The high that comes from putting things back on the rack...

As many of my Facebook friends know, I've been granted a Graduate Assistantship to assist me in getting through the next two years of grad school (wahoo!). After I received my official letter about being chosen for the assistantship, which entails teaching two sections of a freshman music theory lab course, I decided that I was going to *need* some more business-y like clothing to help me look the part for this new position. I quickly hopped in my car and went down to my favorite thrifty store, Ross, to look for the needed items. I overfilled my cart with all sorts of things and went to try them on. Some of them fit, some of them didn't....I kept looking for a while, and at the end of the trip, I ended up walking out of the store completely empty handed and very much happier than when I walked into the store.
The part about this story that I DIDN'T tell you beforehand is that I already have 3 pairs of dress pants in my dresser at home, and many sufficient shirts/blouses to help me "look the part" for this new assistantship, but I thought that with this new distinguished position I'd gotten, I needed to look even newer and more distinguished by buying more clothes. I realized by the end of the trip though that I would look just as good in the pants I already had (which are not worn out in any significant way)! As I put stuff back on the rack in the store, I walked out happier because I didn't buy things that I didn't really need. Some people would say to me, "But you should treat yourself a little! That's a big accomplishment!" Well, I think I treated myself in an even better way. I treated myself to knowing that I have more than enough money for groceries, car expenses, utility money, and other such necessary things to REALLY maintain my true quality of life. All of the nice business clothes in the world can't cook me a nice, healthy, vegetarian dinner, pay to keep my house cool this summer, or put gas in my car, but the money that I save from not buying the unnecessary clothes CAN. On the other side of things, had I bought those clothes, I would have also had to work more hours to earn the money back that I spent on something unnecessary so that I could continue to pay my bills and put a decent amount towards investments and savings ventures. Those extra hours of working keep me from spending time and creating memories with those I love and care the most about.
So, for those of you who are going out into the "real world" to start jobs after graduation or even going on to continue your education, start heavily considering wants vs. needs and the things in life that will truly improve your overall quality of life and happiness, hence the wonderful high that comes from putting things back on the rack. For those of you already in this stage, start thinking about how early retirement funded by the savings from not buying unnecessary stuff could improve your quality of life (Have you hopped over to Mr. Money Mustache's blog? He retired at age 30!!!!). I'm starting to find mine, and I hope you'll join me and find yours, too!

This guy really makes me happy!! ^^


P.S. Have you made your April goals list yet for the challenge?! Get going on that! These are serious savings that we are talking about!!

*Photo Cred: Google Images (top left), Holly Hunt (Bottom center)