Tightening My Belt, September 16th

What I can’t have sometimes frustrates me. We all want what we want when we want it, right? Lately I’ve been trying to follow the Suzy Ormond rule of thumb and buy what I need instead of what I want. This comes with deep reflection, an Excel spreadsheet, and a realistic view of life instead of the idealistic wonderland in which I dare to dream. I’m in the process of trying a new way of thinking that will help me financially in the long run… assuming I run for a long time. Newflash– it’s not working out so great!

Is it just me or do all of us that feel like when we want something, the hunger for that thing grows exponentially by the day unless we have it or until we can manage to talk ourselves out of it. I’m not referring to a multi-million dollar West Village loft or The Hope Diamond. (Is it wrong to want those things??) It’s more like a gigantic, can’t fit that sucker in your pie hole, delicious, juicy, hot pastrami sando from Katz’s Deli. And in the fantasy of me shoving that first bite into my mouth to positively erupt from the ludicrously salty, briny flavor, there is no line in the restaurant, the place is relatively civilized, and I can eat as many pickles as I want. No wonder I’m finding it hard to tighten my belt.

I wrote a post awhile back about making substitutions. Instead of sour cream try Greek yogurt! Instead of french fries, opt for a baked potato. Blah blah blah. Worthy substitutions can change your life for the better. And I’m always on the lookout for an acceptable dupe that doesn’t make me feel like I’m missing out on the OG. But then I stumbled across these genius replicas that are so absurd I think they call into question why we want designer goods in the first place. These Lego versions are just the height of mocking. And I’m sort of over it. (For today!)

I think the issue I’m having is that I know when enough is enough, but I don’t necessarily stop. (Hello parmesan cheese on my pasta.) We live in a culture of complete over consumption. And I’m a big product of this environment. If one dessert is good, ordering all of them to share is even better. Should I really buy another white t-shirt since this new one is half an inch shorter than the 17 I have at home? Probably. Sparkly new shoes? On sale?! Yes, please. Another bomber jacket I can wear a total of six days per year? I need it. Oh look– a different herb in this small expensive mustard import. Let’s try it! I wish I could be more of a basic bitch, but I guess it’s just not how I’m wired. And I’m not a gazillionaire, but I’m working on it.

I work hard. I always have. And I’m incredibly grateful and happy for having a place to call home, clean running water, enough food to eat (too much obviously), clothes on my back, and good shoes. I never take my privilege for granted. The super fun aspect of earning a living above my needs is that I can share my good fortune with others, and create wonderful surprises that delight those I love. So as I attempt to tighten my belt and plan for the future, I’ll be thinking carefully about what I really need vs. what I really want. And I want to want less so I consider that a step in the right direction!