I heard on the news the other day that the two middle weeks of January are the worst of the year for both humans and animals - emotionally and physically. They said we feel worse during those times and everything changes - mood, eating habits, motivation, activity level, etc.
This past Monday was the 3rd Monday of January and supposedly the worst day of the year!
I believe it. Even my kitties are acting different - very different.
The world affects us in ways we can never imagine.
So as my mind wonders I have been thinking about frugal living. Back in the day, people SAVED for new things, fancy things, important things, even every day things. Not so much today. People want and expect immediate satisfaction!!!! That is what gets people in trouble. I remember my parents saving and saving for something and the delayed satisfaction they got was enormous. They were so proud of what they accomplished. It wasn't just I WANT therefore I BUY. I really don't think people today truly appreciate the things the get and the things they experience.
My Daddy always told me "the anticipation is always far greater than the realization" and that is true. So very true.
I remember wanting a bread machine years ago (and spent a chunk on one) and then realized I probably wouldn't use it that much. AND DIDN'T. Yes, I still have it, and I threaten to use it - but don't. I just HAD to have it - my reality, well...…………..
I am sure each of us have had those moments.
I know people who work themselves to the bone just to have that fancy address, or that fancy car, or that membership to ________, or the designer labels. The things become all important and the life that they were given is driven totally by wants, work and greed. They become so in debt for things that won't even matter one day soon, they work their fingers to the bone - for what? IMMEDIATE SATISFACTION.
If I could tell any young person (including my younger self) anything that would stick in the brain - it would slow down, enjoy life's moments (every one of them), think before you spend and DELAY that satisfaction of "stuff" for a while. You will realize it isn't all that important.
We are so perfectly imperfect that is takes many of us a lifetime to see what is so simple and wonderful.
MAKE A LIFE THAT MATTERS. Stuff DOESN'T matter.
Take time to enjoy the simple and lovely moments. Enjoy laughter, friends, family, getting up each day, nature, the taste of ice cream, the feel of a warm blanket, the cuddles of your pets, companionship, the smell of a rose...….......enjoy the simple things and enjoy them thoroughly.
As the saying goes "the little things are actually the biggest things and the ones that matter."
Just my brain ramblings for the day!
Have a blessed day.
This is so true.I know that I have been guilty of the immediate. But I am getting older and wiser, or maybe I have everything I think I need.
ReplyDeleteWe have all been guilty. Older and wiser sure does help!
Delete❤️
ReplyDeleteBlessings
DeleteWell, some stuff matters. Like I need to replace the shingles on my roof. It's an expense I really had hoped not to have to buy but will do so, on credit and pay off over time and completely pay off when the house does sell.
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree needs and wants are very different things. As for your bread machine, my daughter has one and uses it to mix her dough and do the first rising. She forms her loaf or buns after that rising and lets it rise in the pan a second time baking in the oven. We had some buns last week she made this way - they were the lightest buns I've ever eaten!
You are absolutely right. SOME things have to be done and just can't be let go. There are times we have all had to go into debt for important things. Yep, I guess that is more what I meant - wants and needs - for sure different.
DeleteMaybe I will give the bread machine a go again one of these days. If nothing else the neighbors and family would like fresh bread.
I solved my need/want for a bread machine by buying one for $3 at a garage sale.
ReplyDeleteI see them at the thrift stores for less than $5. I can't believe I didn't do that back when. Nooooo, I had to have it now and paid full price. So silly of me.
DeleteYou were smart!!!!!
I have never been one to need the newest and the best. If I want a new appliance I often ask for it for Christmas or my birthday. Same with our new furniture this fall. It was my Christmas and birthday gift.
ReplyDeleteI do have to say one thing. I bought a bread machine (my first) at our Salvation Army store and paid $10.00. It lasted all of one use. My new one has been going strong for 5 years (still works wonderfully). I did spend quite a bit on it but when I work out how much it has cost me over the years, it is way less than the one I bought used.
God bless.
God bless.
Same here. Never been one for wanting a lot or brand names or anything.
DeleteThat is the chance you take buying used - you just never know why someone gave it away sadly.
Glad you like your newer one and have gotten good use.
Blessings
I was so grumpy yesterday and this morning, but your blog is like a ray of sunshine on this rainy dreary day. Thanks for the reminder of what is important.
ReplyDeleteBless your heart. I hope you are feeling more chipper!!! I get that way a lot in winter.
DeleteTake care and thanks.
This post is just so full of good advice!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Laura
Thank you. Blessings my friend
DeleteCheryl: Those words...Make A Life That Matters...so true. I'm trying to do it now. We spent our life putting off buying things, doing without a little. At the end, I did and bought anything I thought would bring comfort to Wild Bill. Now I look back and shake my head. Peace comes from love. Thank God he knew he was loved.
ReplyDeleteOh honey I understand. We did the same. Scrimped and saved - for what? None of it means much now. I am trying to figure out my place in this world now too. I still have no clue. It will take you time.
DeleteI was doing what I wanted to do - so when people ask what do I want to do - I say go back. My life was the same for over 30 years and now it is different - so different.
You and I and all others going through this just have to take a day at a time and figure it out.
Love and hugs to you.