Science says focusing on what you are grateful for (and perhaps those to whom you are grateful) makes you splurge less. I've been feeling thankful all month (November is special for me) but I've also bought a new ring and two sweaters, and gone out for dinner a few times, and ordered takeout a few other times. None of these were 'necessary' so they all count as 'splurges'. Which is kind of a gross word.
Anyway here's why I'm grateful these days (whether or not it keeps me from spending my hard earned paychecks any time soon is another matter):
My current home is the one I've lived in longest (>2 years) since moving out of my family's house a little over 10 years ago. I share this home with my husband and we are coming up on our 1-year anniversary. We both have good jobs, good health, and get to live in California. We have good friends both here and scattered around the world. Our families are further away, but we get to talk to them and face time with the littlest/cutest relatives. We may not have the money to buy everything we've ever wanted right this minute, but we don't have to worry about feeding or clothing ourselves, paying bills, or going on some kind of vacation. We had an awesome vacation this year to Hawaii (first time for either of us) and a weekend getaway to Yosemite (also our first visit).
more reading:
Gratitude/Willpower
The Billfold
