The Artist's Way: Week Six

[kygirl]

This week, we're talking about money, and how our deep-rooted beliefs about money and abundance can affect our creativity. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this week's assignment to log all of our expenses. Frankly, it scares me a little. :)

[kygirl]

that we're logging our expenses over National Scrapbooking Day weekend! :-)

[Lumilyon]

Money...money...don't start me on money...

[FLCindy]

Pretend that a long-lost relative just left you a million dollars in their will, how will you spend it?

This is a fantastic question. I would open a hippotherapy camp for kids who have disabilities. That's exactly what I would do. I think I would need more than one million dollars.

Clearing: Throw out or give away five ratty pieces of clothing. I did this last week. The clothing was ratty, it was too large. I guess I could purchase some new underwear this week.

This week, we're talking money. Not about how much of it we have, but how we feel about it. We're
going to look at:
1. our ideas about God, money and creative abundance
I feel we are given by a Higher Power, what we need to survive. Now, if I lived in a third world country, I might not feel the same. However, I might be more creative, living off of the land. Creative abundance, to me, means my soul is satisfied with the amount of time I spend on creative endeavors.
2. our attitudes about luxury: I love a few luxurous things: my bed, twice monthly massages, medical insurance (a luxury in the USA) great doctors, air conditioning, vehicles that are maintained so I can drive where I want to drive, food in my belly. Grand luxurious things, such as those found on Palm Beach would make me feel uncomfortable. There are many people that could be helped with the money spent on the Island of Palm Beach.
3. and how we use funds on a daily basis: Well, if I can't pay cash or do not have the money in the bank, I do not purchase an item. We are fortunate in my family. We really don't worry too much about money. However, we do things which saves us money. Our living situation, in a condo, provides little extra space to purchase items which take up space. I did enjoy a treat a few times a week at Starbucks. However, my doctor called me yesterday about my cholesterol levels....so I am cutting back on the treats.

[kygirl]

Great ramble, Cindy.

If I had a million dollars, I'd pay off my mortgage and my kid's college loans, and put the rest in the bank for a rainy day.

My father once told me that his idea of abundance was being able to walk into WalMart and buy anything he wants without having to think about it. I think he's hit the nail on the head. If we can buy food, clothes, and a few fun things without worrying, what more do we need?

As for clearing, we spent most of the summer doing just that. We took two truckloads of clothes, appliances, furniture, etc. to Goodwill. There comes a point when "stuff" becomes a burden. We had reached that point, so now we're paring down.

I think men and women look at luxury differently. If my husband needs or wants something, he just goes and gets it. I, on the other hand, will have these huge discussions with myself. Do I really need it? Can we afford it? Do I have something already that will work?

[Lumilyon]

I so long to clear the clutter out of my life but my beloved partner is a hoarder. I was only just thinking what I'd do if I had a big win on the lottery (I don't buy tickets, so this is totally hypothetical). I'd want to give amounts to each of our family members, buy a larger house in the Stroud Valley, with a good studio space and garden. MAKE my beloved give up work and become a volunteer at a steam train preservation group, which is all he really wants to do. Travel more.

[kygirl]

This has been such an interesting week for me as I've watched my expenses. I found that I don't even think about spending money on fast food and convenience foods (which aren't good for me), but I'll spend hours agonizing over spending the same amount of money on digital kits or art supplies. I definitely need to rethink this.

Lumi, I'm adding a garden and studio to my dream list, too.

[FLCindy]

This has been such an interesting week for me as I've watched my expenses. I found that I don't even think about spending money on fast food and convenience foods (which aren't good for me), but I'll spend hours agonizing over spending the same amount of money on digital kits or art supplies. I definitely need to rethink this.

Lumi, I'm adding a garden and studio to my dream list, too.

I can understand purchasing fast food and convience foods. Tonight, a Healthy Choice meal was dinner. I barely had enough energy to eat it. Can I assume you are purchasing fast and convenience foods due to an energy drain?

I spent way too much on digi this past weekend. But, I have some new digi items and they will be great for altered art!

[clickhappy]

Good point about men and women! We are unable to stick to a budget together, yet we are both responsible people with good credit.

I really try to avoid spending on fast food,
but when i go to the grocery store for a few things...
I blow it on twenty little things.

I am in the process of having to take a part time job for a lower rate than I am comfortable with and trying to help keep ship afloat, figuratively, of course ---we can't afford a ship. I am trying to welcome wealth into our life.

[kygirl]

I hate to hear that you're having to take a job you don't love. This economy is rough on everyone right now. Like you, when I go to the grocery, lots of little things just seem to jump in my cart. For me, my weakness used to be magazines. But with their prices ranging from $5 to $15, that's a luxury I'm no longer indulging in.

Cindy, you're right, when the fibro flares, going to the store just seems monumental. But that's really not an excuse for bad eating. It's just as easy for me to order a grilled chicken salad as it is to order a double with fries. It's definitely something I need to be more aware of. It's funny that it took an art workshop to make me aware of it.