The biggest LIES about your THINGS | de-influencing + minimalism

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Have you fallen for any of these LIES?!? I know I have!

[@ellenjagneaux3016]

I lost my home in hurricane Rita 2005. OMG, I felt like I didn't exist without my STUFF and as soon as the house was rebuilt I over compensated the losses. Before long I was once again a slave to stuff. I lost my home again in hurricanes Laura and Delta 2020. Out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost possessions I can count on one hand the few items that really broke my heart to lose. I was drowning in clutter not only from over compensating from Rita but from everything else that landed here following the deaths of my in-laws, father and brother in a short time span. We were inundated floor to ceiling. I was actually relieved for the first time in years. I'm being overly particular about what is going in our new home currently under construction. We've been living in a 5th wheel camper and it certainly has taught me how little you really need to live a full and productive life. Multi-purpose items are a game changer. The instant pot that pressure cooks, slow cooks and also serves as a rice pot replaced 3 appliances.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wow! It sounds like you’ve been through a lot! Grateful that you have found some clarity through all the turmoil and loss! Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@mediummommy7807]

This was really good. My dishwasher broke down 4 years ago and I have not replaced it. Since I actually need to wash the dishes myself, I found that my kitchen is much cleaner and decluttered because I am devoting the time that I actually need to in order to have a clean and maintained space. I have a great routine now because I have been forced to change my mindset. It has really changed the way I look at "conveniences".

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely! I’ve heard very similar sentiments from people who were forced to not have a car for various reasons - they found they loved getting the exercise and fresh air, and didn’t miss the maintenance and expenses a car brings with it! ❤️

[@sharonhenry2820]

Most of us feel we "need" the internet and cell phones, even though we lived without them until quite recently. The "need" to be reachable at all times can lead us to feeling tethered instead of enjoying the moment.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

100% agree with this Sharon! ‘Tethered’ is the perfect word to describe it! ❤️

[@ellenjagneaux3016]

I still find it incredible at how agitated some people get because I choose to leave my cell behind or silence it when my focus is elsewhere. 90% of the time the call I missed was not important at all. I need some me time.

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

This reminds me of the PBS series called FRONTIER HOUSE. Several modern families lived out on the plains of Montana à la 1800s without the “conveniences” of our day. At first they (especially the kids) really despised the whole thing but once they returned to their previous lives they realized how beautiful and enriching the experience had been. The formerly resentful teens missed the in-your- face contact with nature and said their current lives felt fake and silly. Recommended viewing!

[@Magdalena287]

Ive never heard of this show ty for sharing im gonna check it out!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes!!! I’ve seen this show! It is great and extremely eye opening! ❤️

[@Kimmy-rh1ry]

This video really resonates with me. We are bombarded with ads, tutorials, products shorts, videos, etc. Part of the reason I stopped scrolling thru instagram. I've also pretty much stopped watching sponsored videos. They get paid to talk us into buying things. I've been falling into this trap for years. I realized my spending was out of control. My lightbulb moment was when I was watching a KZbinr who makes videos on minamilism, saving money, sustainability, intentional spending etc....... She was doing a sponsored video for furniture and how wonderful and well made, versatile, dual use these items were. I fell for it and clicked the links. To my shock, each piece was 3 k, so for 9 k I could have all 3 pieces. That was my moment of realization. KZbin's are given the products for PR, to make videos to try to sell us. Plus, they get paid. I was mad and frustrated that a person I followed, liked the content and watched faithfully, would do this. I realized this more and more as I watched videos from all my favorite youtubers. They might hate the product or not even use it, but get paid to talk about it. I changed my mindset and my list of KZbin's that I watch. In the process I am not over spending and being more mindful and only buying what I need.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I can understand your feelings of needing to separate from all the advertising. It can be very overwhelming! The way I look at it all is this: The power to purchase stands with the consumer. Nobody is getting forced to buy anything. So, when I see an ad - even if it looks interesting to me and something I might like - I just need to evaluate it myself... not going off of what the ad is portraying. When it comes to IG and even YT influencers - I want to believe that they are at least more selective about the items they choose to promote. Sure, they may be getting paid or at the very least get the product for free - but they wouldn't want to show something that was in direct opposition with what their channel is all about. I think it's ok for these 'influencers' to share products, I'm actually not against it at all (unless it gets really spammy or out of character for that specific channel/page... that might be a turn off for me) because I know that the purchase power comes from ME. They can share whatever they want... it doesn't force me to buy it or try it. What some people might not realize is that when you have an online presence, you will be asked to promote all kinds of things! Even my seemingly small channel... I get requests all the time! And so when I do decide to feature a product in my videos - which I have done, and will do in the future on occasion, just know that it isn't me telling you that you NEED to buy it. It's me saying "hey... this product is good quality, and I like this or that feature of it... if it's something that you've been considering, you can check it out if you want!". And again.... the power to actually purchase is with the consumer. If you can be thoughtful and intentional about what you decide to buy, then advertisements shouldn't be too much of a burden. I hope that makes sense! Wow... I wrote a novel! ha!

[@joystott1867]

I don't listen to or watch ads any more no one can convince me to buy anything g I don't want or need.

[@joystott1867]

I had to what this more than once to allow this to sink in. I have now had a change in my life to help me decide to stop listening to the lies of possessiveness, where i thought my wants were needs. Also hanging on to written material and articles for future use, that i am now retired and don't need these things now. So out they will go. I dont need to save them anymore!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I used to very much be a keeper of ‘ideas’ - and to some degree I still am. I figure if I’m revisiting them often, that means they are still relevant to my life and I can keep them. ❤️

[@patriciabritton5917]

This is the 2nd video of yours I have watched. I have been decluttering lately. I am one who does shop mainly used and i have seen over my many years of life how I have bought and got rid of a lot. I am going to try the next 4 months to be more intentional and a better budgeter. It is true. There are many lifes around stuff. Like you can not find anything fine to do unless your spending money or a lot of money. That is not true. my husband and I have moved many times and i have not had a hard time getting rid of things. I just think the problem is because we can buy used items sometimes we buy things cheaply and think Oh i really like that and then it turns out we really do not. So I am trying to keep things longer and make sure that when I decorate my home it is what I like and just in grocery shopping anything I am more intentional with how I spend.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Budgeting is definitely a learned skill! It does get easier the more you do it. ❤️

[@ikrobiee]

My favourite: "But so and so gaaave that to you." 🙄 If I no longer desire it, shouldn't that person want me to pass it along?

[@carolynwilliams5807]

I started even donating gifts I don't want. It feels great knowing someone else can buy them at a thrift store and enjoy them.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I would sure think so! ❤️

[@mwebb3014]

When I give gifts I always tell the person that they are more than welcome to pass it on if it does’t suit them now or in the future. I don’t want people to feel obligated to keep anything I give them.

[@francarroll310]

Please keep getting this message out everyone! We don’t achieve true happiness in our things! It is short term and not lasting. It can be an obsession and distraction to healing! I am a therapist and I share this with my clients.❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Exactly! Only short term bursts of happiness! Without contentment, we will only continue searching by for bigger, better and more! ❤️

[@katgallardo2797]

August,September and October are dangerous months for me. I’m weak when it comes to Halloween decorations. 😫 Although I do buy good quality items, it’s still things I don’t need and bought because of an influencer. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Realizing your ‘weaknesses’ is a great thing! ❤️

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!!! Iam my own influencer. It's my favorite holiday! Pumpkin spice all year!!!

[@l_b_calm]

I'm a newer subscriber to your channel. I'm really enjoying catching up on your videos. I can relate to everything said in this one! I'm in the middle of downsizing my belongings and my Father's estate. Also moving three times within 15 months! My family and I have liked the kind of country style decorating with many items on knick-knack shelves and such. I'm wanting (and needing to) to go minimalist. It's difficult to downsize those items. You're pulled to keep them, though they drive you nuts! Also, do you or anyone else who reads this, know how to close store loyalty (rewards) card accounts? I'm not finding anything on the internet but how to close store credit cards. Thank you.

[@rosiehelminiak2947]

If it's a credit card there should be a number on the back and you could call it to cancel. You will possibly have to have it paid off, but don't take my word on that. If it's just a reward type card, I think you don't have to worry about it...just don't use it. I hope that's helpful.

