“Money only buys a small measure of happiness, & then only for those who have the wisdom to use it properly.”
~ Steven Scott
We have such a complicated relationship with money, don’t we? Wouldn’t it be so, so great if we could use money in a way that promotes happiness, & not in a way that encourages envy? Wouldn’t it be fantastic to not feed the consumer beast our society has become? To not fall into the trap of moar things.
More stuff is not the answer. How much do you really need? Could you live more simply? Do you really need all those shoes/lipsticks/insert personal indulgence here?
That doesn’t have to be the way. The next time you have a windfall of cash (or if you just plain make a good living), the next time you have the urge to impulse shop, just stop. Take a breath. One of my goals this year is to wait 48 hours after seeing something that I want before I can purchase it—& oh boy has my rate of consumption decreased! It gives me time to question if I need it, if I have room for it, or if I can’t get it used/cheap/free from elsewhere. It also gives me a chance to ask myself some questions.
“How could I spend this money to…
- … strengthen my relationships?” Could I take a friend out for lunch? Get a special little present for my lover? Surprise my mother with flowers?
- … get healthier?” Do my teeth need a cleaning? Do I need a new box of contacts? Could I try a new vitamin or supplement?
- … make myself better at my work?” Could I update my training? Get better supplies? Get the latest book in my field?
- … help other people feel safer & healthier, with more opportunity?” Could I give it to a charity I believe in? Can I buy a necessity for someone who I know is struggling financially?
- … feel more secure in my life?” Should I be contributing to my RRSPs? Investing in my business? Saving for a rainy day?
