Libertine
04-14-2008, 04:42 AM
Welcome back...
Been away, but now I'm back.
Ok, right in the meat of the matter here: The first class was about GETTING OUT OF DEBT.
This one deals with something that will help you do this.
Cultivate cheap interests and hobbies. In our fast-paced, commercial-driven society, we believe that we have to HAVE everything. This is THE GOAL of Corporate America and CONSUMER CAPITALISM. It is a system that is built entirely on GREED, CONSUMPTION, AND APPETITE.
Frankly, by making a list and evaluating things you can determine what you truly need and what you want to keep that makes you happy.
For instance, you may realize that you don't NEED a gas-guzzling SUV, but you'd like to keep your iPod. Your iPod has tunes, information and it makes you happy. Your SUV is just there for whatever status or because you have fooled yourself into thinking that you need that large vehicle.
If you're a family of four or more, you can by a smaller vehicle and still have room. Trust me. I have a family of four and I drive a VW Beetle. Oh yeah, and it IS the family car.
So, make a list. What do you REALLY use that can't be replaced or replicated with something less expensive or even at all? You may want to keep your DVD player and chuck the cable tv. After all, cable tv is just a racket for this f'd up society anyhow.
You may want to keep the internet (I do), because it provides a WEALTH of value to my life by information and education, as well as pleasure (i.e. here!).
So, make that list and check it twice. Eliminate some junk and cash in on some assets.
SECONDLY, try some cheap hobbies.
Take up hiking, walking, basketball, etc.
Read books.
Play with the kids more often.
Take up a craft (learn to sew).
Plant a small garden.
Start a club.
Draw or paint.
Learn to tie-dye.
Learn a musical instrument.
Etc.
There are PLENTY of cheap and FREE activities.
THIRDLY, involve yourself with others.
We spend way too much time behind the tv or net. Host MORE cook-outs. Gather a group to go fishing. Invite people over and play games.
HAVE MORE SEX!
Experiment with a variety of interests. See what you like.
Also, if you make under a certain amount of money (whether you work or not) you can apply for a food card (i.e. stamps) and get your entire family covered by Medicaid. Now, you may think this is immoral and wrong, or you may not need these things, but THEY ARE THERE for a reason -- POOR PEOPLE WHO MAKE A CERTAIN PALTRY AMOUNT OF EARNINGS.
Do what you can to survive in a legal and safe way. After all, what's more important "pride" or survival?
However, if you do this, I'd recommend doing some community work or volunteer work to balance the karmic scale and give back a little too. ;)
Until next time.....
These things should help you on your way to LIVE INDEPENDENTLY.
Been away, but now I'm back.
Ok, right in the meat of the matter here: The first class was about GETTING OUT OF DEBT.
This one deals with something that will help you do this.
Cultivate cheap interests and hobbies. In our fast-paced, commercial-driven society, we believe that we have to HAVE everything. This is THE GOAL of Corporate America and CONSUMER CAPITALISM. It is a system that is built entirely on GREED, CONSUMPTION, AND APPETITE.
Frankly, by making a list and evaluating things you can determine what you truly need and what you want to keep that makes you happy.
For instance, you may realize that you don't NEED a gas-guzzling SUV, but you'd like to keep your iPod. Your iPod has tunes, information and it makes you happy. Your SUV is just there for whatever status or because you have fooled yourself into thinking that you need that large vehicle.
If you're a family of four or more, you can by a smaller vehicle and still have room. Trust me. I have a family of four and I drive a VW Beetle. Oh yeah, and it IS the family car.
So, make a list. What do you REALLY use that can't be replaced or replicated with something less expensive or even at all? You may want to keep your DVD player and chuck the cable tv. After all, cable tv is just a racket for this f'd up society anyhow.
You may want to keep the internet (I do), because it provides a WEALTH of value to my life by information and education, as well as pleasure (i.e. here!).
So, make that list and check it twice. Eliminate some junk and cash in on some assets.
SECONDLY, try some cheap hobbies.
Take up hiking, walking, basketball, etc.
Read books.
Play with the kids more often.
Take up a craft (learn to sew).
Plant a small garden.
Start a club.
Draw or paint.
Learn to tie-dye.
Learn a musical instrument.
Etc.
There are PLENTY of cheap and FREE activities.
THIRDLY, involve yourself with others.
We spend way too much time behind the tv or net. Host MORE cook-outs. Gather a group to go fishing. Invite people over and play games.
HAVE MORE SEX!
Experiment with a variety of interests. See what you like.
Also, if you make under a certain amount of money (whether you work or not) you can apply for a food card (i.e. stamps) and get your entire family covered by Medicaid. Now, you may think this is immoral and wrong, or you may not need these things, but THEY ARE THERE for a reason -- POOR PEOPLE WHO MAKE A CERTAIN PALTRY AMOUNT OF EARNINGS.
Do what you can to survive in a legal and safe way. After all, what's more important "pride" or survival?
However, if you do this, I'd recommend doing some community work or volunteer work to balance the karmic scale and give back a little too. ;)
Until next time.....
These things should help you on your way to LIVE INDEPENDENTLY.