[@l_b_calm]

@@rosiehelminiak2947 It's three store and and gas station reward cards. I'm stopping unnecessary shopping and spending. I was hoping to be able to close them and to stop my information from being "out there" anymore. Thanks.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It sounds like you are ready to start simplifying your life! I’m excited for you! In terms of store reward cards, I don’t have any advice…maybe try calling the stores and see what they recommend? ❤️

[@l_b_calm]

@@ArrowHillCottage Thank you.

[@Rudelherz]

Very lovely, honest and uplifting message. Thank you❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@ImLunaShesZeta]

I have so many family members caught up in the lies. It is so hard to convince them that their comfort shouldn't lie in stuff.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Probably the best thing you can do is just show by your actions and life how freeing it can be to not be bogged down by belongings. ❤️

[@kikitaube-hansen]

Thank you for this one. We have to delevope our own decision. You are on a very good way. Nice to see you again :).

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@bigbubblespopacord4194]

I’m 61 and I’m ashamed so to admit it but I fall in the “shop to be happy” and now so desperately am trying to stop and declutter! I admire you! Just one thing please take no offense I could not live in your house tho, all those windows? Gotta have blinds or curtains for nighttime, comes from childhood and gotta have something on the walls. I agree tho decluttering esp when you live with someone who wants to keep everything is almost impossible!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I take no offense to that - everyone prefers things in different ways. We love our natural daylight, and at nighttime all of our bedrooms are located as such that nobody could possibly see in them (unless they had a ladder or a helicopter! Ha!) blessings on your journey! I know the effort will be worth it! ❤️

[@bigbubblespopacord4194]

Oh I have to have my windows covered, I don’t care how high they are seriously, it’s a fear. Also we moved from a 1200 sq ft house and now live in an 800 sq ft single wide trailer UGH no space!

[@anxylum]

@@ArrowHillCottage I LOVE your windows! I’m currently trying to figure out the simplest, easiest to clean window coverings that I don’t hate. I wish I could have all my windows uncovered, but sadly I cannot.

[@joystott1867]

I need the dark to sleep. Light wakes me, even moon light

[@jansmith2658]

On my own decluttering journey. This video made such sense. 3 rules to remember.Thank you

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@digital_mixtape]

I discovered your Channel today (as I’ve been decluttering) this is video #2 in the rabbit hole I’m beginning in your Channel 😂 thanks for the depose questions you’re having us ask ourselves § think about.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@janethunt4037]

I'm currently frustrated that my Chromebook purchased in 2016 will no longer work with a lot of websites I use. It works, but not on everything. I hate replacing it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That definitely is frustrating! ❤️

[@richfiftyfour]

you are pretty clever:-) just before halfway through this- I'm not sure what to call it-topic. -you mentioned about companies trying to persuade you-what I want to add is that everybody outside there in the world is trying to get you to spend your money with them -that they have the best product for the most valuable or the rarest one or it's the best value or you need to get it now-

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes, sadly it seems like there is a lot of these types of messages coming at us at all times ❤️

[@renarobinson3946]

This is so good. Thank you, thanks, and thanks again.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@heididueck3147]

An ad came up right before lie #3: “This lovely Pioneer Woman basket that’s has everything you need…” Then the Lie #3: You NEED these things. How ironic 😂 I think they paired the wrong ad with this channel!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Bahahhaaa! Too funny! ❤️

[@Dan-di9jd]

I wouldn't exactly say they're "lies" per se in that you would have to be pretty gullible to assume that some product will cause an entirely different event to unfold. For example, most beer commercials are set in social situations and usually at a party, and usually with a pretty woman or man, but I would hope that someone buying one doesn't think the purchase of the product will cause those things to happen but the inverse might be true where you're in a social situation, you surrounded/in with people you know and conversing with, and perhaps you buy that beer product as a result. It wouldn't really be buying into a "lie" as much as just remembering the commercial and the product that is used in it. I think overall you shouldn't buy a product thinking it would cause a different set of events to unfold. Like age products probably wouldn't reverse the aging process as much as perhaps making you look better as you age. But if you buy it assuming you'll be 20 years old again would probably be pretty silly and I don't think any product would "lie" in that regard.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

This is very true. Great perspective! ❤️

[@consuelobraito6833]

Grazie per questo video, è stato davvero illuminante. Un saluto dall' Italia 👋

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Hello! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

Thankyou

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@ros8986]

merchants are not your friend.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Sadly, likely not! ❤️