Need a Bigger House, or Just Smaller Ego?
Cindy at Organic Picks wrote a post called The courage not to progress. While this may sound strange, she’s making sense.
Progress shouldn’t really mean getting a bigger house just because you can. Here’s a quote from Cindy:
Perhaps countering conventional belief that more material possession equates happiness isn’t supposed to be a cake walk. You get rattled, you feel discouraged, and sometimes you even feel like a loser.
It’s true. Having friends who are always buying new things and living the consumerist American dream can be a bit depressing. Even if you agree with living a more simplified life, how do you reward yourself for working hard?
The following rewards/benefits occur to me:
Peace of mind, less clutter to clean and store, more free time to enjoy nature by not shopping endlessly for things, a clear focus on family and friends, and, if you feel like it, a fun trip or a nice dinner out.
How do you reward yourself without buying things?
Image via flickr.
This is a Blogtoberfest Sponsored Post.
If you would like to enter for a chance to win the surprise gift behind this blog post, please leave a comment. Prize and Winner will be announced within a week. Check back to see if you’re the lucky winner and what you’ve won!
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Tags: bigger house, buying things, Organic Picks, rewardsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Goals
97 opinions for Need a Bigger House, or Just Smaller Ego?
alianora
Oct 13, 2008 at 8:50 am
I reward myself with an at home pedicure or a trip to the library. Sometimes by making cookies.
I struggle with wanting to reward myself with buying ice cream or spending $5 at the thrift store. Im trying to get away from that, but my husband isn’t much help! He picks up ice cream for me as a treat - but he does it on the credit card! Agh!
Jonica
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:50 am
Well Husband and I are looking at a bigger house simply because we need to have more room. I am a gardner and I put up food for the winter and for my mom. But we only want a 4 bedroom place that has yard space. We only have 2 bedroom house now that is getting cramped because he is starting up his home business of photography. So while we do watch our impact on the earth we do need something a bit bigger. not huge but a little more.
Heather S
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:52 am
making a special dinner and having a movie night with (or without) the kids.
Lindley
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:40 am
I totally agree. I had thought we should get a bigger house for a few years now, but honestly we have evrything we need and love our location and neighbors. Plus, who needs extra rooms to clean! I’d rather go on some great vacations and put off the home buying for a few years!
Kristen M.
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:46 am
Actually, if I buy things to “reward” myself I end up feeling guilty. I’d rather spend time with my husband and celebrate by going on a walk together so that we can talk about the good things and dream up more goals, or curl up together to watch a movie after cooking a great meal, or inviting friends over.
Jen
Oct 13, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I just want a place of my own because all my stuff is in my room — I live at home with my parents — and it’s entirely too cramped in one bedroom.
Tracee Sioux
Oct 13, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Here Here! It’s called living with integrity!
Corrie
Oct 13, 2008 at 1:00 pm
By enjoying the house that we *do* have… whether that’s pulling some weeds with the baby hanging out on a blanket, curling up in bed with a good book, or having dinner on our deck on a nice evening.
Huguette E.
Oct 13, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I shop online to reward myself :)
Elizabeth M.
Oct 13, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I could care less about material things anymore. It’s all about being with my family and my relationships now.
Cindi
Oct 13, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I have never been one to try and keep up with the Jones’! The effect of material things doesn’t last too long. I am happy to have a family that loves me and are basically healthy. Thanks, Cindi
Kamber
Oct 13, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I reward myself with a treat of some sort. Making halloween cookies or something along those lines.
chris swanson
Oct 13, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I feel rewarded when I can pay off my bills and know I don’t have to worry about paying my bills. I am living in my means and teaching my kids to live a simpler life (they are young now but I know it will be alot harder soon!)
Audra
Oct 13, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Being content with what you have is a hard concept for many to grasp but it sure feels good once you achieve it!
Aimee
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I reward myself with time alone for me. Sometimes it is a bath, curling up in bed with a good book, or a nice stroll around the block.
Jessi A
Oct 13, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I wish I could say I reward myself but I really don’t. I guess i bake and that is rewarding to me. I hate to spend money on myself.
ikkinlala
Oct 13, 2008 at 6:58 pm
I reward myself by spending time on things I enjoy - a lot of them, like hiking and reading library books, don’t require buying anything. If we’re talking about not buying material goods (rather than not buying in general), going to concerts and plays would also be in this category.
charline s
Oct 13, 2008 at 7:51 pm
My reward is computer time, Cost very little.
adrienne Gordon
Oct 13, 2008 at 7:56 pm
rockin blogtober
Margaret Smith
Oct 13, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I reward myself with time with my family. My husband and I aren’t very materialistic, though our kids aren’t hurting for anything. We rather spend what spare money we have, on time spent with each other or our children. We get more enjoyment from treating our kids to the movies, golfing, going on day trips, and things like this, then we do from buying gadgets around the house.
