Sometimes in the face of stress, it is the little things that make the biggest difference.
Retail therapy isn’t really an option these days because money is just dumb and did you know that bills don’t pay themselves? I don’t even like to go to the mall or anywhere near a Target anymore because a) too tempting and b) sure Sarah, why don’t you just spend money and give yourself something else to stress about?
And the funny thing is – I’m really okay with that. There’s not a whole lot that I need. I could mindlessly wander around a store and find item after item that I want, but maybe one of the best things about being more financially conservative these days is realizing that I can live without it.
I have to find other things to cheer myself up:
This week, the girls and I made cookies. Ate one fresh from the oven. DELICIOUS.
Texts with friends.
Taking a photograph I love.
Getting a Birchbox in the mail (okay, this one costs money, but it’s just ten bucks a month and this month’s box had cool stuff in it – to me it’s worth it. While I’m not blowing money on stupid stuff, it keeps me from feeling deprived).
Bubble baths
Soda and lime (with or without the vodka. I’m without these days, not because I’m out, but because sometimes you have to treat your liver nicely)
Making a spectacular quesadilla
A mailbox full of catalogs and not a single bill
Coffee and doughnut day with the kids
Finding the glove you thought you were missing
Hugs
More hugs
Catching up on Netflix
I admit, I was more than a little giddy about the Twistband (it’s orange! so cute) and mascara from the Birchbox. Who doesn’t love a little retail therapy? But, I’m really trying to keep it a little simpler. And I’ve found that all of these other things are just as gratifying – if not more so – than a cart full of stuff that will just take up space and collect dust.
Hey. I might finally be growing up.
Who knew?
About sarah
Speak Your Mind