You're probably thinking that I'm crazy for keeping my 1970's Home Decor. I'm mean look at that thing! That mustard yellow stove (which has a matching sink) is the furthest thing from making a house a home, right? Well let me tell you this. It bakes the best chocolate chip cookies, Sunday meals, and birthday cakes. We have done dutch oven in it and homemade pizzas. It is an eye sore but when it comes to fulfilling it's need and creating memories for my husband and I it does a wonderful job. It really does make us happy.
I have to come clean and say that I won't be keeping this posh home decor piece forever. Let's be honest I will be getting rid of it as soon as possible. However, I can't get rid of it today and have the perfect dream home tomorrow. My husband and I are remodeling our home and doing everything ourselves. So the struggle between cash flow and our sanity in actually doing the work limits how quickly things get done. And I've learned that that's ok! I've learned to be happy embracing the beauty of our super outdated house and everything that comes with it. Including the reward. That ugly stove to me is a challenge. It is a constant reminder of the sacrifices we're making to meet our future goals.
These days it can be difficult at times to be content with what we have. We are constantly bombarded with seeing everything the "Jones" have, and sometimes it makes us feel like we are missing out. Why do we constantly strive for more? Why can't we just be happy with what we have? I believe that it's because as humans we are designed to progress and we strive for that progression whether it points us in the right direction or not.
So how do we overcome the feelings of being left behind or missing out on things? How do we vanquish the need or lust for more in our lives. The truth is we don't. It's healthy to want to progress in the world financially, spiritually, and physically. The key is to make sure that we have a balance. We should have moderation in all things.
The thing that motivates me most and gets me through the tough days are the goals that my husband and I have made for ourselves. We have some pretty great goals financially and in order to meet these goals we have to make sacrifices. If we make small sacrifices now like dealing with ugly carpet and outdated appliances for just a little while longer. And not caring what other people think about our date nights in or our old beat up car. We will have the financial freedom in the future to pay off our house early (at 30), and retire before most people even begin saving for retirement (at 40).
The point I'm trying to make here is that we have an end goal in mind. The need and desire to meet these goals and have more financial freedom just a few short years from now is more powerful then the want for a brand new stove today. This is where that contentment comes in. We know that we can be happy throughout the process of meeting our goals. Life isn't about things. It's about working hard to progress and meet your goals. And also spending quality time with the ones you love. You can be happy with a lot less then you think.
So my challenge to you is to decide what you want to have the freedom to do in the future, and figure out what kind of sacrifices you need to make now to be able to meet those goals. Forget about the "Jones" telling you that you deserve that new car or an HGTV house, or that luxurious vacation. Because the "Jones" are broke, and will have to pay for those frivolous desires for the rest of their lives. They will be stuck on the hamster wheel working until they are at least 65 and that's in an average situation. Most will have to continue working even longer. The point is you can be in control of your success. You can decide what's important to you and choose how you plan to get it.
I would love to get your feedback! Leave me a comment below and let me know what helps you stay on track to meet your goals.
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