I was recently looking at a pair of my sneakers and noticed some wear on the edge of the sole. I took a good long look to see if it was enough damage for me to be concerned, but I determined that it was just something for me to keep an eye on. I put the shoes on and went about my day, but it gave me a bit of a chuckle. While I’m looking for a new job, I am conserving more of my resources than I would if I was going to a job every day.
No longer do the leftovers sit forgotten on the refrigerator shelf. They are either eaten the next day or are incorporated into another dish. I eyeball my clothing to see how much longer I can make things last and if anything needs repair. I use bottles of lotion and shampoo down to the last drop, and I scrape every last bit from a can of diced tomatoes or chicken noodle soup. I shake every last piece from a bag of shredded cheese, and the last bit of crumbs from chips go into a soup or salad for extra crunch.
It occurred to me after taking that long look at my shoes that I’ve actually been living in “conservation mode” for a while. It didn’t start recently. It started years ago when I was in the midst of another job change. Ever since then, I’ve worn my sneakers until they fall apart, shirts until they look faded, and jeans until they have holes in them. (Of course, that just makes my jeans more fashionable!) I’ve focused on wasting less food for a while now, and I’ve quit bringing new things into the house while there are so many other items here that I haven’t used yet. If something still works, I don’t replace it until it breaks.
During all of my various job changes, I’ve learned that I can live without a lot of things. I don’t need the latest fad from social media. I don’t have anyone in my life who expects me to please them by buying things I don’t need or can’t afford. (If I did, I would probably run them off!) If I don’t notice that I need something, I don’t worry about buying it.
Being out of work can be stressful and discouraging so I try to find the bright spots. To me, “conservation mode” is a bright spot. It has saved me money, time, stress, and frustration. Every time I’m between jobs, I’ve learned a little more about how to manage it better. Making it last is just another positive step on the road.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inspirational verses for the day:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)
All Things Subject to Change 