Writing Again

I didn't realize it has been 5 years since I last wrote.  I wanted to abandon the blog and yet, maybe I should continue.  I feel like I am headed to a different path now, wishing to lead a more faithful life to God.  Yet I remain in conflict with what I want and what I need.  11 years have passed since I started earning money.  I hoarded clothes, shoes, makeup, skincare and many other things.  Looking back and making a rough estimate of how much money I have made, I should by now, at the age of 32, have a fully paid house and lot.  I can even add an SUV to that all fully paid in cash. 

Or for that amount, I have already earned all the money I needed to buy what my dream closet would look like, all the luxury bags and shoes and I have listed down in a wish list and a watch from Cartier and 2 from Breguet and several jewelries. If only I have saved them until I can afford to buy what I really want.  With that money too, how much have I owed to the poor.  I am after all only a steward of God's treasures.  I cannot see where all that money went.  Perhaps on some bags, shoes and cosmetics which still remain with me. 

It is so easy and tempting to buy what your money on hand can buy.  Instant gratification as they call it.  Some sweets, a movie ticket, some nice meal from a restaurant. They all add up.  Then I have watched several videos on minimalism.  They appeal to me and they make sense - to only have what really makes me happy.  I can barely move in my smaller bedroom now due to a surplus of things which I do not really need.

"For every item you have in your possession which you do not need, you are depriving someone in need who could have used the money you’ve spent needlessly."

 

I remember reading something with that same message somewhere.  And now that is how I want to think before I buy something.  I'm thinking of keeping a ratio of keeping only half of what I earn to myself and half of it to be given to charity.  But it can be very different based on what I will earn.  If I am earning $1000 a month to give away 50% of it may not be realistic, although I must say it is possible in Manila.  However, if I can earn $10,000 each month, then to live off $5,000 each month is excessive. 

As a solution, I plan to track my spending each month, and see how I can decrease it in the coming months.  More or less I can then see the minimum amount of money I need. 

Now, here's a bigger problem which I must face sooner than I plan to.  I am currently unemployed and only studying for a licensure exam.  I do not know what to do next.  Whether to start a small business or to be employed again.  If I can have it my way, I think the safest is to get employed again just so I can have a backup to finance the business I plan to start. Or, maybe I can really do the business full time. 

While I look for ways how to earn again, I hope to create new contents regularly.  This won't be a blog where I will review any new product that will come out, so I doubt I can earn from this blog.  It's more on minimal luxury.  Assuming I cannot let go of my luxuries.  What a struggle.  I hope to document what I can let go, so let's see if I will create a post on that.