Comments on: Retail Therapy

By: Bernz

Bernz — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:26:56 +0000

I find meditating with focus on visualization really works for me well especially in times of stress, but I pretty much do it on a daily basis. I find it more effective also to exercise and do positive self talk (affirmation)at the same time.

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:47:17 +0000

With the brutality of winter setting in and doing its worst, I’ve found that there’s a temptation to do a bit of on-line shopping. Being focused on needs vs. wants and in a calm place overall concerning my life in general helps tremendously in resisting the urge!

I don’t know whether other people find that bad weather has the same effect on them or not, but I do find it an interesting phenomenon. Maybe it’s based on the urge to connect with people when you’re isolated by snow and cold or maybe the snow and cold just makes you feel like you deserve a “treat.”

By: Spicoli

Spicoli — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:53:25 +0000

i agree completlely with you.

congrats on another insightful article Dave.

By: Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:37:30 +0000

David ~ I’m glad you liked reading my blog and that doing so helped you broaden your view of Las Vegas.

Thank you for your great article. I look forward to reading more.

Happy 2009 to you and your family!

By: David G. Mitchell

David G. Mitchell — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:04:32 +0000

Jules — Thanks for your post. I also thank you for helping me to change my preconceptions about Las Vegas and the people who live there. I won’t be so quick to assume that Las Vegas is merely what we see on TV (the Strip). I also enjoyed reading your Vegas blog!

Cheers!

By: Ann

Ann — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:00:22 +0000

Oh, Texas Girl, in this economy, your (hopefully old) habits don’t sound good!

In my old corporate days, I used to get annual bonuses. First I used them to pay off all credit card debt and chisel away at my mortgage. Then I just socked it away and viewed it as paying myself for the future I wanted. It paid off ’cause, by the time I left corporate, I had absolutely NO debt of any kind. Talk about freedom! There are so many more options in life when your monthly payments are simply utilities and food and things you need/want.

Not easy to get there but a nice place to be!

By: Texas Girl

Texas Girl — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:53:03 +0000

That is SO TRUE. I’m a stay-at-home wife of a guy who works on commission, so some weeks are feast and some are famine. I’ve noticed that the months he REALLY brings home the bacon, I always do something completely foolish financially, like bounce several checks, charge more on my CC than I can pay, and end up somehow with lots of new stuff but not enough money to buy a loaf of bread at the end of the month. But the leaner months, we always have more than enough, probably because I’m wise and cautious with my money and not working off a huge ‘wish’ list like I tend to do whenever there’s a surplus in the budget.

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:48:44 +0000

Thanks, Persephone! I’ve got a lot more “work” to do but being focused and centered makes a HUGE difference. My ex-boss was talking with an ex-coworker over a year ago and told him that there’s a sign at my exit saying “Happy Ann this way!” LOL That corporate life was killing me.

By: Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:43:03 +0000

I agree. Generally, when you have time to breathe and feel a general sense of calm and control, it is easier to be content with all you have. Often when I get busy with work and other obligations and start to feel overwhelmed, it is easier to spend more than normal because I am not as organized (therefore, perhaps, may buy things like groceries or house supplies I already have without realize it or end up buying things I know I have but just can’t find) or just because I am stressed and looking to find contentment in materials things (e.g., cute finds at a boutique, Ross, or Target or sweets from a chocolatier).

Overall, I think internal peace is great for the soul but also transends to the material world as it gives one the power to think clearly and have a sense of control over their life and their choices.

By: Persephone

Persephone — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:29:10 +0000

Congratulations Ann! Your hard work has really paid off. You sound happy and centered. I too left the corporate world and adopted a healthier lifestyle (regular exercise, no-alcohol and an abundance of fruits and vegetables). I now, too, spend less, want less and feel more control over my life.