Along with the rest of the world, I've been rethinking how I spend money. At first it rankled, having to cut back and cut down. But in combination with the lessons I've learned (and continue to learn) about privilege, the "reducing, reusing, and recycling" is now something I'm proud of.
I'm refinancing the house and shopping insurance coverage. Gary does the grocery shopping more often because when he goes, nothing comes home that isn't on the list (this is an excellent use of his single-minded focus). Rather than making me feel put out, I now like leftovers because I used all the vegetables before they went bad AND I don't have to cook again. Rather than spending $50 on new plastic organizers, I found a perfectly serviceable wood alternative at the thrift store for $3. I think long and hard about buying anything if it's something I like to make myself and can do in a reasonable amount of time.
This is a sea change for Gary and me. We were conspicuous consumers (and still are relative to most of the world's population). I hope these lessons stick when things look up financially. But I feel it in my heart as well as think it, so I'm pretty sure they will.
2 comments:
I've found great value in cutting back, too, but I'm afraid I'm going to become overly frugal (yes, I know the elastic has completely blown out in that pair of underwear, but I still think I can get ten more wearings out it). I hope you'll forgive me during those times when it really shows (my frugality, that is. Though I hope you'll forgive the blown out elastic as well).
Sis, you're an inspiration to me. Your ability to step back and see the ramifications of over-consumption has pushed me to think about my own lifestyle. Maybe it isn't so bad to eat at home...
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