It’s a funny thing about life. Sometimes when you get the things you wanted – the sporty car, the big house, the bling – it turns out they interfere with the life that you wanted to live.
Friends of mine, a couple, were all excited about moving to a new city. Their work was now all remote, so making a living wasn’t a problem, and the new city promised to be less expensive, yay! Their kids were grown, so schools weren’t an issue, freedom! Or so they thought. They bought a bigger house than they were accustomed to – more room to spread out. Bought the sporty car, and indulged in some expensive bling. Not a lot, but something they couldn’t afford previously.
The couple assumed that the move would give them more free time, and more disposable income with which to enjoy it. In a word, more freedom.
Right. The house, being bigger, required more cleaning. More upkeep. The sporty car was cute and fun, but challenging to get in and out of unless they were wearing sweats. And the insurance on it was more than anticipated given its “sportiness.” They were hesitant about wearing the expensive bling for fear of someone stealing it, or figuring they were rich (which they weren’t), and following them home to rob them.
Not exactly their definition of freedom.
Does this mean you shouldn’t indulge in that “thing” you want? Of course not! What it does mean, is to do your research. Think ahead to the consequences and get ready for those so that you can enjoy the life you want to live, with these new “things” you want to own.
So, get the sporty car, but be ready to Uber if you or your partner want to go to an event in something other than “get out of the car easily” clothes. Factor in additional insurance. Make peace with it before you buy the car. Will the bigger house work with your desired life? Or might a trendy condo suit you better? Think ahead. Sure, get the bling, but maybe consider insuring it, or not flashing it all over the place.
Life is supposed to be fun. Just make sure it’s fun for you tomorrow, as well as today.
Noelle C. Nelson, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, consultant, popular speaker and author of over a dozen best-selling books. Dr. Nelson focuses on how we can all enjoy happy, fulfilling lives while accomplishing great things in love, at home and at work, as we appreciate ourselves, our world and others. She is the author of "Phoenix Rising: Surviving Catastrophic Loss: Fires, Floods, Hurricanes and Tornadoes" and “The Longevity Secret, How to Live Happy, Healthy & Vibrant Into Your 70s, 80s, 90s and Beyond” (Amazon Kindle) . Visit www.noellenelson.com, https://www.facebook.com/MeetTheAmazings, and listen to her podcast Up! Uplifting, Inspiring, Practical on Spotify, Google Podcasts and on YouTube.