Today I wrote a letter to the editor of the Globe in Mail in response to this article. If my letter gets published I will let you know! The growing interest in frugality and “cutting back” is reaching the mainstream news media. However, judging by what has been written, there seems to be a misunderstanding about what frugal living really means. People tend to assume it means being deprived. But from what I gather from our diverse blogging community, those of us who value frugality are still leading fulfilling, meaningful and fun lives. Everyone has different personal and financial goals that guide their spending habits; some are based on deeply held religious commitments, other people are struggling to get out of debt and discover a life of financial freedom. Others have little choice but to live frugally or go hungry. Whatever the reason, living frugally does not mean that you have to give up on life’s simple pleasures.
The author of the article said:
[Some people] swear their daily latte is just the little $5 luxury they need to feel good about life. We all have expenses others would sniff at as luxuries, but that we deem vital to our emotional or physical well-being.
I feel sorry for anyone who thinks that Starbucks is vital to their emotional well-being.
Personally, I love living simply. I am happy with what I have. I am content with what I own. I don’t feel like I’m missing out, don’t wish I had more shoes or clothes or electronics. I love valuing and enjoying and treasuring everything I own. I have a very kind, funny, loving partner and the cutest kitten in the world. And together the three of us make a wonderful home for ourselves, pursuing our dreams and honouring who we truly are. We aim to live authentically, in a way that honestly represents our own values.
What do we really want out of life? That’s the question everyone should think about. What will my next purchase bring to my life, what will it add? Will I consume it in 15 minutes and forget about it? Wear it and shove it to the back of my closet? Will this purchase cause me stress along with interest on the credit card bill?
There is great satisfaction in being content with what we have. The authors of “Your Money or your LIfe” call this “enoughness” – all your basic needs accounted for, a few indulgences, but not too much “extra” to weigh you down. Just “enough.”
It gets the point across. In simplicity, lies abundance.
