Your best efforts to cheerfully live on less can be quickly derailed if you think about what you can’t do on your current budget.
I can’t send my kids to that camp.
I can’t go on a tropical vacation.
I can’t get takeout.
I can’t remodel my bathroom.
I can’t get a gym membership.
I can’t buy new clothes.
I can’t get a new car.
Those things may all be true, but that’s not a very productive train of thought.
Just because something is true, you are not obligated to dwell on it.
And dwelling on that kind of thing most definitely doesn’t change anything!
(except for possibly changing your misery level from bad to terrible.)
So, try replacing, “I can’t” thoughts with “I can” thoughts.
I can get out of debt/stay out of debt.
I can be free from the fear of looming bills.
I can repaint my bathroom without remodeling it.
I can feed myself well by making healthy meals at home.
I can set aside a little money each month for a future vacation.
I can work out at home.
I can shop ThredUp, thrift stores or clearance racks.
Not only do “I can” thoughts help you feel more cheerful, they have the ability to actually help you change something.
Which makes them the exact opposite of “I can’t” statements, both in their wording and in their effect.
So. Swap ’em out, friends!
Tami
Friday 28th of September 2018
I love this post! .....Late to comment as we have been out camping but this thinking has helped me to lose the weight I gained. I have changed my mindset and no longer thinking of what I can’t have........I think of all the wonderful things I can have and fit the less than healthy stuff in in moderation........game changer for me!
Jennifer
Wednesday 26th of September 2018
My dh had a stroke a little over a year ago. For the longest, he would focus on what he could do before the stroke. Now, he is focusing on what he can do SINCE the stroke happened. In the hospital, he couldn't talk clearly, couldn't walk without the maximum help, couldn't go up/down a stair, couldn't manage the bathroom/shower, etc...
Now, he can walk with a limp, but long distances and strongly. Speech is back to normal. Right arm still doesn't work, but God Bless, he is left handed. Gratitude is a big part of things, whether you have had a medical issue, a financial issue or emotional one. You have to be grateful for what you have or can do.
Suzan
Wednesday 26th of September 2018
Thank you for the timely reminder. It is important to concentrate on the positive.
Medical bills are killers. I am currently trying to save enough to Mae a co-payment for much needed surgery.
Kristyna
Wednesday 26th of September 2018
I can shop thrift stores! I like that one. ;-)
Another thing is sometimes we say "I can't", but we really mean "I'm not willing to sacrifice in order to..." or "I might have to wait untill...".
I also try saying things like "I am choosing to spend my money on getting out of debt instead of going to the gym." OR "I will be able to go out to eat when I sell some of these extra clothes I have."
Kristen
Wednesday 26th of September 2018
Yep, exactly. Reframing is so helpful!
Madeline
Tuesday 25th of September 2018
In the years our son was little and I was a SAHM by choice, we “had” so little..I mean in terms of money and stuff..you know, the “things” that don’t count much! We shared one car. Ate a lot of beans and hamburger. I had TONS OF TIME to DO WHAT I LOVED: Hang out with my little kiddo, walk to the library, fish in the local lake together, the beach was 45 minutes away and on the days I had the car we’d throw peanut butter sandwiches together nad spend the day seaside,swimming, playing, I had time to prepare frugal meals (I love to cook!).. and I did not feel I was missing a thing.Later on in life I went to school and became a nurse. Got more “stuff” and that second car. Still,those early days are precious happy memories.I never felt deprived.I did not compare myself or my life to anyone else.And I hung out with other folks who shared my way of life..we were happy.. find your tribe. Figure out what is important to YOU and YOUR family. P.S. The kiddo says he had a great childhood.. our family is close..I feel we gave him the right values.. choose your own lifestyle,don’t let a crazy consumerism culture make choices for you!! And find a supportive tribe!