1. a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
another is:
5.something that causes a person or persons to be proud
Personally I don't like the idea of #1, but I like #5. How can pride be good and bad? I'm proud to be a homemaker. I'm proud of my children. I guess maybe prideful is bad?
When I realized that I would have to raise my food budget if I wanted to buy more meat and veggies I hesitated, even though I knew we would be able to eat healthier. It took me YEARS to get our budget down to $260-$300 per month and still eat "healthy". I didn't buy very many convenience items, didn't use coupons, didn't eat very much protein and we ate fruits and vegetables that were on sale. I really didn't want to change it. However, after much research, I really wanted to change our eating habits. I wanted to support our local community by buying foods grown/produced here, but that meant more money. I wanted to eat more protein and vegetables, but that meant more money.
If we didn't have enough money to spend on groceries, that would have been one thing. However, by making a few changes in the budget we were able to add more food money to the budget. My husband said "take what you need, as long as you aren't buying junk and we have the money to do this why do you care so much?"
PRIDE
To me, it's my JOB to feed my family for the minimum amount possible and still eat healthy. My idea of "healthy" has changed, so doesn't it make sense that my budget would change as well?
I clearly remember the days we spent $600-$1,000 per month on food. I think I was fearful that I'd go back to my old ways. I will still be a frugal shopper, it will just look a bit differently.
My food budget is now $400 per month. $100 will go towards purchasing beef and pork from a local rancher and the remaining money will be spent buying more protein (local eggs!), vegetables and fruits with junk food thrown in now and then.
My JOB is feed my family for the minimum amount possible and still eat healthy. Oh wait! I still have the same job; just a different focus.
This post is linked to:
11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven
Well, you can add two more things to the list of things to be proud of...you are doing something good for your community by trying to buy local. And you are doing something good for the environment that your children will have to live in when you are gone. Don't under-estimate the value of those things!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you are saying - it is a pride thing with me to spend as little as possible. I also completely applaud your conclusion! You can take pride in knowing you are still doing your job and still keeping your family budget in line. Afterall, you're not spending more money overall, you're just spending what you have in different ways. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Little Farm in the City
Very true Wendy! I didn't think of it that way.
ReplyDeleteJb - I keep replying to your comments and they don't show up. STRANGE!
Anyway, previously I wasn't concerned at ALL about the environment. I didn't even think of it. Thankfully I now understand a bit more about the impact that I have on it! Thanks for reminding me!
I can identify. The pre-paleo budget definitely takes a hit when you are eating animal protein 2-3x/day - and even more if your spouse is as well. But like Mark Sisson always says, it's the longer term outlook that should inform our decisions. You're being quite prudent giving yourself the resources to do it right. :)
ReplyDelete