Why I’m More Selective With What I Consume Now

There was a time when I consumed without thinking too much about it.

Food. Media. Commitments. Expectations. Noise.

Now, I pause.

Not because I’ve become restrictive. Not because I’m trying to be perfect. But because I’ve realised something simple. Everything I consume costs something.

And at this stage of life, I’m more aware of the cost.

Food Feels Different When You’re Paying Attention

I haven’t become extreme with food. I’m not eliminating whole food groups or chasing trends.

But I am more intentional.

We have planned our meals since our days at Uni. Everyone knows what’s for tea. Everyone knows whose turn it is to cook. It makes shopping easier and removes that daily “what are we having” tension.

We keep a well stocked freezer. That means takeaway isn’t a panic decision. It’s a choice. Sometimes we still order in once or twice a week. That hasn’t changed much.

What has changed is awareness.

Since having my gallbladder removed, I naturally eat less fatty and oily food. Creamy meals don’t sit well anymore. I drink more water. I choose more grain breads and berries.

It’s not about restriction. It’s about understanding how my body responds.

Even with teenagers, we keep it simple.

If you don’t eat what’s served, you sort yourself out.
If you want leftovers, put your name on it.

Clarity removes friction.

I don’t eat less. I just eat more consciously.

I Don’t Scroll Everything Anymore

The biggest shift has probably been media.

I used to scroll my personal feed mindlessly. Now I rarely do.

If I scroll, it’s usually my business feed. I’m looking for ideas. Inspiration. Education. Something useful.

I’ve muted people. I’ve unfollowed more than ever before. Especially the ones who make noise for the sake of it, without anything real behind it.

I’m not anti social media. I run two businesses. I create content. I value connection.

But I no longer consume everything that’s available to me.

If I wouldn’t put it in my shopping trolley, why would I let it into my head?

That one shift alone has protected my mood, my focus and my time.

My Time Is Not Public Property

This one has been slower to learn.

At work, someone is always disappointed. I give out tax bills for a living. That’s part of the job.

At home, something is always undone. A shirt not ironed. Washing still in the basket. Something forgotten on the shopping list.

For years I tried to smooth every edge. Anticipate every need. Avoid every disappointment.

Now I understand something better.

Disappointment is not always a problem to solve.

If something works with my time and my values, it’s a yes.

If it frustrates me, confuses me or drains me, it’s a no.

Not dramatic. Not angry. Just clear.

Outside of work, I’m protective of my time. I’m decluttering. I’m sorting. I’m creating a calmer home for our family. I’m giving myself space to tidy the physical and mental corners that have been ignored for years.

We all know how to stick to a grocery budget.

I’m learning to stick to an energy budget too.

Lent Is a Useful Reminder

This week brings Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day as we know it.

I’ve always liked the layering of pancakes. It reminds me of how I approach skincare. Cleanse. Hydrate. Treat. Protect. Layers that work together.

Then comes Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. It’s also my husband’s birthday. In Victoria, it’s a date that carries the weight of devastating bushfires from years past. It’s layered with celebration and reflection.

Lent often gets framed as giving something up. Meat on Friday’s if you’re Catholic. When we were kids, it was lollies, ice cream or softdrink.

But I think there’s another way to look at it.

Six weeks of intention.

Six weeks to:

• Try a new recipe each week.

• Commit to a simple skincare routine that actually suits your skin.

• Walk consistently.

• Learn a new craft.

• Read a book instead of scrolling.

• Finish a TV series without multitasking through it.

Not deprivation.

Deliberate focus.

That feels steadier.

Simpler Designs, Better Ingredients

This theme runs through my businesses too.

With Buttons by Brooke, I’m leaning towards simpler designs. Classic pieces. Not every trend. Not every product in every print. Just the ones that feel right.

You can explore the current collection in the Button Shop.

With skincare, the same principle applies.

Ingredient education matters. You don’t need every product on the shelf. You need ingredients that suit your skin type and your season of life.

For mature or oily skin, hydration is still essential. For sensitive skin, knowing what to avoid matters. Fewer products used consistently will always outperform a cupboard full of half used bottles. If you need help, reach out or try the skincare test here.

Being selective doesn’t mean being scarce.

It means being wise.

A Gentle Reflection

At this stage of life, I’m not perfect, I’m simply more aware of what I’m approving.

What if, instead of giving something up this Lent, you chose something carefully instead?

One small area.

Food. Media. Time. Skincare. Creativity.

Six weeks of deliberate attention.

Not because you have to.

Because you can.

Because it feels calmer.