I’ve been working on re-setting my habits, with a new concept of “Just Because I Can, Doesn’t Mean I Should” and I repeat it daily. I don’t need to join and anonymous groups or seek professional help but I am a spender. I’ve never been one to splurge, honestly I like the challenge of finding a deal, however I can be reckless.
The other day I was in the library, (you can rent movies for FREE there by the way) and I saw people in the internet room and I was overcome with sadness. Now, I don’t know their exact situation but I assume they were there looking for employment. Most are at least, and I was one of them a little over a year ago. For whatever reason, I felt overwhelmed by my own blessings and convicted at the same time.
When I was younger we didn’t have a lot. My mom was a single parent and work nights. We didn’t have much and at the time we didn’t know any better. Now that I’m older and have my own household I am able to recognize just how little we had. My siblings and I all started work at an early age and worked several more hours than our classmates, it never bothered us, but it allowed us to help support the family and “treat” ourselves. I think the idea was money translated into some sort of success or happiness, not an entirely foreign concept I know. Hopefully this isn’t distasteful but my husband and I have always had money, we’ve been able to travel and purchase things that we want without a lot of effort. We have good jobs and work hard for our earnings but here is the proposal: Just because we have this money should we be spending it? Our bills our paid, essentially no dept, our needs are met but what about the other stuff; the extras?
I spend maybe $50.00 a month of what-nots…coffee, nail polish, movies etc… not really anything I need. How is it I have “extra” money that I can spend without even a second thought? There are so many others desperately trying to just get by, it doesn’t feel right.
I’ve even adjusted my grocery shopping habits. I’m so fortunate that we not only have food but good, healthy, organic food that we enjoy eating. I’ve made it a point to use up the stagnate items in the fridge and pantry in order to create new meals and curb unnecessary spending. It’s actually been a rewarding process and you get that sense of accomplishment.
I realize I’m about 4 years late on the recession but being in a tourist locale has kept us in a bubble and the shockwaves have finally hit our area. There are so many people that have come here with their posh lifestyles that have help keep our little mountain town afloat but now we are catching up with the rest of the economy. This past month, mid-season mind you, the local government had several layoffs, Bed Bath and Beyond closed, Blockbuster closed, Borders closed, and several other stores including Old Navy (I could have cried over this one). All those people need jobs and in an area like this they are limited and commuting isn’t feasible.
Not exactly my most articulate post but this is what’s on my mind and has been very sobering. Maybe now that it’s in print I’ll have more accountability to achieve the goals I’ve set and adjust my routine.
