The other night, I watched an amazing, and touching movie called, “The Pursuit of Happyness” that made me put “frugality” into perspective. Three years ago I was making a fairly good income as a social worker. When my daughter was born, I quit my job to stay home with her. I joined two home-based direct sales companies and earned a surprisingly comfortable income with both.
Suddenly, I realized I was still working full time (from home) and my kids
weren’t getting the attention I’d intended to give them. So I quit again. Now, I am broke, but happy.
Every so often I catch myself feeling bitter. When I worked full-time I could afford a new outfit, a purse or toys for the kids. Today, I was at a McDonald’s Playland with the kids. I wanted to buy them ice cream after our dinner. I decided not to. “That would cost the same as two gallons of milk”, I thought. Maybe I should go back to work. Maybe my kids would be better off if I earned a comfortable living.
Suddenly I was reminded of the movie. Would I be happier if I made more money? Would I be happier if I was able to buy my kids nicer clothes, brand new toys or restaurant meals on a whim? Not necessarily.
I’ve heard some recent criticism of the movie because it seems to suggest that happiness comes with wealth. Initially, I thought the same thing. However, I changed my mind when I wondered what it would be like to be homeless and penniless.
Can you imagine having to kiss your child goodnight while you lay him or her on the bathroom floor in a subway station? While those of us who are proud to call ourselves frugal find happiness in a $1.99 thrift store treasure the main character of this movie needed every penny just to survive.
Thankfully, I have enough money to have the option of saving it. I am blessed that I can enjoy the challenges of being frugal without wondering where my next meal will come from.
While I did not intend for this to be a movie review, I would strongly encourage you to watch it. It will make you appreciate every penny you’ve pinched even more.
Related Reading:
Random Acts of Kindness—Spreading “Happyness”
I am Broke and Grateful – Three Ways to Appreciate the Things You Have