I am counting my blessings as I sit in my warm and comfortable home, looking out the window at my lovely and productive gardens and feeling strong and healthy. And I am feeling good that the choices I have made in my life have led me to this moment. I’m not getting on my high horse here. I know many people have things that happen to them that are totally beyond their control. None of us totally controls everything that happens in our lives. We are all creatures of destiny and fate to a certain extent. But what I am saying is that I feel a certain satisfaction that making the right choices in my life (and a bit of luck) have brought me to this place of contentment that I enjoy today. And (you knew this was coming, right?) frugality played a large part in where I sit today. Leading a life of simplicity and thriftiness and saving my money throughout my entire life has brought me to a place of security and comfort. Not only do I have a nice nest egg to see me through the rest of my life, but I know how to appreciate all the little pleasures that life has to offer. I have never felt that I needed to spend money to enjoy life. Shiny new, bigger and better possessions never appealed to me. I never felt the urge to keep up with the latest technology. I never felt that I had to “keep up with the Jones’s” or the dreaded FOMO. I did not lead the life of a miser, counting my money alone in the attic. I did travel, I do have a lovely furnished and decorated home. I do like to wear nice looking outfits. But I was always very careful and deliberate on where and how I spent my money. I bought clothes at thrift shops at a fraction of the price. The same with home décor. I traveled on a budget, seeing the sights but not needing extravagantly lavish accommodations. )I kept myself healthy by eating good whole foods. I cooked for my family and stayed away from unhealthy and expensive ready-made and foods. I did not feel the need to go out for high priced restaurant meals on a regular basis. I grew as much of my own food as I could. I did not overeat (saving money on excess food and keeping myself slim at the same time). I never wasted food. Waste not, want not, right? I also kept healthy and fit by walking, hiking, working out at home and gardening. No costly gym memberships needed. I saved money every step of the way. By not spending it, of course, but also by quite literally saving it (putting in away and investing it) no matter what our financial situation was at the time. I did not wait until the “time was right”. At least something was always skimmed right off the top for savings before spending money on living expenses. We lived below our means whatever they were at the time (and believe me, they were never very much). So yes, there is such a thing as good fortune and luck, but I do feel that some “luck” is self-made. And I do think there are consequences, both good and bad for the lifestyle you choose to live. And I live in continuous appreciation and contentment for this frugal lifestyle that I have chosen. And that is why I continue to try to spread the word and the joy of it. Hoping you too have many blessings to count this holiday season and always Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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