No thanks. I will stay home for lunch since I want to save money
It felt good hearing myself say those words and saving money always sound like a good idea. Yet, quite often, some of us feel bad doing it.
Most frugalist I know asked themselves at some point whether he/she is missing out by not participating (insert your own activity here). I feel like this question is impossible to answer because without actually going, how will I know whether or not it would be beneficial? If I have to ask myself, I will always go because I don’t want to analyze a problem I will never be able to solve.
Instead of questioning, I work on feeling satisfied with my life. Sometimes, it’s necessary to spend money doing so. Other times, it’s making an effort to strengthen my relationship with my family and friends. When I am happy and satisfied, I won’t feel bad for not participating in every activity that is available out there. I also find that I feel just as happy not buying every product that I ever want. I spend much of my time figuring out how to be a satisfied person, so I don’t feel deprived if I decide that I’d rather stay home this weekend.
From Saving Money to Frugal Living
I haven’t always been this way. I used to get stuck thinking about saving money all the time. I don’t want to go because I feel guilty spending the rest of my paycheck. I really want that new iPhone but I don’t want (or have) the money. I would feel miserable, and it could consume me until I end up buying it.
Now that I’m more satisfied with my life, I feel better about everything. The new iPhone is cool but I really don’t need it. I don’t have to buy it anymore. (In fact, I switched back to a very old phone a few days ago and it was actually fun getting used to the interface again.)
The good news is that you can do it too. It has nothing to do with talent, luck or who you know. It just needs a commitment to work on being happy with what you have. The bad news? Let’s leave that for the merchants and advertisers that always end up taking our paycheck (and our happiness) away.
