Comments on: Cheerful Frugality…In A Rut

By: anna

anna — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 17:57:03 +0000

I love to go on a treasure hunt in my own home–pulling out unused candles, china, vases, etc., to make beautiful arrangements that cost nothing. Clear a tabletop, find something lovely from another place in the house, gather something, anything from the yard or roadside, and make a satifyingly beautiful arrangement.

This cheers me up more than buying something new!

I also scan my shelves for a few books to pull out and stack on a side table–they must be beautiful and inspiring. And I make sure my closet is tidy, with everything pressed and (so sue me) arranged by color. Then I feel like I own the clothes store!

By: Mar

Mar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:29:42 +0000

I’ve been down about other stuff lately that I really should not be or I should look at differently (i.e., needing to work outside the home, so I should be thankful for the job and very good salary that I earn). When that happens, I start singing “I’m a Lucky Man” (okay Woman) by Montgomery Gentry where they sing about all the blessings they have. It helps to get an “attitude of gratitude” and thankfulness going.

By: Lesley

Lesley — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:19:05 +0000

Going to the library helps get me out of a frugal rut. I try to take books out that will help to inspire me as I strive to be frugal.

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:21:55 +0000

When I find myself on the self-pity path, it’s usually because my walk with God has been permitted to suffer, even a tiny bit. It usually takes a liberal amount of time in His Word and prayer in order to get back to the cheerful mode. Self-pity is just selfishness… I think I deserve to have more–more money, more freedom, more fun!–than what God has allotted to me. My attitude says, “God, you made a mistake here!” even if my mouth doesn’t say it.

Meredith, your 4th point is a good one (They’re all good!)…we should just remember the origin of our blessings!

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”

By: Roberta

Roberta — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:00:58 +0000

This is a hard thing to face and admit, that you are in a slump and you’d rather not be ‘here’ but you are and so life goes. The question, are you going with or are you going to make a difference?

I know I’ve been struggling with this attitude monster. Namely our house purchase, although the right thing to do is financially tight!

I find myself faced with the knowledge that I must turn to the supplies bought previously must now be used for daily living and not the way planned.

Tonight I am in the process of sewing pants for my daughter’s winter wardrobe. The simple fact is that using my sewing supplies, all bought and paid for, is even more thrifty than going to the thrift store.

And yet, it is hard knowing that some of the fabrics I am using to make her winter wardrobe were bought for other more ‘fun’ projects. I know God provided for us in advance. I know that these fabrics are simply loved by my daughter and she is thrilled they are now for her…

and yet the attitude isn’t the greatest tonight!

By: Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:57:58 +0000

Spending time with a frugal and/or creative friend really helps me. I admit to using your blog and now this one for inspiration. Today a good friend who just bought a house and is trying to scale back her spending packed a great picnic lunch and brought it over (with a newborn, it’s easier for her to get out). Our kids hada ball and we had a great time catching up with each other. I came in refreshed and ready to start on some projects after talking them over with her.

By: Janel

Janel — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:38:40 +0000

I think it’s encouraging to know that other happily frugal people get weary of being frugal too.

For me to renew, it’s a long, hot bath and baking (and eating) something gooey so I can slow down and recongnize my blessings and accomplishments. If I’m burned out with anything it’s because I’ve been too busy.

By: stephanie

stephanie — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:08:39 +0000

I don’t know that I have any tips, but I needed this encouragement today to stay true to the course and not spend the day fussing and grumbling. Thanks, Meredith.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:10:40 +0000

I read a study the other day which was about dieting & spending. It found that people have a finite amount of self control, and if they are controlling themselves in one area they go nuts in the other. For instance, if you are sticking well to your diet, you are more likely to splurge on purchases.

Maybe your self-control with your schedule is keeping you too busy to stick to your budget. My budget has been out the window lately. I over spent by $4000 (!!) last month…thankfully did not go into debt to do it, and everything I bought was something we “needed” and planned to buy eventually. I attribute it to my recent pregnancy loss and I can see that in a weird way, it was good for me. I really don’t think a person can be completely disciplined in every area and this month I needed some serious retail therapy. Maybe I’m rationalizing…

But I need to do better because I can’t live in the red like that every month or we will completely tank. Obviously.

By: green3

green3 — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:14:33 +0000

I find that when I get busy, I “forget” about the budget and being frugal. It’s usually on weekends, so Monday mornings I have to give myself a wakeup call and get myself (and the rest of the family) re-energized! Just a few days of not paying attention can totally get us off track.