Life is full of means. Means to an end. Justifying the means. Means, medians, modes. And then there’s living within your means. There was a time I like to call the perfect economic storm. When things were so good that I had, essentially, 6 jobs and not enough of me to go around! The cheddar was flowing like a mighty wind. I was exhausted and could barely keep up, but I was financially secure. There is a lot to be said about that. I wasn’t ever worried about spending because I knew I would always make more. I paid my bills, was paying off debt, ate and drank when and where I wanted, shopped, travelled, you name it. Oh wait—save? I thought you might say that. Well, I saved a little. Suze Orman and I SO did not know who each other were yet. And now I’m learning from my mistakes. But I am staying afloat and am MUCH happier than when I was being pulled in every direction, overworked and underenjoying life. Now I have more time to divide with the things that I REALLY want to be doing. And I’ve adjusted my spending habits and become a lot smarter. Even grocery shopping or at Duane Reade, I ask myself “Do I need this?” (That’s right, Suze, I’m learning!) While reading Real Simple, I came upon a quote that I loved:
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having few wants.”
-ESTHER DE WAAL
It’s really about adjusting your attitude. What’s important in life? What do I want? What do I have? What do I need? I am very fortunate in so many aspects of my life. I have food, shelter, and clothing. Beyond that I have a huge, imperfect, lovable family that will always be there for me. I have my friends, my health, my spirit of adventure, and my generally positive outlook on life. My proudest accomplishment is my open mind. I have grown immensely in the almost six years that I’ve lived in New York. I am so proud of the amount of bravery it took to get to where I am today, and the courage that I still muster daily to navigate this fair city. I am thankful for the losses and the pitfalls that help fuel the fire. I am learning to want less, to live within my means, and appreciate this amazing city brimming over with opportunity. And I feel extremely wealthy.
