The word “Frugal” means something different to everyone. Some find the meaning of the world unpleasant, boring, and blah. Others find it necessary, practical, and a way of life. I find the meaning beautiful, strong, and empowering.
I have longed admired the pioneer women. The ones who worked from sunrise to sunset. These women washed laundry by hand, baked and cooked meager meals over a fire. They had small homes and large hearts. I’ve heard story after story of women who were hardworking, selfless, and humble. These are the women I look up to. I find them strong and their simple way of life beautiful.
Life has changed. I am so grateful for the conveniences we have, for the advances made in technology and life. But, I often lean towards those old fashioned ways of life which seems in many ways simpler and in so many ways beautiful.
Frugality reminds me of those simpler days. I love the feeling of providing for myself, of growing my own food, my husband building our own furniture. It provides me a sense of connection to the remarkable pioneer ladies from old days. This is what it means to me to be frugal.
I found this quote today and it resonated so deeply with me.
“More stuff isn’t happiness. Be grateful and thankful for what you have.” –Sherry Borsheim
I believe it takes a strong and brave person to try to live a frugal life in a world full of conveniences and entertainment. It takes a great amount of thought, effort, and strength to ignore the bombardment of marketing everywhere you turn and enjoy the simple, important things in life that are right in front of you.
Being frugal doesn’t mean you are deprived. It means you can be empowered. Empowered to control your spending. Empowered to enjoy your life the way it is right now without needing to keep up with those Joneses and buy everything in front of you to find happiness. This takes strength. It’s not easy to live frugally. But, when I do I find more happiness and joy from the important things in life: friends, family, myself.
Love the life you live. Work hard to make the life as great as you possibly can. Be proud of your frugality. I find it an absolutely beautiful way to live.
What does being frugal mean to you? Do you find it beautiful and empowering like I do, or does it hold a different meaning?
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