A Birthday Reflection: Wealth beyond $
On Friday, 02/21, I celebrated my 35th birthday. It also marked 42 days into my “spend less” challenge.
When my husband asked what I wanted for my birthday, I told him I didn’t want any physical gifts. Historically, we don’t get into gifts much— that way, if we want to get something for ourselves, we do so with minimal guilt. For this birthday, I opted for a massage at Communitea Wellness with Libby, as well as a hair appointment with Elena at Cheeky Strut in Grand Rapids, MI. Both appointments were wonderful, and I highly recommend experience-based gifts and self-care.
Overall, my challenge has been going pretty well. I’ve enjoyed settling into routines and getting accustomed to my spending being limited to bills, gas, and groceries. However, if I’m being completely honest, my latest challenge has been resisting the urge to buy large items like a corded stick vacuum, a new hairdryer, and a red light therapy mask. Reflecting on these wants, I realized how much marketing and peer influence impact my decisions. For example, the vacuum I’d like to purchase is one a friend has. The hairdryer I’m thinking about is one my hairdresser used during my appointment. And yes, the red light therapy mask—another friend has that too.
I’m still trying to navigate is the time I’m saving by not shopping. That’s been an adjustment because I’m historically a busybody who struggles to do “nothing.” Over the past month, I’ve found that cleaning our apartment has almost turned into a hobby. In a recent conversation with my partner, I realized that my tendency to not want to sit at home might have stemmed from my college years and beyond. I might dive deeper into that another time.
Reflecting on growing older, I’ve found myself thinking about a moment I shared with my Aunt/Godmother before she passed away from cancer. The last time I saw her, she hugged me, took me by the hands, and told me to go live a fulfilling life. To know her and that advice was such a gift.
What does this have to do with intentional spending? Because there are many ways to have a “rich life”: freedom, flexibility, good company, activities, and things you enjoy. It’s about letting go of expectations that aren’t yours, living a life filled with purpose and enjoyment, and choosing where to invest your energy. Wealth is more than just money. Time is money. So, spend both your dollars and time wisely on what truly matters to you, to create the life you want.
What’s some advice you’ve received in life that you’ve carried with you? How do you consider yourself “rich,” or how would you like to be “rich” in life?
