So I had a post written that was supposed to appear today. I was having sort of a crummy day when I wrote it and it had that tone to it. Ya know – a sort of negative tone. I sat down to make some final edits to it and decided – I don’t want to be that person. The first post was titled “Perfectly Frugal.” It was about the unrealistic expectations I place on myself to be perfect and how it leaves me stressed. It was true. That’s not all that’s true though …
I’ve been thinking lately about my thinking. In Proverbs in the Bible it says, “as a man thinks, so is he.” With that in mind, I’ve been making an effort to refocus some of my thought patterns. What do my thoughts do on their own? Obsess over things that aren’t important. I get worried I’m not doing enough. I get frustrated when I don’t get things right or they don’t turn out the way I’d planned. If those are my thoughts, then what does that make me? What I want to be is an encouragement to people, not a downer. I want my life to reflect the gratitude in my heart and the fulfillment that comes from people and life and God.
What if, instead of agonizing over what I’ve yet to accomplish, I stop and soak in all I’ve done. I would feel encouraged, uplifted and spurred on. I wouldn’t feel that I’ve failed but rather that I’ve grown – and I have. When I set my mind on the goodness, the accomplishments and the gushing blessings in my life it makes me want to collapse with gratitude and kick myself right in the nose for stressing over sandwich bags. Silly girl – the reason I’m using fewer sandwich bags is for my family – NOT FOR THE BAGS! <– sorry, I know I don’t shout very often, you’ll forgive me right?
I’ve been on this frugal journey for a few years now and blogging about it for over a year. I’ve tried things and loved them; things like making bread, homemade laundry soap, cloth napkins, line drying clothes, sewing, and cooking lots and lots from scratch. Other things have just not stuck – I’m really working on the knitting but I am getting it SLOWLY. Still trying to cook more with beans – I just don’t love them – please don’t hate me. The point here is that I’m choosing to let it go. Some things are for me and some things aren’t. Some things are for you and some aren’t (here’s a shout out to all my non-sewing readers!).
I will always do my best to be honest and give you a truthful glimpse into my life. I don’t fake anything you read here and it’s all from my own trial and error (which I’m pretty sure is obvious). Some things stick, some don’t. I’d love to share one more thing that has stuck – blogging about it. I really, really love blogging about all this stuff. I’m excited to see where we’ll go this year. And while I won’t be perfectly frugal, I will do my best to be perfectly me. Thanks for reading!
Why I do what I do ~ During bath time last night Chloe said, “Mama, I’m going to tell you a story. Once upon a time someone got water in their little girl’s face, and it was you Mom.” As I stifled erupting laughter, I told her I’d be a little more careful rinsing the shampoo out of her hair.
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Doing frugal is a process and sometimes I feel like a frugal fraud.. like when I forget the leftovers in the fridge, but I just pick myself up and try to do better. We are being good stewards for what the Lord has entrusted to us. I am proud of you and keep up the great work. Your frugal friend!
Candy´s last blog ..Wear it out! Series part 2
Hi! I found you from a “Frugal” Google Alert and I love your blog! I’m trying to follow you on Twitter but Twitter is being difficult for me right now.
If you wouldn’t mind following me, I’d be delighted: @pricousins
Your daughter’s funny – my daughter says stuff like that to me too.
Have a great day!
Angie´s last blog ..Click
So funny. My four year old could definitely come up with a story like that
And thanks for the reminder too, that I’m not the only one learning and growing but not perfect yet!!! I am sooooo hard on myself and end up so unhappy because despite my best, I am never able to reach my own standards. Need to calm down.
Can anyone be perfectly frugal? Can anyone be perfectly anything?
We think you’re great; you have great ideas and you try things out that we either don’t think of or don’t think we have time to try. I love your trial and error approach which gives me ideas – some of which work for me and some don’t. Since you’re real, you can really help us. If it’s all fake and glossy it won’t have lasting value.
We’re all just doing the best we can with what we have and who we are. That’s all we’re asked to do. It’s what you’re doing and you’re doing great!
I recently read a post where the blogger asked people older than 33 what advice they would give their 33-year-old self. Most of them said, ‘don’t worry as much!’ I need to listen to that as well.
Elisa | blissfulE´s last blog ..homemade bleach wipes
I don’t like beans either…. you might like to try ‘Texas caviar” which uses black eyed peas or black beans, cilantro, onions and tomatoes to make a lovely salsa. There are lots of recipes on the internet. I also make enchiladas with chicken or beef and supplement with beans – something about baking them with cheese and lovely spices make them go down easier. Right now I’m roasting chickpeas. One can of chickpeas, rinsed and dried very very very well (don’t neglect this), drizzle olive oil to coat and put in a greased jelly roll pan. sprinkle with garlic salt, paprika, cumin, red pepper, salt to your taste. Bake 30 minutes or so at 450 until brown and crunchy. Careful taking them out of the oven as they will pop like popcorn sometimes. These are addictive and healthy. If you cook your chickpeas from scratch, this is even a cheaper snack.