Happy Tuesday to all. I sure hope this finds you all well and safe.
It is a chilly morning, yet it will be warming into the upper 70's today. No rain until the weekend. It is still very dry in these parts. The lovely weather has been enjoyed though. Windows open and fresh air is the best!
Today let's talk about how your time and your days ARE your life. When we waste those things, we waste life. I know we talk about money a lot and we talk about a simple life a lot. Once you get your life into a simpler place, the better your life quality will be.
And we need to remember that money is just a TOOL! It is just that simple.
We need to concentrate more on quality of life than the money. We can do so many simple things to change this life. Yes, money is important to pay the bills and for emergencies, but your life is limited - so make it the best you can.
As my Glen used to say, "Plan your work and work your plan!"
Consume less - less stuff in the home, is less to maintain and clean. It is less money spent, so it can be used for important things. Cancel things that aren't important or rarely used. Think about apps, subscriptions, magazines, streaming, online shopping, memberships, etc.
Try making things you normally buy - spice mixes, cooking from scratch, crafts & gifts, baking.
Rest when you feel you need it. Take time each day just for you. It is OK to not be busy every moment. Rest helps your body and mind heal. Watch nature, read a book, porch sit, take a nap - just rest each day.
Know your priorities. Is it money or a happy and calm life?
Learn new skills. Learn how to do things for yourself. How to repair. How to garden. How to cook. Ask people, go to the library and watch You Tube videos.
Pay NO interest - unless it is mortgage or car payments. Always pay things on time and do not pay interest or late fees. They eat a ton of your money.
Do things for yourself at home. Make your own spa night/day. Nice soaking bath, candles, soft music - just a relaxing time. Do manis and pedis at home. Give yourself a facial with things you have at home in your kitchen.
Walking is free exercise. Garden, yard work is free exercise. Turn up the music and dance - yes, it is exercise.
Hang with like-minded people! If you hang out with spenders, you will more than likely spend more. Be with folks who like to have a nice coffee at home, get together for a meal at home, play cards or board games. Go to free events or the park. Stay out of the expensive shops and just keep it simple, you will probably find it more relaxing - less distractions.
Make the most of your days - each and every day. Life can be fun, exciting and wonderful - you just have to be a little creative. It isn't all about money. It is about LIVING!
Live simply. Big things and small things can make a huge difference.
The less you do or need that costs money - the less you worry about it.
ENJOY this day you have been gifted and remember to be kind to others.
SMILE
Years ago, a young mom home with her 2nd child, lamented - I want my life back. She needed a gentle reminder that this was her life. Don't we do that often, wishing these days away? Trace Adkins has a song - You're Gonna Miss This - you're gonna want this back. So true. Life is made of a lot of little things. A house or car is new for only a little while, then it's taking the garbage out & getting the oil changed. All those little "mundane" thiings that contribute to the big picture.
ReplyDeleteYES! Our lives change so much over the years, in some ways that we never could have imagined. Those little things make life a joy. Laughter, our pets, a certain smell, a sound - they all bring back memories of days gone by. Hopefully each day, we are making GOOD memories for someone in the future.
DeleteLife is a journey.
Such wise words...
ReplyDeleteThis post reminds me of the poem, "Normal Day".
NORMAL DAY…
Normal day, let me be aware
of the treasure that you are.
let me learn from you, love you,
bless you before we depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest
of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
let me hold you while I may,
for it may not be always so. One day
I shall dig my nails into the earth,
or bury my face in the pillow,
or stretch myself taut,
or raise my hands
to the sky and want, more
than all the world, your return.
(Author: Mary Jean Iron)
I have a friend going through this right now. It's hard to watch and there's not much I can do for him. He also cried out "I want my life back!"
MaryB
I love this. Great poem. Boy, have many of been there. It all seems so unfair at times, but we somehow manage go on.
DeleteIt is hard to watch - all you can do is be his friend and listen when he needs it.
Life is full of different seasons, some good and some bad. Tell him to pray and ask God to help him. It is amazing how that can give relief to some of the pain, and your path is guided by His hand.
"Make the most of each day" is a good motto. We never know how many of them we have left.
ReplyDeleteYou got it. How many we have, or how many or friends and family have. Each one is important.
DeleteWhen hard times fall, the best we can do is rely on the Father to help us through our days. People kvetch about their lot in life, but that's nothing to compared to what the returned hostages went through. Be grateful and make the best of what you are gifted. Easy to say, and it takes endurance to stay the course. The poem MaryB shared is wonderful...thank you! Maebeme is so right...we never know how many days we have left. I think of the co-worker of Erin's that was recently shot and killed at twenty-three years old. It reminds me of the parable of the man who was going away and gave each of his three workers a certain amount of money. When he returned he discovered that two of the workers had turned a profit but the third man buried it and it produced nothing. Cheryl, the second paragraph of your comment to MaryB says it all.
ReplyDeleteOur Father is our one answer, I agree. He can get us through anything. No matter what we go through in life, someone else has so many more problems. It does take work to have faith, but it is so worth it.
DeleteThank you. I know I have been guided by His hand many times.
Money means very little to me. But my health means a lot. I’m not sure if I could treasure every day if I was alone and in a nursing home. I think about my friend’s wife who is still young (50s) and in that position.
ReplyDeleteSame here. Many more important things than money.
DeleteHealth is more valuable than gold. I am alone, but I can do most everything for myself still - which is sooooo important. I pray I never see the day I need a nursing facility.
I love you!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart. Thank you so much - you gave me such a big smile just now. Love you all so much.
DeleteGreat thoughts!!! And excellent reminder to appreciate every day, every day.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Louise.
Thanks - yes there are so many things to appreciate and enjoy each and every day!
DeleteEven when I feel ill (like today for a bit), I am so grateful for what I have and the joy and contentment that each day brings to me.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Each is a gift. Feel better.
DeleteYou get such sweet comments, Cheryl. They are a treat to read. 💕
ReplyDeleteI like it when you said, “The less you do or need that costs money - the less you worry about it”, which is so very true. It’s easier to keep things cleaned and organized when there is less stuff, great blog post.
We have such a good group here. Kind people.
DeleteYes, life is easier when don't have to worry and stress about spending so much or cleaning so much.
Cheryl, well said. And Mary B, that is a wonderful poem and sentiment. If we could only keep our minds focused on what matters…Hilogene in Az.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, we do tend to wonder off course now and then, don't we? We all do it at times. Those little things are the best.
Delete