I know, I know. Buying things doesn’t make you happy. Experiences do. But what about paying for gear that helps you have more meaningful experiences where you live? I have spent about 20 years of my adult life in places where it snows every winter, sometimes an awful lot. Utah. Maryland. Iowa. Virginia. And yet it was only last year that I finally bought myself a pair of snow bibs. Every other winter before this, I’d haul jeans on over my long johns to go sledding or build a snowman and be soggy and miserable within 20 minutes.
Finally, it occurred to me how ridiculous I was being in my misguided frugality. I live in a snowy place! It was time to suck it up! So I plunked down $30 to buy myself a cheap pair of snow bibs, and I’m here to testify that it’s made all the difference. This winter, after our first big snowfall, I simply lay there, blissed out on my sledding tube for 20 minutes, marveling at the fact of my warmth. It’s amazing how little money can bring so much pleasure.
What could you buy (or borrow, or rent) that would help you make the most of the place you live?
Consider, for instance,
- a kayak
- hiking boots
- a bicycle
- season tickets to the local playhouse
- porch chairs
- tickets to a concert
- a kite
- skis
- a sled
- rollerblades
- a jogging stroller
- fishing poles
- a bike rack for your car
- a tent and camping supplies
- a pass to a local museum, zoo, or aquarium
- tickets to a sporting event
- pool passes
Although I generally hate when people use the word “invest” to talk about purchasing stuff (These are not stocks, people! You’re not going to get your money back!), there are indeed emotional returns to be had when you buy the equipment you need for your particular place. Your feelings of commitment to your town increase, and you up the likelihood that you’ll have enjoyable, meaningful experiences that will grow your place attachment.
When you outfit yourself for your surroundings, you naturally open more doors to connection, exploration, and simple joy. And even though you don’t “invest” in this gear with the expectation of a measurable return, there is a kind of emotional profit that quietly accumulates over time. Every hike taken, every concert enjoyed, every campsite set up becomes proof that you’re choosing to participate in the life unfolding around you.
Of course, all this joyful participation assumes one very old-fashioned truth: money doesn’t grow on trees, and neither does peace of mind. If you’ve got a car to haul the kayak, the tent, or your slightly overambitious picnic plans, it needs to be properly looked after. That means insurance sorted, paperwork tidy, and no fingers crossed while turning the ignition. Sensible coverage — including car insurance for older vehicles — is one of those quietly responsible choices that doesn’t sparkle, but it keeps the sparkle in everything else. After all, nothing ruins a scenic drive faster than a breakdown paired with a financial headache.
When the practical foundations are in place, the rest of life feels lighter. You’re free to say yes to the long way home, the last-minute road trip, or the dusty backroad that looks promising but isn’t on Google Maps. This is the traditional rhythm of living well: secure the basics first, then enjoy the rewards without anxiety tagging along like an unwanted passenger. Fun is better when it’s backed by foresight — a lesson our grandparents knew well, and one that still holds up just fine today, even with Bluetooth and cup holders.
Money is fraught. But if you want to love where you live, spend a little and buy the gear. Read more at Livability.com.
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Shameless self-promotion portion of the newsletter: Shout-out to the new subscribers I met speaking at the Main Street Now conference in Kansas City! Also, go listen to me talking to Lara McElderry about living somewhere you absolutely don’t want to on the fabulous Married to Doctors podcast. (You know someone who needs this, right?)
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7 items of interest
1. A town in England cut hospital admissions by building community. (Important: We need “men’s sheds” in America.)
2. Why is violence on the decline in cities? Community gardens and block associations.
3. What a grassroots place-love movement looks like.
4. Love Where You Live experiment alert! Make tiny hedgehog crossings in your neighborhood! I’m swooning.
5. Could unbranding your city be better than branding it?
6. I moved into a new house!
7. Only 34 percent of Americans have had their neighbors in their home. GET ON THAT.
xoxo, Melody