creativity, and a little treat at the end of the cart.

Costco Members: This New Policy Is a Game Changer

Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!

See the hacks here.

Thank you to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why Rest Takes Practice

The viral “do-nothing” trend sounds simple: put the phone away, stop multitasking, and sit quietly for a few minutes. The goal isn’t productivity or mindfulness. It’s creating space without stimulation. But for many people, that pause can feel surprisingly uncomfortable.

When constant inputs disappear, the mind often fills the gap. Thoughts about unfinished tasks, plans, or responsibilities tend to surface quickly. That restlessness isn’t a failure. It’s a sign of how rarely the nervous system gets true downtime.

Over time, unstructured quiet can become easier, especially when expectations are low. Rest doesn’t need to look serene or last a set amount of time to be beneficial. Even brief pauses can help interrupt overstimulation and support mental clarity.

The real value of doing nothing isn’t discipline or performance. It’s permission. Permission to pause without fixing, optimizing, or improving anything. In a culture that rewards constant motion, choosing moments of stillness can be a small but meaningful form of care.

Wellness Round-Up

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Named goals feel more real.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Your worth isn’t tied to a number. Budgeting, saving, or starting over—all of it can be an act of care, not shame.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!