The swings in the economy recently have caused me to step back and do two things:
1) try to use what I have as much as possible, and
2) be thankful for all of the things in life that don't cost a penny.
It's not easy, though. I am currently on a "31 Days of Nothing" spending fast from anything except for basics, like food, utilties, rent, etc.
It's amazing how many times I will think of something that I want, and automatically it becomes a need, and a pressing one at that.
But since I've restricted my spending, I've slowly realized that saying "not" to something really just means saying "yes" to a more creative solution.

Now I find myself getting more excited over clearing out a shelf or drawer instead of packing it in with useless things, or finding a creative way to re-use leftovers or craft supplies I have on hand.