Becoming frugal is basically becoming thrifty and less wasteful. Between a lack of money and increased global warming, just about everyone is motivated to adopt a more frugal lifestyle. We want to save money, time and/or natural resources to afford that which we value most. Deciding how frugal you want or need to be is up to you. Oh but where to begin!

   Years ago I became frugal out of necessity when I became a single mother. My take home pay was inadequate, but fortunately my creativity ran high and my attitude was positive. A gift of fabric scraps turned out to be my sewing lesson, a blanket for my son and another quilt I sold for $100.00. A few grocery bags of grapes from a neighbor provided canning practice, a year’s supply of grape jelly and home made Christmas gifts for friends. I kept busy seizing every opportunity to learn and get by. Before long I found my efforts were very rewarding and productive.

   Certain frugal experiences have become traditions.

   Initially I created my first Christmas cards because I could not afford store bought. To my surprise those cards brought so many compliments and requests for custom stationery.  On three occasions I even produced wedding stationery. These days I take a few hours each month to create cards  - some for my use and some to share as gifts.

  Gardening started as a necessity as well. All the fresh vegetables really reduced the grocery bills in the summer, and with the several hundred jars I canned and preserved, I saved all that much more throughout the year. My shelves were full of fruit spreads and preserves, pie fillings, salsa, and more. Soon these were requested gift items too.

   The green thumb spilled into flower gardening the next year. I traded plants with friends and propagated them to fill flowerbeds quickly. Within a few seasons I was selling extra plants to buy other varieties. This has kept my love of flowers from breaking my bank.

    All the goodies at arts & crafts shows always seemed out of my financial reach, but they inspired me to learn many skills. I learned how to paint on glass, canvas and wood. Making candles and soaps became regular activities I enjoyed. Before long I could fashion a copper lawn sprinkler, sandblast glass and sculpt with Mache’ or clay with ease.  And the savings were sure adding up.

     My journey into frugality began innocently enough with my son needing a blanket and a gift of scrap fabric. I have learned how to acquire new skills and found a deep sense of satisfaction all while in the midst of financial distress. What could have been a dismal place in my life instead proved to be a place of becoming who I am today.

     We all have a mental image of what being frugal looks and feels like. If you’re picturing doing without and a sense of loss, you are likely to be miserable and resentful. However, if you can open your eyes to the frugal opportunity as a gift, you may find more than just savings or a means to get by. You may find a big part of who you are. Even with a choice, I can not imagine living any other way.