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Improving my Quality (of) Life

I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. If I want to do/ change/ fix/ enhance something, well then I do it. But now that I’m on my own and making money, I decided I wanted to improve my quality of life.

This idea of improvement stemmed from “Treat Yo Self Two-thousann’leven” from Parks & Rec (watch the video – you won’t be disappointed).

I decided, no more eating frozen chicken nuggets for dinner.  No more buying clothes that are only on sale.  No more skimping and being frugal (within reason, of course).  No more!  This year, I’ve determined to improve my quality of life. If you remove the “of” in that statement, it sounds even more exciting: I want to improve my quality life. Yes, much better.

So besides cutting out frozen poultry from my life, what does “improving my quality life” entail?  Great question.  Essentially it’s just me spending more money on myself, but here’s a list of things I came up with just now:

  • Buying sweet smelling, loose-leaf tea
  • Crocheting something for myself (done)
  • Picking up the bill for a friend’s dinner (done)
  • Designing new business cards for JJCrochet (done)
  • Purchasing a pair of shoes at full price, just because I love them (done)
  • Splurging on that cookies ‘n cream milkshake (done)
  • Making it a priority to call out-of-state friends (done)
  • Ordering custom stationery and writing to friends (partially done)

In completing that list, I realized most of my “treat yourself” things include food, but I guess it is what it is. The stationery I marked as partially done because that is my latest endeavor.

You see, I came across PowderBluePapers on Etsy and figured custom stationery was the perfect place to start.  I told myself it was okay spending over $1.50 on a notecard–I was worth it– and placed an order.

My cards arrived in the mail today and can I just tell you, they have improved my quality of life.  I am so happy.  I didn’t know it was possible to get this much joy from notecards, but I did.  Here they are:

I cropped my address off from the bottom of the notecards, but know that it is there and it is beautiful.  I can’t wait to improve the quality of life of others when they receive little notes from me in the mail.

I also splurged and bought myself mini-moo cards (from Moo.com), and as expected – LOVE. I ordered half the cards with a floral design, half with images of crochet hats and knitted cowls.  My family hated them, mocking: “Hi, here’s a half-business card,” (giggles) “Hello, do you want this tiny piece of paper?”  (mocking laughter), but I think they’re great.  Just want I wanted for JJCrochet.  I treated myself and I enjoyed it!

I have started 2012 off treating myself and I must say that I am enjoying it.  I am too thoughtful and good to myself, ha.  But what it really comes down to, is what am I willing to spend my money on and why don’t I spend it on others?  I’m trying to be more conscious of my spending, more purposeful, but also remembering it’s okay to let myself go sometimes.

What are some ways you could treat yourself to improve the quality of your life and the lives of others?  Maybe it’s going to a movie or buying that new purse or calling an old friend.  Whatever it is – DO IT!  Life is too short and you deserve the finer things in life, and that most certainly excludes frozen chicken nuggets.

2 Comments

  • Lisbeth

    January 26, 2012

    I just love your blog. Your ideas and thoughts for 2012 has inspired me to writing my own list.

    Greatings from Denmark ;o)

    Lisbeth

  • JJCrochet

    January 28, 2012

    Hi Lisbeth,

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you have wonderful things on your “Treat yo’ self” 2012 list – you deserve it. Greetings from the States!

    Jayna

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