tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640940937476188368.post3188873507132157927..comments2023-09-01T06:33:45.354-05:00Comments on Gimme Bliss: When Bliss Clashes With Harsh RealityTiffany Hamburgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215028451823189173noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640940937476188368.post-40080083938838530232008-07-27T11:10:00.000-05:002008-07-27T11:10:00.000-05:00Following my bliss has never brought me a single d...Following my bliss has never brought me a single dollar. It doesn't put food on my table or gas in my car. However, I know from experience that without financial security, I end up funneling my energy towards worry instead of creativity. Since I am not myself when I'm not creating, I'm willing to make a lot of changes to prevent myself from ending up in that 'dead zone.'<BR/><BR/>Here are some adjustments I've made recently and not so recently that contribute to following my bliss even when reality has been harsh:<BR/><BR/>1. Stop doing grocery shopping at stores that sell clothing, housewares, and really cool things I didn't know I needed until I saw them. By going to a "simple" grocery store, I buy only the food I need. I'm sure I'm missing out on some cute skirts or pretty candles, but this has helped me to trim my weekly expendature on "necessities." <BR/><BR/>2. Put a moratorium on buying books (even used ones) until I've read through the stack of unread books I already have on my bookshelf. <BR/><BR/>3. Have people over to my house. I love going out to a nice dinner as much (more?) than most - and I adore weekend brunches at Kerby Lane. Yet what I really love is the quality of interaction I get with my friends when we're enjoying a leisurely meal. I can get that in my own home, and even if it is not as fancy, it can still be memorable. Then, when we do go out, there is an air of celebration and expectancy that would otherwise be dulled by making the 'special' into the 'daily.'<BR/><BR/>4. Make use of what I have. Yep, I'd love to take up rock climbing. Do I have the equipment or a mountain or even a gym membership? Nope. What I do have is a good bike and a continent of roads. I enjoy riding, already have the basics, and can do it without any extra monetary input.<BR/><BR/>5. Put money towards what will give me the most extra time to do the things I love. For instance, I've decided it is worth the money to get a yard service to mow my lawn rather than fight it out myself. By cutting out expenses in areas that didn't really add to my bliss, I've been able to afford this luxury, and spend more time on my creative endeavors. <BR/><BR/>6. Write letters to distant friends: costs some paper and a stamp, but helps keep the connection tactile & gives everyone something other than a bill to look forward to in the mail!<BR/><BR/>7. Ask the people I love what they feel passionate about, and really listen to the answers. If someone says they just don't know, try and help them think about what could fit realistically with their abandoned dreams. It isn't an overnight process, but it brings a new level of connection that just can't be bought.<BR/><BR/>- erzsebeterzsebethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06634425346187415917noreply@blogger.com