Unbeknownst to me, I was at a lady’s lunch, and one of the women was sharing with us about an overseas course she was interested in. She wanted to change her career and take this course.
The downside? It was costly. The course cost several thousand dollars, plus travel expenses. It would run one penny when she got there, stayed and fed herself, and completed the course. There were several thousand of them.
Oh, the joy and the bliss! It was thrilling to know that the course existed and that it excited her so much! It was an agonizing experience to find out how much it cost!
We all lamented with her, Y It sounds like SUCH an expensive course, and Ah yes, it could move her in the direction she so desperately wanted, and
It was a fascinating event.
We all said our goodbyes and air kissed as we left. Then, just as we do at these events, something exciting happens. It was fascinating to me, at least.
The same lively and engaging woman attracted our attention with her shoes and handbag. Beautiful things! It’s amazing! The unusual color combinations, the unique shape of the bag, and, oh, its clasp! The lengthening heels! These lovely items were a delight, and it wasn’t difficult. They were also brand new and gorgeous! They were brand new, and she had just bought them. Were they not fab?
Yes, they were.
What intrigued me most was the lack of any connection or at least an implied connection on the part of this woman about the purchase of these new items and her inability to pay for the overseas course she so desired.
She didn’t see the connection between her non-essential spending – a new handbag, new shoes (which she said were not essential), and the overseas course she wanted to take.
What was stopping this intelligent woman from connecting these dots?
Spending vs. saving
Spending money on shoes and handbags is a good idea. Savings can be made by taking a big overseas trip.
One has an immediate payout – I have these now!
Over time, one requires discipline and persistence to save money and to watch the money grow slowly in an ‘overseas courses’ fund.
Now vs. later
She spent immediately on her shoes and handbags. It wasn’t quite the Eckhart Tolle that encouraged us all to use The power of now. It was when the new shoes and bags were being used/enjoyed. There is no waiting.