There are two basic schools of philosophy out there. One is to delay gratification and save for future abundance. The second is to enjoy life now while you can. Which do you subscribe to? Which do you pursue? I have always tried to find a balance between the two because I firmly believe that it is possible to live frugally and simply AND enjoy it by living your life to the fullest.

Here’s how:

1. Learn to be creative. Find ways to have fun that don’t cost a lot of money. Have a picnic, go to the beach, learn an inexpensive craft, play board games, bake cookies. Make a list of simple activities and enjoy them often!
2. Simplify and make it a goal to create a simple lifestyle and have fun doing it!
3. Step back and consider what is important to you. Get rid of the extra stuff (that is typically the expensive stuff) and focus on what is really important. Family, friends, exercising, volunteering, quiet time. These things are important yet cost nothing. Items like gadgets, nice furniture, nice clothes, jewelry…when you pursue these things you will need to focus a great deal of time and money doing so. Making people a priority will pay YOU back in dividends that are priceless.
4. Make time every day to spend time alone. This practice is instrumental in enhancing meaning and enjoyment in everyday life. Instead of rushing through life with no time to think, spend time in solitude.
5. Buy yourself something special from time to time to prevent feelings of deprivation. These things don’t have be extraordinarily expensive in order to be a treat. It won’t always be something like a San Diego California hotel, but whatever you decide to splurge on, make sure you enjoy it to the fullest. Take the time to enjoy it and appreciate it.
6. Track your everyday successes and celebrate them.
7. Volunteer…and get your entire family involved as well. Volunteering doesn’t cost you anything and you will find it extremely rewarding. It’s good for the whole family!
8. Learn to think about the present. This is a key to enjoying life. For example, instead of eating out at an expensive restaurant and perhaps not even being able to enjoy the entire experience, make a delicious meal at home and make an effort to make it special in ways that cannot be done at a restaurant.
9. Try slowing down the pace of your everyday life to make your life more enjoyable and less stressful.
10. Find the joy of shopping at thrift stores. There are unbelievably cool things there and the deals are amazing. Rummage sales are just as good.

Technorati Tags: delay gratification, future abundance, simple lifestyle, solitude, Volunteer

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