When to Conserve and When to Spend

Posted on the 11 November 2013 by Abstractartbylt @artbylt

When should we conserve and when should we spend our money, our energy, and our time?  How do we find that balance which leads to equilibrium and peace? 

Having a routine rhythm to my days is helpful in preventing mood swings, but not as much fun as jumping into a big idea driven by manic energy. 

In the past when I was bored, depressed and lifeless, I would jumpstart myself out of it by beginning a project that took all of me to accomplish—something that required physical, mental and creative energy. 

It was a sure path to the manic side, and allowed me to accomplish much in my life.  But steep highs were followed by deep lows.   It was not a stable way to live—not healthy for me or for the people around me.

Today I have more balance in my life, but I miss the euphoric highs of big projects that I can throw myself into one hundred percent. 

I take a deep breath and pause. 

Am I really so dissatisfied with this calmer life?

No.  The rhythms of my days and weeks are filled with meaningful work, healthy exercise, fresh air, and time with family and friends. 

BOR—ING!

That’s what I’ve had to train myself to live with—boredom.  But if you stay with boredom instead of trying to escape it with frantic activity, you eventually come through it to something else. 

You find a deeper space which has its own meaning. 

You find a kind of equanimity.

This is the grown-up path.

And now I think I’ll take a nap.

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