Rebecca Snodgrass
Oct 13, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I reward myself with a hot bath.
michael woods
Oct 13, 2008 at 8:38 pm
With the higher cost of heating especially living in the Northeast, I would settle for a smaller home…more efficient
Carol
Oct 13, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I reward myself with a big humongous bag of potato chips and a giant bowl of onion dip.
gala
Oct 13, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I reward myself with time for me. Even 20 min in the evening alone, when my husband entertain kids can make a miracle .
karissa
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I have a really great bath salt that I love to take baths in, it was quite pricey and I received it as a gift. I cherish it b/c it is something I would never buy for myself but I love, so I take long lovely baths with it.
I also sell my books on half.com, so if I have one that I really like, I keep it instead of selling it.
Theresa Harnar
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:18 pm
We have a small house, but that means our mortgage is smaller. That leaves more money for us to be able to do special things when we want whether its going out to eat or spending a few nights away.
Tonya Froemel
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I reward myself by taking time for me!
Jaque
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I reward myself by sitting in my backyard, reading on a cool day. Of course, my big ugly dog joins me and we enjoy the day together. :-)
Thank you.
D. Martin
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Reward yourself with time well spent with a friend or family member. Quality time spent with a loved one is “priceless”!
Sonya Sparks
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:33 pm
We reward ourselves by going enjoying the day doing nothing, just relaxing.
Hil'Lesha
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Cuddling with a good book :)
Jenn S.
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I would much rather go, see and do than keep up with the neighbors/friends.
Kelsey M
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I spend the day with my family. There is a bird santuary by our house that costs nothing to enter and only about 2.00 in quarters to buy some of the pellets to feed all the animals and birds and my kids love it! We bring a picinic and play at the playground and just enjoy each others company.
MRM
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:57 pm
We just upgraded only because my husband now works from a home office and we are working on starting our family. I actually miss a smaller home and the extra free time from cleaning. Now I just have more dustng and vacuuming to do + an extra bathroom to scrub…..wah!
AmandaK
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I reward myself by going to the park with my dog and just spending time with nature. Nothing puts you in a better mood!
Jill Myrick
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:34 pm
We seem to always need more room. But have decided instead to downsize the amount of items in our house.
Surprises are always great !
Thank you so much for offering this wonderful giveaway.
I would LOVE to win !!
Carolyn Nedrow
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I reward my self with some nice, peaceful quiet time!
cjnedrow@gmail.com
Mia J.
Oct 14, 2008 at 12:21 am
I reward myself with reading a good book or taking a walk with the family.
loralie
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:18 am
skipping chores & doing something I enjoy-crafting, scrapbooking, quilting. Or an extra long walk in the hills
Terra Heck
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:23 am
I reward myself by getting great finds at yard sales.
Noreen
Oct 14, 2008 at 2:24 am
I play with my girls, do art with them, knit, play outside or read
Katie
Oct 14, 2008 at 2:43 am
Soaking in the tub or playing a few minutes of mario kart wii. Going on bike rides while enjoying the crisp fall air. Making new creations in the kitchen with ingredients we already have. Simply loving my fiance and being thankful for what we do have.
Cathie
Oct 14, 2008 at 3:49 am
Reading a book I’ve traded, cooking something special with my grandchildren. Spending some quiet alone time with my husband
Kathryn Bakken
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:43 am
My reward is spending time with my grown daughters. We regularly go out to lunch/dinner and we travel together.
Carol Lawrence
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:17 am
We should all think of down-sizing our housing,think of all the energy it would save.
Claudia Vitello
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:29 am
OH BOY
Mike Weisberg
Oct 14, 2008 at 6:31 am
i want to win
Denise B.
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:42 am
I was never one to go out and just buy things. I only buy things we need. I don’t like clutter and am very organized and clean. I enjoy a traditional family life with family vacations.
Heather
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:00 am
I think a reward is enjoying your home especially if you have it decorated the way you like. Having a home at all in this economic environment is a great accomplishment..so enjoy!
Denyse
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:22 am
I reward myself w/ me time (when I can).
Danai
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:51 am
I am much calmer and at peace when I have less clutter. I don’t feel like I have to get up and clean to get rid of it all and can relax.
Michael Capp
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:10 am
I want to win!
Monique Rizzo
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:21 am
Reward myself with little things. A bottle of nail polish, a latte, watching a tv show. I enjoy the simpler things in life!
Shannon
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:29 am
While we just recently bought a bigger house, it’s by no means huge. Slightly bigger to make space for our growing family. I love shopping and reward myself by buying great items from used websites (online classifieds) and Salvation Army.
Susan C
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:35 am
I reward myself with bubble baths-fancy bath oils and bubbles are one way I treat myself. They are not too expensive and smell so nice!
