There’s Too Much to Gain
By Susan Mercedes. Filed in Drinks, Food, Life |
I have never liked limits imposed upon me. Speed limits, budgets, control freaks are all things I can do without.
Well the other day I had a revelation. Of course, this thought isn’t new to me. However it hit me so hard the other day, I was stopped in my tracks.
I need to get control. Not over people. Not over things out of my control. But with things that are 100% in my control.
- spending – I buy whatever I want, without any thought to cost
- eating out – I eat out most days for lunch and several nights a week for dinner (this doesn’t help my calorie intake or my spending)
- imbibing – I drink frequently (1-2+ glasses of wine every night!)
These are all things I have set limits on before and done successfully. But for some reason they all feel like they have spun out of control recently.
And by losing control over these things, I seem to have gained everything (mostly bank fees and weight). I don’t want those things!
So here’s to getting a grip on my life. And I started last night…by eating homemade, healthy soup (Don’t freak out. Yes I cooked! And yes it was fabulous.), skipping wine and not spending money to eat out.
Don’t get the wrong idea. I plan to still eat, drink wine and spend. But in moderation. For example, I don’t need to have a glass of wine EVERY night. I can drink it several times a week and still feel okay. I also plan to still spend money. I make it. I can spend it. But I need to put some limits on how much I spend. I have lofty long term goals, like living as a rich person when I retire, and this takes some restraint now. I plan to eat out, but not everyday at lunch and most nights at dinner. I will force myself to cook at home and/or bring a lunch to work.
Wish me luck!
What things do you have to limit in your life?
Wednesday, March 31st 2010 at 10:04 am
Does this mean we’re invited around for dinner more often?
Susan Mercedes Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
knappst3r: Yes. Yes. Yes. You both are always invited around for dinner at my house!
Saturday, April 3rd 2010 at 8:44 am
One of my customers was talking to me yesterday about my shoes. I told him that I had gotten rid of close to 60 pairs and bought less than 10 new ones. He agreed that this was progress. I think that part of it is understanding WHY we spend the way we do, and on the things we do. I know for a fact that in my previous life, I bought things because they made me feel happy for a while, and getting compliments on those things (like being the girl with the great shoes) sort of became part of my identity and it was hard to stop. Once I found other more worthwhile things to make me even more happy, for even longer, it is now easier to skip purchases.
And just like you said, keeping lofty long term goals in mind helps too. Like, how are we going to afford a mid-century ranch house, and how are we going to afford to restore it, if we don’t plan for it now?
Susan Mercedes Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Flitryss: You’re so stinking wise. Seriously, I love shoes. That kind of restraint (the kind you have) should be illegal.
Sunday, April 4th 2010 at 8:21 am
Hmm…this is a very encouraging post, I think I might have to join you in pretty much the same stuff. Wish me luck.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Amberly: So did you put limits on yourself? I did for at least a week. How did it go for you?
Monday, April 5th 2010 at 11:25 am
Modesty in all things. =)
I myself struggle with focusing on anything to do with my education in the field of mathematics. I find myself too often working on everything but the math. Things like, writing, for the most part. So I guess for now, I need to limit myself on the one thing that gets me through the days, weeks, and months that I’m stuck in Alabama. That way I can work on the thing that is keeping me here. lol
Susan Mercedes Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Joseph S.: I’ve missed you. How are things?