For the past few months, I've been an advocate of austere living given the tough times these days. I've been churning work for months now specifically just about how to get by during these tough times. To be exact, smiling back at life even when life is much harder now. We've repeatedly said there are things that you cut back on but never a smile that only Coke gives you.
That's true. The essence of family togetherness should not be about the material things and the temporary satisfaction that it gives to you. It's about the crucial moments that you spend with your loved ones that make togetherness and bonding really special. What more? Never give up the smile that an ice cold Coke gives you, as it makes the whole moment together nicer than nice.
This is something that I constantly remind people, look for in our ads and even in all TV executions that Lot, Shali and I worked on with GMA and ABS. It was message loud and clear.
Since my last trip to Hong Kong, I had never spent a single cent on shoes, bags, pants nor shirts for the last three months. I managed to curb my spending appetite and just fancied on opening a new top every other week which I bought from HK. I trafficked it so well that even now I still have some pieces I had not used nor opened from that trip. Good. Thought to self, all my polos are still wearable and definitely nice pa rin. So there's no need pa to buy new ones, or put out new ones. I just casually mixed and matched all my clothes.
Then came the holidays. I did very well during Christmas. I managed to go to Zara, Celio, CK and Topman and leave without buying anything. Every time I was about to buy something, I would stop and ask myself I indeed needed it. And would end up putting it back on the shelf and quietly leave. I was able to stop myself from buying extra Pumas and jackets too! Big feat! I only splurged on food and cabs during the season. We had mandatory expenses in the office but that's fine. And had to buy my cousins and inaanaks gifts, that's it. Nothing for me.
(oh except for those rubbers that I really needed since sira na my gym shoes).
So at the end of the year I felt extremely well. I managed too to stop myself from buying a new wristwatch which I had wanted so badly. I was mastering the art of controlling gratification and just managing what I have.
This was true until the year ended. December 30 was Rizal Day. The same fateful day I broke my clean record; The day when all stores decided to collaborate and launch an evil attack on my clean record and assault my wallet; The day they launched every consumerist's dream word: SALE.
It started with 2 pairs of jeans from CK and a tokong shorts. But hey, I really needed a new pair of jeans anyway. And they were on sale anyway. Then it was followed by a pair of Topman jeans and three tops on sale.
I didn't stop just yet. I bought mom a Puma jacket. I got stuff from Zara. At this point I was already feeling very very guilty. I couldn't think how I ended up buying all those stuff which I really don't need yet. Worse, these are all unplanned purchases. To be fair naman, I had waited for the yearend sale naman talaga at Zara so it was quite planned but the amount I paid was just too much - from a store on sale (!) and in one go. Sigh.
I felt betrayed. My spirit was down. Deep in me, I was feeling guilty for buying all those. I needed reprieve. I need help.
Eto na. I was feeling remorse na nga and all that. But did that stop me? No. The following day I went into the biggest trap of my life - this watch store. I was there to try it on lang and ponder further until i thought I was ready to buy. But there was a small voice that pushed me to buy it. When I wanted to say that I was going to think about it, I said Im going to buy it. Too late. The next thing I know I couldn't stop the cashier from swiping my card and charging it. I knew I wanted to hold back but I couldn't let it out.
I stepped out of the store feeling more low. Really disappointed with myself and feeling useless. How could I have let it happen.
I went down to the ground floor feeling flushed. I needed a Coke light. To make me smile. Smile back at life and realize that it's okay.
Certainly, I had not practiced what I preached. It all happened in the last 3 days of the vacation. My fault.
Pero time to pick up the (bills) pieces and pay them soon. In the meantime, I know where my paychecks will be going this month. And furthermore, I am banned from all these malls na muna in the meantime. Disciplinary actions for me.
Spank me, please?
:-)
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