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How to be Frugal and Happy
By Nikki Willhite
It is just as easy to be happy when you are frugal, or
struggling with money, than if you have lots of money. You cannot buy
happiness with money. You may be more comfortable with your physical
surroundings, but happiness comes from within.
Happiness is peace of mind. It is being content with your life. It
is not looking back, and agonizing over mistakes in the past.
It is accepting yourself – both the good and the bad. There are no
whirlwinds spinning around in your mind. You feel at peace.
You become happier when you stop thinking about the past, people and things that
have hurt you, and just become grateful for that which you have and the people
in your life.
Happiness is accepting small acts of kindness, and being grateful for every
blessing in your life.
Happiness is not wanting that which you do not have, and accepting that which
you do have. No matter how much money you have, you can always want more
in life. Rich people can spend their time thinking about how they wish
they were more attractive, were raised in a more loving and nurturing home, had
more friends, more talents, were smarter, and so on.
Here is a mental exercise that should convince you of just how many blessings
you have. Sit in a quiet place, and start thinking of all the things
around you. Then picture them, one by one, taken from you. I’m not
talking about just the big things. Think about life without the pillow you
rest your head on at night. Think what it would be like to lay down to
sleep without a blanket to put over you. Move to the kitchen and imagine
your cups and plates gone, and trying to eat your food.
These are the small things of life everyone takes for granted. You could
think all day, and you couldn’t get through every possession in your home.
Then there are the things that are most important- family and friends.
What would your life be like without them?
Finally, what about the very air that you breathe? What if it were no
longer available to you? Do you appreciate the beauty of the earth?
No, happiness has nothing to do with money. If you are frugal, it is either
because you need to be frugal because of the money available to you or you want
to be frugal so that you can be financially secure or have the funds to do the
things or have the things that are most important to you.
Just remember, the sun shines on the rich and the poor. Whether you choose
to appreciate it is up to you.
About the Author: Nikki Willhite,
mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing
articles on the topic of
frugal living for over a
decade. Visit her at
www.frugalhappyfamilies.com
- where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal
Happy Families- more than just money!
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