SOL 18: Changing Perspective
Posted on March 28th, 2018
I’ve been plowing my way through Meet the Frugalwoods (see earlier post here). Thames’ conversational style makes the reader feel as if she is having a personal conversation with the author. Several statements have jumped up off the page and made their way into my journal. For instance, she writes that “the key is to identify what matters most…what brings you the most enjoyment.” (p.103). Once those priorities are established, the next step is to cut out the other things that are “frittering away your cash.” (p.103)
This advice reminds me of financial advice like “make your money work for you.” However, the Frugalwoods first established what they wanted most in their lives and then went about figuring out how to use (or save) their money in order to live the life they prefer. Instead of feeling as if they are depriving themselves, they focus on finding “less expensive options” to embrace “a lifestyle of luxurious frugality.”
Captured first bloom of spring this morning.
The juxtaposition of luxurious and frugality has lodged itself in my mind and kept me thinking about my own perspective on money. I still have a ways to go, but I see how postponing purchases to consider their real value and identifying what constitutes a need versus a desire can be life-altering. So I’ve been reminding myself to find joy in small things like noticing the changes that spring is bringing to our yard, stopping to listen to bird songs, and just breathing in fresh air on my morning walks.
Best part? The only cost to me is a change in perspective. Not to say that I won’t be tempted soon to buy some new craft item or baking utensil, but now at least I have a strategy to determine whether that thing is necessary for my happiness. On that thought, I will leave you with a cinquain I was inspired to write from a comment Kristi Lonheim left for me on Monday and her Tuesday Slice: Inspired Cinquains. Thanks, Kristi!
Perspective
Limited Vision
A frame of reference
Discovering a new window
Viewpoint
I, too, am struck by the juxtaposition of two seeming opposites, “luxurious frugality.” I am reading The Revolution of Marina M., and just as when I read about a topic that puts human beings in desperate situations —Holocaust, civil rights struggles, Darfur—I rethink the distinction between need and desire. We should all do more of that.
“A lifestyle of luxurious frugality”…this statement really makes you think! We live in a time where more is better. I hope more people move towards a frugal yet luxurious life. Excess does not lead to happiness! I will have to check out this book.
I’ve read several of your posts on this book now, and it’s been so fun to hear both about the book and your reflections on it. I love how what you’ve written pushes me to think about my own spending/saving choices.
Love what you have considered here and how the text allowed your to go to different spaces! I will have to check out the book.