30 Things I've Learned: #7

- Be broke. 

Seriously. It's not fun, it's awful really, but in other ways it's amazing. I once at oatmeal for a week in college - all 3 meals, everyday.  In full disclosure, I had some money, but I chose to spend it going out. I couldn't have food and fun, so I chose fun. It was the best choice I made.  I was 19 and eating on my twin bed in my dorm room wasn't exactly an episode of Top Chef. 

At 29 being broke was really just awful. However, the lesson was amazing. In the years prior I  racked up a lot of debt. I had to stop. Be still, no trips. I had to stop shopping (I had plenty of things).  I still don't have a lot of money.  I'm still trying to pay down certain debts.  I chose to take a job that cut my pay in half. I'll catch back up one of these days, but until then I have to be thoughtful with where and with whom I spend my money.  I try and do the things that will make me better, the things that will add value to my life.  Sometimes this means day drinking in the park with friends, other times it means a plane ticket, sometimes a dinner out, but most of  the time it's on groceries that I can cook for the week ahead. A valuable way to save money, but really an even more valuable way to control what goes into my body. 

When I had more money, I didn't have more happiness.  I just bought more things. I spent without thinking.  Looking back I wish I'd given more away, bought fun surprise gifts for friends, saved more.  It is said that $70,000 is the amount that one needs to live a comfortable life.  Anything above that is a mere pissing contest for who has what and the biggest this or that.  One thing the past two years have taught me is that I don't really need any of that "stuff".  What I need are close friends, valuable relationships, a love of self, and a huge sense of adventure. 

Be broke. Be brave.