Holly
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:02 am
We watch for “free” things to do around our town. It can make a great incentive to ge something done around the house so that we can go out.
Hope to win the suprise.
Kathy Scott
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:16 am
I reward myself with time to surf the net.
Shari D
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:39 am
Hubby and I enjoy our Saturdays. We drive around to yard sales and explore a different little town every week,no timing, or real destinations. Very relaxing!
Shirley Hodge
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:58 am
The secret is to fill your time with stuff you love doing.
Elena
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:48 am
Sometimes I reward myself by window shopping, or cyber window shopping! It’s fun to look at things, even if you aren’t going to buy. Thanks for the contest!
MARILOUISE
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:55 am
I reward myself with a 1 hour nap. Either Saturday or Sunday and sometimes both when time permits I will stop and take an afternoon nap. When I awake I can take on the world.
cathi rushing
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:56 am
SMALLER EGO
Deedles
Oct 14, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I reward myself by making homemade crafts for family and friends. I feel good when I’ve created something that makes them happy.
pamr
Oct 14, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I don’t really reward myself for anything; all I need is peace after the kids go to sleep and I’m happy! Thanks for the contest!
veronica sandberg
Oct 14, 2008 at 12:48 pm
want to win this
Kate
Oct 14, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I hate clutter. I keep asking people to donate to causes in my name rather than buying me more junk to fill up my house. I rarely feel the need to “reward” myself. I just get on with enjoying life and that rarely includes gathering more things.
Diana G
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I reward myself with a hot bath and a good book. Or I like to go sit out in nature
Bonnie Capuano
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Just taking time to read in quiet is all I need. Thanks for a chance to win!!!
tracy
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I would take some time off work. Even playing hooky just 1 day to stay home to cuddle & watch movies can be extremely rewarding.
Emily
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Very timely topic. Like others who have posted, I enjoy reading library books, being outside/in nature, web surfing or mindless TV.
Connie Coe
Oct 14, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I spend time on the internet as a reward and relaxation.
Lori Williams
Oct 14, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I don’t think I do. I usually buy myself something. Will have to ponder this awhile.
Casey H
Oct 14, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I’d love to take part in the blogtoberfest fun!!
Maja
Oct 14, 2008 at 2:55 pm
love it
Tarah
Oct 14, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I love to sit in our family room (that has no TV but LOTS of windows) and read a book from the library. The only thing it cost me was the price of gas to get there.
reeva
Oct 14, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I reward myself by going to tha thrift shop actually. I love the thrills of finding that hidden gem amongst piles and miles of junk. It gives me a chance to be creative.
I’m having so much fun blog hopping during Blogtoberfest!
I hope I’m chosen as the lucky winner! :)
Damla Kayihan
Oct 14, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Thanks. I hope I win.
Susan Smith
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I reward myself by reading a good book
craig varney
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:48 pm
everyone wants to win who will it be me or you or someone else
valerie mabrey
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I reward myself with a hot bath and a good book.
M.A.
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I really enjoy the morning newspaper with a cup of hot coffee or an evening crossword puzzle with a glass of wine!
Janet F
Oct 14, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Doing what you love makes you happy.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
alice t
Oct 14, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I reward myself with the latest books from the library. It’s a great feeling to know that the next hour or so is yours and you can do whatever you want. That is a great reward!
Vergie
Oct 14, 2008 at 6:28 pm
love the trees
Leslie D.
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Doing yard work with my husband. We clown around and always find funny things to do to each other. Thanks for the give-a-way.
Vicky Boackle
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:13 pm
i like a smaller house,who wants to spend all their time cleaning.
Sandy
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:21 pm
bubblebath
Linda
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Living within your means is a lifestyle.How do you reward yourself without spending money.It takes money to do nearly everything.Just when you think it’s free you paid someone to get there.
djp
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:19 pm
i want a place large enough to hold all my prize posessions
Erica C.
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I like a nice small home
Debra F
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I reward myself with time out in my garden. I really enjoy it and I get some fresh air and exercise as well. Thank you for hosting the surprise giveaway. Hope to win.
Mary Casper
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:13 pm
My reward time is playing with my golden retrievers…Sky Storm, Journey and Dreamer
Richard
Oct 14, 2008 at 10:43 pm
It would be great to win a “surprise gift”
Amy
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Hmm…I reward myself with some “junk tV”…shhhh…or time on the computer or a nap! :-)
kristi blackstone
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Enter me please
Ashley
Oct 15, 2008 at 12:09 am
i reward myself with a good movie and some cookies
Darcy
Oct 15, 2008 at 12:09 am
We reward ourselves with pretty simple things, like a drive to the beach or making homemade ice cream. And naps! Thanks for the great giveaway!