New Chapter: Project #1 Lifestyle Change

You know I couldn't resist too long without having a project in mind. I can't start working on the new closet project yet so I've been thinking about my biggest upcoming project: lifestyle change. 


For the past few years, my personal cashflow has been increasing and with that so has my lifestyle. I finally reached a point where if I wanted a pedi after work-I went. I averaged 2 pairs of new shoes a month (oh DSW, the wonderful things you have done for me). I usually had a meal with friends 1-2 times a week. My closet has become a plethora of clothes (I realized last night that despite my twice a year donations, I still own 32 pairs of jeans). But despite all of that amazing "stuff"and finally living the way I always thought I wanted to, something was missing.


So with this new chapter comes a serious reduction in the cashflow department which means lifestyle change for awhile. I began with reviewing my checkbook ledger to jot down expenses that were not debt or living related such as restaurants, shoes, gym memberships, salons, theaters, concerts, etc.


Wow! Was I a bit surprised.


Despite I've been working very hard for two years to knock down some serious debt, I definitely could have tackled it a little more aggressively. I still consider my accomplishments successful, but it's really quite interesting to see your "lifestyle expenses" in a compact list with dollar amounts listed next to it and how you associated it to your personal happiness at that time.


So as I continue to challenge myself with defining what is [actually] important while still maintaining the balance of living a fulfilled life, I challenge you to do the same.
You may surprise yourself that no matter how many purses you buy, it does not necessarily increase your level of happiness but it may be more related to the person you are shopping with. 


Although, let's be realistic-this reflection does not mean I'll ever stop shopping completely :) I'll always be a girly girl who wears 4" stilettos and drinks Chardonnay one minute and then watches hockey and drinks PBR the next. My diverse personality requires a lot of clothes and shoes to be prepared for any situation.


But what I will do is focus more on the people I am doing these activities with rather than the purchases I am making to see how this new lifestyle changes effects my overall happiness