NST April 2020: Fools we are not!
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NST April 2020: Fools we are not!
Okay, so once we are past the first 12 hours of the month, then technically we are no longer Fools. But let’s apply this more broadly, as we are turtles and we think about things. A lot.
It is a new month, but a continuation of unpredictable circumstances that are simply beyond our control. We cannot change them, so we look at what we can control and change. Some of us know what income we will have, for others it is uncertain. Some of us are isolated, some of us have the whole family living on top of each other. We are flexible. We are creative. We do not lie down (for too long, anyway) and give up. We have flippers! We have turtle power!
Welcome to April!
Feast-famine-frivolous-frugal -fun-finances-fitness-freedom
(yeah, it might have been better in Feb…!!!)
Feast / famine
To live constantly in ‘feast’ mode is draining. Constant feasting – gorging ourselves on spending, treats, wants – removes the specialness of a one-off, waited-for feast. Do you spend your money in the first half of the month and then have to eke it out for the rest?
Likewise, constantly living in famine is also draining, in want of basic necessities, threadbare, struggling to pay the bills and buy food.
Simplifying our habits leaves space to savour both times of more and times of less.
Frivolous / frugal
Being frivolous is wasting our resources. Our money. Our time. Our energy. Our emotions. It drains all of these.
Bring frugal is the quality of being economical with money or food; thriftiness. It allows us to save ourselves for the things that really matter to us. We choose to be frugal in order to have freedom and fun in our lives.
Fun
You cannot be a grumpy turtle because they don’t exist! Find what makes you happy and do more of it. Turtles have flippers. Flippers allow you to experience an unimaginable feeling of speed. You can move through the water at a velocity otherwise not possible. Like freewheeling down a hill on your bike. Laugh daily. Read escapist books. Nurture your inner child.
Finances
Finances are why we are on this thread. Whatever our circumstances financially, there are always tweaks to be made. Budget every penny for the month ahead and write down every single spend to see how well you keep to your plan.
Fitness
We are in a time of cocooning with time to think, time to be. Most of us have time to look after ourselves and the internet gives us resources for all of that, in a way that has never been available before. Being inside does not mean being immobile. 2-minute bursts of energy go a long way. A few squats here and there add up. Hang off the pull-up bar if you can’t pull up on it. Sit up straight and take several long deep breaths. Do 100 burpees. Every day. Now is an opportunity for self-care like never before. Meditate. Moisturise. Drink water. Breathe fresh air (unless you have hayfever in which case you can just look outside!) Eat well.
Turtles see things as they are and have fun anyway. So the rules are simple and some may say life changing. Introduce yourself, check in every day and realise that from now on you can be in control. Everyone has a different battle, differing circumstances and differing lifestyles. We are here to help each other. We are not in competition with each other. We are a team. No turtle gets left behind.
Change your habits - change your life!
The Rules:
- This challenge runs from the 1st April to the 30th April 2020.
- You will pitch in with 15-20 NSD (No Spend Days) If you have purchases that are all "yellow sticker" purchases then this is classed as an NSD. (Medication exempt from NSD also - can't have you all keeling over now can we. And fuel if you need to travel.)
- You will ransack your cupboards and freezers to finish all foods before buying more – no hoarding please. Plan your meals.
- Set your budgets and do not exceed them. Get a spreadsheet open now (or a notebook), plot where you feel money NEEDS to go this month. Avoid everything else. Keep a spends diary - be vigilant. Put down everything even if it’s a planned spend.
- Pay to your debts/savings first. The rest is what you live off.
- Wave bye-bye to unnecessary and frivolous spending. If coffee shops re-open, avoid them. No online purchases beyond the necessary. Usually we avoid corner shops but if that is your only option, then use it, but consider how much you need what you are buying. Support local businesses if you can – that may mean paying more, but it may mean that they keep their livelihood.
- If you are going out to work, take your own lunch to work every day - no exceptions. Make them the night before to avoid "forgetting" in the morning.
- Start a spring clean - clutter free house = clutter free mind.
- Be generous – the foodbanks still need donations, as do charities.
- Do check in everyday, even with a one liner to let us know you are there.
- Post your gratitudes. I’m upping this to 5 please. You can repeat them from day to day! I am constantly grateful that I can read, for easy access to information, for clean water, for my bed, good coffee, 85% chocolate, my kettlebells…
Who is with me?
Sign up below and we’ll get going on the 1st.
Childcare budget boost
More support for children from nine months and those on Universal Credit
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