We begin the month by getting the calendar ready with the month’s worth of activities. Normally, the calendar is overflowing with commitments and fun things to do with the kids. As I jot down the activities, I begin to see the many things that we won’t be able to do. No playdates that cost money (meeting up at fast food restaurants, the mall, the bouncy house) and many solo activities that I would have loved to have been a part of (a mom’s night out dinner & fundraising night at a local restaurant). I suddenly feel a little wave of melancholy and then a tad bit of guilt. I wanted to do this, it was my “grand idea” as my husband refers to this challenge, and day one has already greeted me with a little disappointment.
I think it will be time to get creative with my friends. Impromptu playdates at my house instead and coffee get togethers with my favorite friends at my house. I will have to embrace my New Year’s Resolution this month for simplicty and maybe just enjoy some blank spots in those days instead.
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I have a quote hanging on my computer screen edge:
“Half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up to get it.”
Nothing comes without a trade-off. If I marry THIS man, I cannot marry any other; if I take THIS job, I cannot take any other.
If I choose simplicity, I cannot have all the gadgets and experiences I might have had –BUT I WILL HAVE THE JOYS OF THIS CHOICE.
Keep your eyes on the prize!
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Amy, this post really resonates with me. For us, we decided this year to really try to simplify and focus on our family more. And along with that to try to save money.
I am enjoying the effect of these decisions within our family, but I have been struggling with feelings of being “left out”.
I agree that perhaps getting more creative is the solution.
Thanks!
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Christi- You hit the nail on the head, I really hate to feel left out of things. It is hard to feel not included so I am going to do my best to entertain more to bridge the gap. I also will plan up some playdates with my sister and spend some time with the people who love me most- my family
Judith- That is an excellent quote and so needed today! Thank you for that!
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I’m feeling the same. But, I got my family on board with us, and we can come up with some different things to do.
Hang in there
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Good luck. Hopefully the weather will work for you & you can get outside for free. Remeber the library always costs nothing. Ours has a play area too for the kids (puppets, toys). Find nature centers near your house to meet friends at too. A lot of ours are connected to schools. Just a half an hour hike is fun & cheap. Plus we love to do the bag of toy exchange. Your child puts 3-4 toys that they do not use anymore & exchanges them with a friend. Good luck.
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I’m travelling twice this month! It will be a REAL challenge to not spend, but with a little planning, I’m hoping to avoid the need to spend anything
Thanks for the encouragement and accountability
Erin
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I really admire you for sticking with this challenge. Even though I consider myself the “cheapskate,” I just can’t bring myself to make the sacrifices for this challenge. I’ll be following along with great interest as I’m sure you’ll have some great insights and ideas.
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Where is the bounce house in South Bend?
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