Sure invesments

When I asked my mother if I should take the promo package offered by a skin clinic, she pushed me to go for it. Never been so mindful about my physical looks, I felt that it would be so extravagant of me to spend what I thought was a big amount to get facials, skin peelings and face massages. But a new work environment brought about a skin break-out. And what my mother told me made sense. The best investment is to spend on yourself.

An important disclaimer though : like any other investments, this should be done wisely. Measure the pros and cons. Compute the output and the input. Prioritize on the necessities. Figure out the excess in your budget and estimate the demands on your pockets.

Let me try to remember some big spendings I made on myself.

Originally not an out-of-my-own-pocket expense, my braces did leave some space in my wallet (theoretically because I do not own a wallet, never liked using one). It took 9 long years to finish the alignment of the noncompliant teeth but it was all worth it. The countless visits to the dentist’s clinic became tiring but even then I knew I would get something out of the lunchtime or Saturday appointments. I can now smile with confidence.

For six months I paid credit card charges in order to shell out for the lifetime membership in a fitness gym (I made sure the offer was on a 0% interest rate... one has to be wise as a snake regarding credit card expenditures). And thus, for six months I didn’t have any big savings. But once again, my shrewd mom told me that there is nothing more important than health. I computed the annual fees and compared it to the special offer of that moment. I saw the long-term savings. I saw the health gains. I can now go to the gym 7 days a week, in all branches, from 6am to 9pm.

The latest expense I recently wrote in a previous entry. I invested in my eyes. This one thanks to the encouragement of my father. The doctor told me that I could have ten years of good eyesight. But no one can stop the ravages of age. I would need glasses once I hit middle-age. But I will treasure the time that I would be able to see the world clearly. There is no price for that.

I thank God for it was He who provided the money so that I could do all these things. But I do know that I also did my part. I could have bought expensive gadgets, pricey clothes, or any other costly items. Instead, I am grateful for God showed me the importance of saving up. I am thankful for people who let me borrow and pay in installments without any interest. I thank God for giving me wisdom in getting the most out of my credit card privileges and in taking advantage of promo offers and packages. Believe it or not but all of the above expenses I got with big discounts and freebies.

I believe that as children of God, we have a responsibility in taking care of ourselves. Not because of vanity, not because we are full of pride in ourselves, especially in our outward looks. We exercise to perk up stamina and health. Without them, we cannot do anything. Braces can improve the external appearance of the teeth but also makes better the underlying bone structure of the jaw. A smile can be a powerful tool in reaching out to a lonely soul. The eyes? The better to see the warmth and sincerity within.

We mirror God’s beauty. We should look it.