The most important step to frugal living.

Frugal living is a lifestyle, I grew up that way, I saw how my mom managed our house and us kids, I thought it was normal that she would ration everything. But she did it without making us kids feel that we're missing out on anything. We were happy and we lived within our means. But if you're just starting to embrace frugal living, I agree that you have to be thankful, you can cut down on everything and still feel bad, but when you think about the end result and how it is helping you then you will be successful.

Yes, you are right. If you want to be happy, be contented with what you've got. It doesn't mean we just sit on our laurels and lay supinely on our backs. Rather what I mean here is, we may continue to strive to achieve higher levels in life, but always, the happiness about what we are this time will always be there in our hearts. Let us not stray our eyes on our neighbors accomplishments and status in life, for each of us has our own measure.

living your dream life is really important, the human nature is such, we always have a desire to acquire more, we actually are not satisfied with all the little stuff that we have, i too have undergone these problems in my life, but the only thing i learnt is- dreaming high is not bad, but be cautious that your dreams are not affecting your personal relationships.

I agree with this idea. I'm also trying to declutter my home and my life, and be happy with what I have and love, rather than being overwhelmed by all this "stuff" that I don't need. Things don't have to be perfect, they just have to work for us.

You make an excellent point, happythoughts. It seems like most of us waste most of our lives rushing around to earn more money to buy more things -- and for what. How many of us really need more things? Maybe we should be rushing around to see how many more people in need we can help, and how many new friends we can make instead.