What is it about being frugal, why do it at all? Actually, some people don't do it at all, they have decided that what they want and desire is what they are going to get and they feel they deserve it. I have no trouble with that; more power to ya, live long and prosper and may you die with the most toys. However, for me, I find little value in the things around me.
When I was a teenager, things were my identity. However, as I have gotten older and through one situation or another I have learned to separate myself from the items in my home. Let me give you an example; quite a few years ago I was given a leather jacket, I always wanted one because I thought they were cool and thus, I would be cool. I got it and I loved, I loved it so much I rarely wore it for fear of losing it or ruining it beyond repair. I wanted it to stay 'new' and always carry that memory I had of when I first received it and the person who gave it to me. As the years passed and I was in some hard times, I needed money for necessities and didn't know what to do, until I saw the jacket in the closet in all it's shiny newness and cleanliness. "I could get some money for that", I thought. I proceeded to take it to the pawnshop (this was before eBay) and get A LOT less than what in my mind it was worth to me. It killed me to take that jacket in, but I had to and to do it, I had to distance myself from the experience so I could get it done. And surprisingly, I still have the memory of receiving that jacket with no loss of value in my mind.
Since that time, through losses of one thing or another, I learned that my own self worth or value isn't based on what I have around me. A side note: I in NO way think I am superior than the woman that drives the jag to her 5 bedroom home, in fact I hope she is happy with her station in life and I wish her well. But for me, I will never aspire to that.
I guess when it comes down to being frugal or not, the question needs to be asked, "Does this fulfill me?" For myself less is more in my world; less to worry about, less to find space for, less to keep up. But, again, that's not everyone's cup of tea. Your level of tolerance for less may be higher than mine. I could easily whittle down my needs and wants, throw them in the car and go. That is how little I really need, besides a roof over my head and a steady stream of income.
Frugal living isn't a dreary task, I think we need to reward ourselves here and there. My luxury is going to the movies and seeing the blockbuster action movies and dramas. But doing that regularly would no longer be a treat but become a necessity if I could think up enough excuses.
Frugality in my opinion is also about moderation. Moderation is key no matter if I am eating, drinking, watching TV, going to movies or exercising. Excess is what happens when I stop controlling my life and let something else run it. It's about keeping things in check, whether it's my reasoning for buying and item or getting caught up in the good feeling a TV commercial gives me. (By the way, I have never gotten good cell phone service in the boonies like the ads show!)
Frugal living is temporary for some until they get back on their feet, for others it is a day to day necessity for who knows how long and for myself and others it is a voluntary decision, wherever you fit in there.
Dawn Cadwell continues to live a frugal, simple life as much as possible, learning as she goes. Frugal for Life.com is a free resource to those in need,curious or just looking for a few tips. Thank you for your time.
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