It's All About Priorities!

"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. 

 The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials." 

~Lin Yu Tang

I think the economic downturn has made all of us more aware of  economizing and prioritizing.  Those are both good things.  One priority kept me captive for more years than I’d like to think about, but, thank goodness,  it hasn’t been on the “must do” list for quite some time now.  With new found time created by doing away with the nonessential came found cash.  That's a win-win for anyone!   The "essential" theme has carried over into some of my other "can't live without" priorities...all for the better, I think!

             I am the girl next door, and I WAS addicted to acrylic nails.
    This is my story.

Every two weeks  I was there at 10 a.m.  Sometimes, the appointment didn’t lend itself to my schedule, but I was there.  In spite of the inconvenience,  I looked forward to having my nails “filled in”  and spending a social hour at the nail salon.  For 11 years, count ‘em, eleven years,  I paid homage to colors like Cha-Ching Cherry and Dancin’ in the Isles.  Heaven forbid if the favorite of the season was not on the shelf when I arrived! The $15 visit didn’t seem like a lot of money for all the laughter, gossip, and compliments.  But, eleven years???  Some nice change, eh?

Well, the fateful day came in 2009.  The economic crunch had found my street.  My small home business was down as clients lost their jobs or their hours were cut.  I knew that  I had to do some “cutting” of my own….budget cutting.  The 10 a.m. appointments were a no brainer.   Though I had toyed with the idea before, I knew that the acrylics were like so gone!  I'd been given "permission" by a change in circumstances.  Why did I wait for permission?

The nail tech, who had become more like a confidante, would put up a fight.  BUT, I could and would turn a deaf ear to her “beautiful nails” sales pitch.   I would just keep repeating my mantra, “I want real nails.”

It's been almost 3 years now since those acrylics were waved bye-bye.  As I looked at my buffed, natural nails this morning,  I rolled my eyes with wonder over the silly me that bought into thinking the every two week nail ritual was a done deal.  Its departure brought a breath of self-awareness.   An occasional  manicure is a real treat now! I usually opt for  clear polish.  Imagine that? 

As the months...years...have passed, I find myself looking in every nook and cranny to see what else has made itself a priority without ME giving IT permission to be in my life.  Have you made a similar change in your priorities lately that’s saving time, money, and your sanity?  I’d love to hear your story!