I continue to be surprised by the revelations spending less has brought about.  I never realized that spending money gave me something to hide behind.  If I was feeling anxious, bored, sad or anything short of content I would suggest going out. I could spend 2-8 hours on this vague form of distraction disguised as entertainment.  By the time we got home it would be about time for bed and the pressure to take care of things or think about things had passed.

What does “going out” mean exactly?  Generally, I would suggest a restaurant for dinner and drinks then a stop on the way home for another drink or two if it was a weekend night.  On a weekend day we usually start out with good intentions and head out for errands.  This can easily devolve into a “fun because we deserve it” stop for lunch at one of many brew pubs that Portland is famous for.  Then wrap up errands and maybe accomplish one task at home before the planning for the next “fun thing” starts to pop up in conversation.

Money and alcohol both have the ability to distract from what’s really going on around you.  I spend money I don’t have to go places and drink wine I don’t need to get away from things I don’t want to do or think about.  Since I have made a habit of this, now I have to learn how to re-evaluate my feelings and choose more productive coping mechanisms.

Boredom and nervous energy tell me we could use a hobby and some new activities.  While that can be daunting, it’s certainly nothing to be avoided by staying in an expensive unhealthy rut.  I do worry sometimes that even though my husband is interested in this change too that we won’t pick the same forms of recreation this time.  So far we have always enjoyed the same things but, there are no guarantees.  This sort of worry is exactly the type of trigger that in the past would have made me want to throw in the towel and choose a restaurant with a patio and a great happy hour.

That’s not what either of us wants to keep doing, so we will both have to face some of the uncomfortable feelings such as boredom and anxiety that come with change.  I want to be the kind of person that enjoys a variety of activities and isn’t afraid to try something new.  Especially, if that could cost less and make me happier.  Why not dream big?

Do your thrifty best!

Lisa