07/19/2023
Hey there, friends! Today, I want to ask you a thought-provoking question. It’s one I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. (50-year old life change brain, maybe?)
My question: What’s “worth it” to you? Worth the time, worth the expense, worth the work?
In a world filled with countless choices and tempting options, it's essential to take a step back and reflect on where we invest our hard-earned money. Often, we find ourselves caught up in a consumer-driven culture, where we mindlessly spend on things that might not truly bring us long-term satisfaction or happiness.
As I’ve gotten older, those priorities have changed quite a bit. These days I find myself willing to invest more in things that will bring me joy and leave me and my loved ones with wonderful memories. Things like a pool membership to spend lazy summer evenings playing and enjoying each other’s company. Zoo memberships for regular day trips and outings. Traveling – whether domestic or internationally. (We recently took the whole crew to Sweden – NINE of us. See that photo above! More on that later!)
And for me – photography is also a priority. We didn’t do family photos for a long time (due to expense, as well as the frustration factor). The saying “the cobbler’s children have no shoes” is very true! But we had them done recently, and I realized how important it is to our family. It is kind of magic how those family photos reflected and restored our family’s connection!
What sorts of things do you value enough to spend a bit more on?
Some ideas to get you started:
1️⃣ Experiences Over Possessions: Studies consistently show that experiences bring us more joy and lasting memories than material possessions.
2️⃣ Quality and Longevity: Maybe you’ve found it's worth spending a little more on items that are built to last.
3️⃣ Health and Well-being: Our well-being is priceless. Do you value investing in activities or products that contribute to your physical and mental health?
4️⃣ Lifelong Learning: Have you discovered that investing in knowledge and personal growth has expanded your horizons, enhanced your skills, or opened up new opportunities?
5️⃣ Meaningful Connections: Have you found allocating resources towards spending quality time with family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime to be something that you value?
Ultimately, the things that are truly worth it will vary from person to person. We all have to learn to align our spending with your values and what brings you genuine happiness and fulfillment.
So, I want to hear from you! What’s “worth it” to you? Let’s inspire each other to make thoughtful spending choices!
