Small Comforts: Luxury in Hard Times
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that times are tough right now. Makes thinking rich a lot harder to do, doesn’t it?
It also makes it hard to think about luxury, when so many people are just hoping they can ride out this year with their jobs and homes intact. It may be difficult for them to see past the current crisis.
I’ve never been one to believe that being rich means having a huge disposable income. To me, wealth is more of a state of mind. That’s why I’ve never advocated scrimping in good times or bad. Saving is good thing to do, because it suggests plenty. It leaves you with a feeling of abundance, whereas scrimping seems cold and nasty, like pinching out the wick of a candle that could have given you warmth and comfort just to save the wax.
The thing with the American economy is, it’s always been brought back to strength by the actions of the American people. It’s the consumers who hold up the heavy weight of the economy and it’s small businesses and entrepreneurs with their original thoughts and streamlined plans of action that make America what it is.
So how do we continue to surround ourselves with the feeling of luxury without putting ourselves in even more financial jeopardy? It’s really not that hard, if we can modify the things that bring us comfort and the feeling of abundance, and yes, even luxury.
Simply put, bad economic times are no reason to stop thinking rich.
Whatever you do, whether you’re at top of the ladder of success or closer to the bottom rungs, you must not give up on your dreams of wealth and your habits of recognizing abundance, welcoming opportunities, thinking positive thoughts about money, and expressing your gratitude every chance you get. Your finances might not the best at this time, but if you can hold onto your millionaire mindset you can hit the ground running when this crisis breaks.
And it will break. Hold onto that truth.
While some of us might have to watch our money a little more closely, this is not a time to give up on the abundance that is around all of us and belongs to all of us.
Money will continue to flow back and forth, into and out of our lives and back into them again. This is the nature of money. Money has no value until we trade it for what we need.
Being truly rich is surrounding yourself with the beautiful things in life - the things that make you feel wealthy even if you’re not rich in the common sense of the word. This luxury that we’ve allowed ourselves in the good times doesn’t have to disappear completely in the bad. We only have to make a few adjustments.
For instance, if you’re a Starbucks or Seattle’s Best junkie, consider hooking up with a French Press and Gevalia coffee - less than a week of Corporate Coffee money can get you a month or more of some exciting blends you may find you like even better.
Don’t want to give up on having dinner out at least once a week? Look for coupons for popular restaurants that cut the bill in half or more.
There are many things you can do to keep the luxury in your life without compounding any financial jitters you may be facing. Whatever you do, don’t make money feel like a stranger in your house. Don’t close the door on abundance. Don’t give in to a scarcity mindset.
And don’t forget that some of the most comforting things in life are also free.
Never give into fear. Find luxury in your life, within your means. And keep thinking rich.
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