Yesterday, my sister and I went to the outlet mall on the Indian Reservation and I found sooooo many things I wanted. I did not, however, buy a single thing. I did store these wants in my head for future reference, but right now, I only need to spend money on things I NEED vs WANT.
I have never been a name brand fanatic, always happy to buy an item based on it's quality and how much I liked it, over who it was made by. I do pick up a lot of name brands in thrift shops, but most the time I am unaware it was a name brand item until I arrived home with it. You see, I simply buy what I like. It's always worked for me. Now, with the close proximity of the outlet and the cheap prices, oh it is really hard to restrain myself. I will admit to getting withdrawals the moment I left the Converse shop. All I could think about is "I could buy a pair EVERY month and it wouldn't even put a dent in my savings." Luckily, I possess the will power to resist.
Why not give into this impulse and treat myself, you ask? The answer is simple. For every dime I spend on something, just because it's a WANT, I take it out of my savings for travel. I have wanted to travel all my life. I've traveled some, but not to the extent I have dreamed about it. This next year, I have three trips scheduled. Now granted, one is to visit family and friends back home, but the other two are true travel adventures. Also, I am hopeful that in the next two years, that my trip to India/Japan/South Korea/Indonesia will transpire. There is also an Alaskan cruise on the horizon, as well as a European trip and a quick trip to the Caribbean being discussed, so as you can see, I will need to have a very padded savings account in order to experience these trips.
I have learned how to travel inexpensively and yet still maximize my experience. Nevertheless, it takes money. The excitement of exploring foreign lands and meeting new friends around the world is like a drug to me. This makes putting down that Coach purse, that pair of True Religion jeans, or that gorgeous dress from BCBG Max Azria, so much easier. Now don't get me wrong, the next time I need a pair of jeans, I'm beating a path to True Religion and getting that pair. At that time it becomes a NEED and I can justify it. I guess at this point in my life, I will have to be satisfied with one black purse, instead of three in different styles and sizes. I will enjoy my TWO pair of converse, instead of rocking a new color every day. Don't get me wrong, occasionally I will splurge, because I'm going to need fantastic clothes on my trips, but I will keep my WANTS in check so that I get to enjoy the fantastic trips I have ahead of me. It's all in examining what is important in your life and working toward it. Life can be good, if you desire it to be. It's all in your dedication and determination. Namaste.
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