"I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. the first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader amongst people." - Lao Tzu
"Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things." - Elise Boulding
To be contented means to be happy with what you've got, without craving for more all the time. You can choose to give up the rat race and all the stress it involves. Instead, you can opt for a simple, frugal lifestyle.
To live frugally doesn't mean to live in poverty. It just means that you don't spend money that you haven't got and eventually, you'll be debt free. When you're debt-free, you don't owe anything to anyone, but when you're indebted to someone, you're basically in bondage to that person or institution. The sooner you break your shackles, the better for you: you'll regain your freedom and individuality. It will be a big weight off your shoulders!
Why do you get into debt in the first place? Maybe you want instant gratification, rather than waiting, while patiently saving up for something. Maybe you're a "shopaholic". Maybe you want to "keep up with the Jones", always comparing yourself with your neighbours, instead of concentrating on finding your own style. Society is very competitive, and advertisement wants you to believe that you can't be cool or fashionable unless you own this or that. But trends change all the time. People get paid to come up with new ideas and new strategies to make you part with your money. This is why you have come to believe that you can't just be who you are. You believe that you have to buy and identity, so you can fit in, conform and ultimately to be admired, respected and envied.
It boils down to what other people think of you. But no matter what you do, no matter how much effort you put into looking stylish and affluent, you will never be able to control other people's opinion's about you. Celebrities know this only too well; the media likes to put them down, no matter how hard they try to please. A typical example is Michael Jackson. In his desperate effort to be perfect in the eyes of others, he achieved exactly the opposite: they mocked him instead of loving him. That really depressed him and possibly contributed to his premature death.
A lot of wealthy people started off by living frugally and not giving much importance to luxuries. They were driven by a passion that went much deeper than the accumulation of material possessions. These people are creative and full of inspiration. For instance, Wayne Dyer once said that he enjoys writing his books so much that he wouldn't care if no one ever read them. the act of writing itself gives him enough satisfaction and fulfilment. The money then is just a bonus. Despite his worldwide success as a motivational speaker, Dr. Wayne Dyer promotes a simple lifestyle and gives a great chunk of his time and money to charity.
With another world recession looming, frugality is back in fashion, and there are many websites that give you advice on how to budget and avoid spending unnecessarily. Every time you're about to buy something, ask yourself in all honesty: "Do I really need this right now?"
"Retail therapy" may be useful when you're feeling down, but so can be a leisurely stroll in the park, coffee with a friend, an afternoon looking after children, or simply doing someone a favour. Whatever you give, it will come back to you... Never suppress a generous impulse. Give from your heart, without expecting anything in return. Do it just for the pleasure of helping others, and it will make you feel terrific!
"Whereas a covetous heart is never satisfied,
a contented heart is always secure". - Author unknown
With all my love!
Bella
Photo by Bella Tindale
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