My whole adult life I’ve looked for an extended family. When people have that, it frees them from a lot of worry.Are you one of the fortunate people who have wonderful family members available and close enough to provide a built-in network for socializing, celebrating and showing up to help when there’s a problem? If so, it frees you up in so many ways. You can make commitments for work knowing you have a back-up system in place. Many of us who are not so fortunate have had to create our own extended family.
One night I was at a conference nearly 2000 miles from home when my husband called to tell me he had been admitted to the hospital. It was really late at night, there were no flights that would get me home, our dog would need to go out in the morning, and it was too late to call anyone. I emailed three neighbors asking for help. The first thing in the morning I got a call from two of them offering to help out with anything we might need. The third saw the email later and reached out. I also knew if I called anyone from another group I’ve become a part of each of them would also be there for me. That’s when I knew Wilmington, NC, had become home. (By the way, my husband is fine!)
Even if you are in the military or belong to a faith-based community where people are used to helping each other out, you still have to actively reach out to build those relationships. Have you created an extended family for yourself? Have you let people know that they can count on you too?
Money Saving Tip
Do you love cut flowers but want to limit your cost? Use a potted plant on your table so it always has beautiful greenery. Buy (or pick) just a couple of flowers and stick them in the pot in individual stem holders with water.
What made you smile today?
What made you proud of your money choices today?
