13 CHOICES: “Frugally” vs “Abundantly”

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Last Christmas, I sent this note to my family:

Here is a copy of my 13 CHOICES (once again!) You will notice that this time I have made one change to #10 Choice – Financial – Self-reliance. It used to say, “I choose to enjoy my work, live frugally and use my means to help other people.” Over the years, three of my children told me that they didn’t like the phrase, “live frugally,” because it had a negative connotation for them.

Finally, I decided to pray about changing the words “live frugally.” When I prayed, “live abundantly,” were the words that immediately came into my mind. With further research, I learned that living abundantly also includes being frugal and making wise decisions when you spend your money, so I decided to make the change! Now Choice #10 says, “I choose to enjoy my work, live abundantly, and use my means to help other people.” 

I hope you will take time to read the 13 CHOICES every day and feel the positivity and sense of purpose that flows into your life! This daily reading definitely helps both my husband and me to bounce back quickly when trials hit and try to derail us. Striving to put these choices into our daily life brings us great enthusiasm for the future!

Here is my revised list:

13 Choices For Happiness & High Self-Esteem

1. Spiritual—Self-serenity

I choose to worship my Father in Heaven every day
and live a Christ-centered life.

2. Physical—Self-respect

I choose to keep my body healthy and clean and 
avoid addictive substances at all times.

3. Mental—Self-discovery

I choose to use my mind to create, explore the
universe, and find my place in it.

4. Emotional—Self-compassion

I choose to share my feelings kindly and honestly 
with others and strive to be peaceful.

5. Social—Self-confidence

I choose to look at all people as equals and never
 judge or compare others to myself.

6. Psychological—Self-integrity

I choose to accept full responsibility for all of 
my choices and never blame others.

7. Intellectual—Self-improvement

I choose to educate myself on a daily basis, so I’ll be
useful to the betterment of society.

8. Organizational—Self-discipline

I choose to work within the time frame I’m given 
without being stressed or rushed.

9. Environmental—Self-control

I choose to keep my surroundings clean and beautiful
and live in a house of order.

10. Financial—Self-reliance

I choose to enjoy my work, live abundantly, and 
use my means to help other people. 

11. Recreational—Self-care

I choose to only see and listen to those things that 
uplift and inspire the human mind.

12. Ancestral—Self-renewal

I choose to be the transitional figure in my family 
to free future generations from abuse.

13. Moral—Self-mastery

I choose to obey all of God’s commandments and 
love and honor each of His children.