Monday Inspiration: The New Rich

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Use it up. Wear it out.
Make it do. Do without.

I found these words embroidered on an old pillow many years ago. Someone told me it was a WW2 saying. I think it can easily be applied to life today. Don’t you?

So do you embrace this notion of using it up and wearing it out, making it do or do without? Hey I am talking to you…For some reason this can make people feel really squirmish. Is that a word? Today it is.

Let’s face it: No one wants to feel like they can’t afford something. Yet at the same time, we want a financial safety net. I know I want one. In fact, I want a huge fluffy one. So for now, the motto is sticking. It is seared in my heart and tattooed on my brain. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without. Because of this motto, my purchases are weighed, my money is rationed, and often times tough decisions are made.

So what does this motto look like? I have no shame. You already know this. Let me break it down:

Use it up…

When life gives you lemons, don’ t waste the rind. Leftover bits and pieces of things often make the most amazing objects. The last cup of cereal in the box might not make a full bowl for breakfast, but add a little seasoning to it and you have instant crunch coating for a piece or two of chicken. Got a little scrap fabric left? A few quick stitches make it a pillow. Even less fabric than that? Sew a little pocket out of it and fill it with rice. Zap it for a few seconds on the micro and you have a mini hand warmer.

Wear it out.

I bought a coat 3 years ago. I bought it with a gift card, on sale of course. See the thing is, there is nothing wrong with it! It is cozy, and so easy to clean. It is a neutral color so it matches most everything. If I want to add some zing a colorful scarf makes all the difference, and it does so on a dime. I could get another coat, but why? It fits, it’s clean. I am gonna wear this bad boy out!

Make it do.

I love handbags. I like having lots of fun ones, and am able to do this by scouring thrift shops and boutiques for some of the most fab vintage and designer bags you have ever seen. My last bag? An earthy green one with little abstract turtles on it. Never had so many compliments on it in my life. It cost me $1.19 at a thrift store. When it finally had a hole in it I had to retire it. My next bag? The free tote I got with my holiday gift purchases at Bath and Body Works. Bam!

Do without.

If we can’t pay cash for it, we don’t buy it. That is it. And to be honest, if you saw my home or my family you wouldn’t see misers who are living on beans. You would see full lives, full cabinets, full hearts. Full is fun. And this kinda full brings so much freedom. That sure makes you feel rich. I am ok without having lots of things and doing without, and I feel richer when I don’t have them. I always will.

Use it up kids. Wear it out.
Make it do. Do without.

How will you embrace this motto this week? I want to know! Share your ideas with us on the Facebook page or Community Chat page.

Be inspired my friends!