No, I’m not talking about relationships – I mean ‘breaking up’ with the bad habits we may have, especially when it comes to spending.

Everyday I struggle with old, bad habits while trying to make healthy food and lifestyle choices.  And sometimes the old, bad “snap-spending” (I could buy something quicker than you can snap your fingers) habit sneaks up on me too.   It becomes very easy to justify an extra purchase especially since “we’ve all been tightening the belt” for awhile.

When the urge hits to revert back to my old ways, I’ve had to learn to ask myself, “Is it a need or a want?”  I even created a little card to keep in my wallet; I pull it out before I grab a credit card to force me to think.

When I take a few minutes to answer this question, and think the purchase through, I feel better because I’m in control.  I make thoughtful spending decisions.  Then there’s no guilt for deciding to spend…or not.

I’ve lived in Texas for almost 15 years, but I’ve never been to South Padre Island – until today that is.  I was here speaking at The 16th Annual Juvenile Justice Title IV-E Conference.  I had a ton of work to do after my last session, but everytime I peeped out my hotel window, I  swear I heard the beach calling me.  I grabbed my  flipflops and sunglasses, and scurried down to the soft, beige sand.  “Just a few minutes here”, I thought, “and then I’ll break out the laptop.”

Two hours later I’m making my way back to the room, with feet and ankles covered in sand and a huge smile on my face.  I had a blast!  Just walking, and feeling the warm Gulf water and the not-too-bright sun, and seeing the clear sky…. and all the other people doing the same.  It was calming and exhilarating at the same time.  And best of all, it didn’t cost me a dime!

And to think, I was going to make a ‘mall run’ after finishing my work, because I wouldn’t dare visit a new city without checking out the local shopping!  I shudder to think what I might have spent on knick knacks, and trinkets in exchange for a priceless experience.