Yesterday I stopped in Buffalo Bobs to look for some potential good deals on "winter wear" before the big move. I did not find the sweaters I had in mind but I did find snow boots that were originally $230 for $39.00!! (OH, and they were just my size!) They also had another pair, not quite so bulky in my size for $29.00. My lucky day or what. Ha. The purchase of the boots got me all side tracked from returning to work after lunch and I ended up spending the next couple hours on a mission for sweaters (at a steal of a deal price as well) and/or other Colorado-living type clothes.
Anyway, I realized when I finally got home, with a little help from my Grandma, that I did not NEED any of my purchases (well, the boots really are necessary as I do not have shoes that would keep my feel warm in the snow...besided the point though). My dear Grandma had written me the sweetest note, that appeared to span over the course of a few days as there were dated segments within the letter. I must say that I have not received a letter in years, other than the typical non-personal Christmas cards and b'day cards. Uncle H. used to include short notes in his cards and such but it has become more difficult for him the last couple years, at 98 years young. Grandma R's note also included a few clippings, one of a wedding announcement from the local paper that she felt would be of interests to me and another of a passage regardings appreaciating what we have and gratitude for the things we have versus always wanting more... which brings me to my point today. How fitting that I receive this letter from my Grandma on the very day when I had essentially gone on this manic shopping spree brought on by my desire to have more. The reality is I have plenty of sufficient clothing and scarfs and hats and such to survive the winter in Denver. Though the boots were a necessity and a GREAT find, the rest of my purchases were extravagent and only served as an outlet for my ever growing emotional confusion for the upcoming weeks, months ...
Take aways from my expensive, wasted day:
- Be greatful for the things you have.
- Express your appreciation and greatfulness, it will help to deter the feelings of wanting more.
- Spending money may seem theraputic but IT IS NOT!!
- IF the need to spend money is theraputic, be conscious of the needs versus the wants and best to just buy for others, this will make you (and someone else feel better) and you're less likely to spend as much on others.
Needless to say, after reading the clipping I gathered the things I had purchased and am returning a large portion of my purchases! Thank you, Grandma R. (Also, I hope I get more letters from friends and family! I am one of those of always enjoys writing a letter and feels that is one of the most personal and intiment ways to communicate through distance, be that physical or emotional.)
Lastly, and off topic, I unexpectedly said something pretty profound to a friend today over lunch regarding a very big life-changing decision he is wrestling with and will try to recap it here:
Just recognize when you are the only one getting in your own way (of acting/doing/deciding) and when you do that, Stop! and make yourself move forward with the decision.
Of course I don't remember it quite as eloquently as I had at the time.
