@ Lori – Agreed on all that. I guess living in a room that small you’d need to be good at Yoga just to turn round ;-)

That’s where I was at 2 months ago–and in truth kind of still am at. That being said, I live simply and don’t need (on average) as much as other people to consider myself “well off”.

I’ve cut down my clients and my work to make time for other things I enjoy, like writing, doing art, playing video games and spending time with my partner–things sacrificed in order to make more money which I was taught and led to believe brought about greater happiness by my father.

I think you touch on a way to look at all of it that puts words behind why I can make it work in a way that makes me happy with the place in my current lifestyle. It comes down to having the confidence to KNOW that I CAN have the ability to control that aspect of my life in the way that makes me happy so that it in turn empowers other areas of my life.

I think it’s interesting how people (myself included) have a knee jerk reaction about money. I’ve always known happiness cannot come from earning, getting, having, or appearing successful. I wanted those things, but I knew myself well enough to know they wouldn’t fulfill my deep need for purpose.

Still, I have to say the single most important development in my life this past year has been getting a job that pays more than I’ve made before. In the past I cycled through an array of low-paying jobs which made me feel unstable. It was hard to respect myself when I couldn’t provide for all my basic needs. I remember living in 7′x7′ dorm-style room in NYC, surrounded by cockroaches and mice. I did a lot of yoga, which saved me, but I felt disappointed in my inability to fully take care of myself.

I guess for me it isn’t the money that makes me happy. It’s knowing I have the strength, talent, and perseverance to earn it. The ultimate goal is making enough doing something I love. Just enough. Enough for necessities, a little adventure, and a lot of experiences with people I love.

Lori

Loris last blog post..10 Ideas to Save Money on Everything

I would love to do something that truly makes a difference. Something big that will be remembered. I have no idea what that would be though. For now I am trying to be satisfied with my daughter being happy, healthy and mostly well-adjusted.

I don’t know why dust sticks to the fan blades but it keeps it from going into the motor, which, in my experience, can kill a fan.

Kim Woodbridges last blog post..Share Your Blogging Workspace

@ Doc Nicole – Thanks a lot for that!

@ nudgeme – I miss a good curry and maybe fish and chips from time to time, but other than family and friends that’s about it I’m afraid!

@ Tom – A-ha, but the fan in our bedroom runs at LEAST 12hours a day EVERY day! Sometimes all day. And why doesn’t the dust fly off? I hardly touch it with a duster and the stuff is everywhere. This ranks up there with the meaning of life if you ask me.

I know being humorous is a big deal for you but you don’t allow it to get in the way of deeper veins. I appreciate that.

Dust collects on fan blades because they are more at rest than in movement.

Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..Clarity Empowers Progress