Gratitude
I am proud to be a volunteer for the Girl Scouts of my region. The other night, I was leading a badge lesson on money and budget building. When opening the lesson, I shared with the troop that money is an important tool that can provide necessities and even some happiness.
One of my sweet girls quickly piped up and debated my point with, “Nuh-uh, Miss Jenny! Money can’t buy family, love, and true happiness!” I paused for a moment, a bit rattled to have been thrown off script. After a minute of recalibrating, I pivoted… but only a little. “You’re right. Money cannot buy us everything, but it is an important tool in life. So for our next badge…”
Upon reflection I wish I’d had an extra hour with the troop to emphasize her point. Because she’s exactly right. Money can’t buy the very best things. Kids amaze me in their ability to cut to the heart of a matter, and I hate when I brush past the beauty of that.
This week is Thanksgiving here in the US, and in honor of a beloved holiday — and my amazing troop girls — I want to take this opportunity to pause and express gratitude for the things in life that cost nothing. In our overly-monetized society, gratitude is an important exercise. Let’s stop for a second, go off script, and engage with the children.
Health
Health is an absolute cornerstone for financial wellness. Without our health, medical bills or loss of income can become truly overwhelming.
Even the smallest positive movements in wellness can make an impact. From a brisk walk on a stressful day to a healthy meal when all you want is to drown in a vat of cheese dip, taking small steps toward a healthy life pays dividends.
I’ve personally ridden the health roller coaster through the years. Through chronic challenges and a catastrophic health scare, I’ve thrived best when I’m able to stay mindful of my overall health and well-being.
Time
Time is one of our greatest assets, in life and in money. Time with loved ones, time to learn, time to develop skills, time to grow, time to soften, and time to rest… it all carries tremendous value.
Nothing displays the passage of time quite like kids. My husband and I sometimes scroll through old photos and videos of our children and marvel at how tiny they once were, spot hints of who they were becoming, and giggle fondly at the mispronounced words long since outgrown. It’s a humbling reminder of the importance of time.
I also read through my old journals every so often. Reading thoughts from both pivotal and trivial times helps me collect perspective and recenters my soul when my thoughts become myopic.
As a future-oriented busy person who tends to lament the passage of time, I appreciate the rare moments when I am able to look back with fondness of how long the days feel and quickly the years pass.
Contentment
Comparison is the thief of joy, and contentment unlocks financial peace. Keeping a mindful grasp on what we have and the joy it brings keeps us grounded, when the opposite can send us chasing elusive or fruitless desires.
Shortly after we bought our house, while knee deep in DIY projects and plans for home renovations, I experienced one morning of contentment that I’ll never forget. It was stupid early, the sun was still sleeping along with my family members, and I shuffled down the hallway on a quest for coffee, puttering past the fireplace and into the kitchen. Perhaps it was the early morning light peeking in or the un-caffeinated brain fog clearing out, but in that moment it was as if I was suddenly seeing our house for the first time. I was struck with the realization: “I love our home.” The thought surprised me, honestly. After all, I’d been submerged in improvements for weeks, and all I’d thought of were the house’s imperfections. But the feeling was so deep, so vivid, so certain. I think back to this pure contentment every time I start to itch for a bigger, better, different home. Contentment is powerful.
Family & Friends
A supportive network and community is immeasurably valuable. Whether it’s a friend’s laughter or a family member’s help in hard times, these relationships are more valuable than any financial product.
When I was at my lowest, sopping with grief and life-change, my parents and in-laws were there for me. They all supported me emotionally and financially while I recovered and learned how to live with fresh loss and new joys.
Later, when I reckoned with debt and shame, my husband took me by the hand and hiked alongside me as we climbed out of the hole into a better future.
All of these people (and so many more) have been everything. They gave me the best of life when life gave me its worst.
Life often throws us curve balls, forcing us to shift our stance. But life also throws us slow pitches to effortlessly slam into the stands. Today, we’ll round the bases, reveling in the beauty of the invaluable graces we’re given in life.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends.