Would you invest in yourself?
Would you?
Do you know how?
Can you afford it?
What stands in your way?
Who would support you?
Hinder you?
Would it be easy or hard to invest in yourself?
On Sunday a friend of mine invited me to join her for Bikram Yoga (aka hot yoga). My response was that although I really like Bikram, I couldn’t afford it. I mentioned that I had a little extra money coming in but that I wasn’t sure if it could go to yoga or if I should put it into the groceries or savings account. Should I invest in my financial future or my physical, mental, and emotional health? Is it safe to invest in my health when I’m not sure if I can keep up this rigorous workout and eating routine? Or should I invest into a savings account where I know it will be needed one day. I honestly don’t know which option is better?
I feel like this is a concern that Americans everywhere are facing. In a time when pennies are being pinched and you have to really want something to spend on it, can money be put towards your health? I have several family members and friends that say yes, your health is all you have. These brave souls take lower paying jobs to apply for medical or spend way too much on organic and raw foods from Trader Joes and Whole Foods. Then I have several friends who put every last penny earned into their children’s college funds. How can you deprive your children from a higher education when the price of schooling will be in the hundreds of thousands when they get there in twenty years?
I have not decided what to do yet. I have a body that needs help, a household that needs a bit more money, no 401k, and a child who I pray will want to go to college. How should I invest in myself?
If it's honestly stressing you out that much, why not put the money aside to save up for the class to do in a couple of months instead of this month. That way, you can still try new things that don't cost as much, relieve some stress, and if you end up needing the money you have it.
ReplyDeleteYou have to invest in your health, but it doesn't always have to be a monetary investment. You invest time and effort and sometimes money. There's lots of free exercise opportunities, such as your favorite: running. The running is free, but you do need to invest money in a good pair of running shoes. I think that's an appropriate choice because you'll use the shoes over and over and over. Rather than go to Bikram yoga, perhaps the better investment would be to by a yoga DVD that you can use over and over and over. My point is, put the money into the reusable things like equipment. Even your gym membership can fall into this category (assuming you go consistently because if not, it's a total waste of money). When money is tight, just make sure you get your money's worth out of every dollar you spend. Health is a NEED not a WANT. Invest.
ReplyDeleteIf you by a yoga DVD and use it during the summer when it's 100 degrees outside, you can call it Bikram yoga!
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteI am going to say something that my mom always tells me (and keep in mind, every time she says it I have a burning desire to hit her).
"Everything will work out!"
First and foremost, you need to take care of yourself. If you don't take are of yourself, you won't be capable of taking care of Isa and Benny. If you don't take care of yourself, who will? Money will come and go throughout life, but your health is irreplaceable and priceless.
I do agree with your sister. When money is tight, look into things that can be reused like equipment. But also, don't deprive yourself of something that is going to bring you true joy. As a parent, your life is focused around your child. But your child needs a healthy and happy mother in order to care for her in the best way possible. Because money is tight, maybe you don't go to hot yoga every week, but every other week.
Never forget that you do need to take time for yourself. Raising a family is an incredibly difficult task and I can see how one can lose their self and become unhappy easily. Make sure you take at little time, and money if needed, to do some things that bring joy to your life. It will ultimately reward those who love you!
I love ya bunches and would be happy to watch the monster during a hot yoga class or two if needed as long as I am not at work. :)