[Ramonia]

Hi all! How would romanticize your life on a small budget? I’m newly disabled due to complications from a major surgury and unemployed.

I have no income coming in at the moment (waiting for a neurologist diagnosis).

I’ve been selling things I don’t need to get by. I do have food and basic essentials.

I received $25 from a friend as a self care gift. Curious to know what would you do with it?

[Marilyn]

I would save the $25 for an emergency if I had no income. If you have lots of savings and are not worried about finances then perhaps a pedicure would be a nice treat.

[Susan]

Local food bank…don’t be too proud…never knew anyone who did not qualify….local churches…

contact utility companies and let them know your circumstances, they might help, food stamps, free groups…

sounds like you might qualify for social security disability

[Sharon]

I am so sorry to hear about your surgery. I hope you are on your way to recovery

I understand the advice about saving money but I don’t think we’ve totally answered your question yet. I hope you don’t mind, I asked CoPilot since I only had an idea or two.

This is what CoPilot said:
Romanticizing life doesn’t require money; it’s about shifting perspective and savoring the beauty in everyday moments.

Here are a few meaningful, budget-friendly ideas they might appreciate:
– Savor the small joys – Brew a cup of tea and watch the rain, light a candle at dinner (even if it’s a PB&J), or listen to their favorite song with their eyes closed.

– Create sensory rituals – Enjoy the feeling of fresh sheets, the scent of a favorite lotion, or the warm glow of morning sunlight filtering through a window.

– Find magic in nature** – Watching birds, caring for a plant, stargazing, or even just feeling the breeze can be grounding and uplifting.

– Curate a beautiful moment – Writing poetry, keeping a simple journal, taking deep breaths in the quiet, or setting up a cozy reading nook with blankets.

– Dress for joy – Even if they’re staying in, wearing something that makes them feel good—whether it’s soft fabrics, bright colors, or comfy socks—can add a touch of elegance to the day.

– Slow down and romanticize the ordinary – Stirring a pot slowly while cooking, dancing while tidying up, or speaking gently to themselves in encouragement.

– Connect with nostalgia – Looking at old photos, watching a childhood movie, or writing letters to themselves or loved ones.
It’s about seeing life as art—where the little things hold deep meaning.

I really love what CoPilot said! I also really like your question. I think everyone would benefit from romanticizing their lives a bit.

I’m not sure what the area is like where you live but if you have a Buy Nothing group I would join in.

I think have a nice tea cup and a pretty plate to dress up your meals would be nice. I’m also wondering if you would be able to get some small plants if that’s doable.

Some functional ones would be great like herbs you could use for garnish or flavoring food.

Let me know please if any of this helps. I can try to come up with more ideas.

I hope you’re doing OK.

[Claudette]

Sorry about your current situation. Since you said buy something to “romanticize,” I take it that you are looking for something that could uplift your mood.

As a disabled person, I have always felt better after using nice body wash and lotion.

I found lots of Crabtree and Evelyn products at T J MAXX. Some were as little as five dollars. Here is a sample of what I got.

“Dollar Tree” can be a good resource also.

[Allison]

I would save the $25 for an emergency. Having a little emergency money is also self-care in the form of security.

Using food stamps and any other resources you can find is also great.

I’m so sorry you are going through this. Once you can get disability approved, things will get easier.

The limbo period in between is the hardest.

[Marissa]

Dollar tree has some amazing dupes! You can watch some tick tock or reels and spend a couple dollars and self care at home!

[Nicole]

Free ways to enjoy life- library trips, home packed picnics in the park, try new recipes, volunteer at animal shelter if able.

[Linda]

I’d spend a small portion of it on a wee treat – something that’s very meaningful to you as a treat. (Ice cream on a sunny walk, popcorn with a home movie, 1 fantastic flower, hand cream …)

Then save the rest for future – either a need or MORE treats.

[Jennifer]

Maybe a hobby? Embroidery? Not sure if those supplies are very expensive? If you haven’t already, join your local Freecycle or Buy Nothing group on facebook.

You can give but also ask for items.

It’s not just for people who are struggling financially-it’s also for people who want to see their unused/no longer needed items stay out of landfills and go to people who will use them!

Best of luck in your recovery

[Coral]

Some fresh greenery from your garden, someone else’s garden or local trees, and 3/5/7 pretty artificial flowers.

I would choose fewer flowers of better quality.

The addition of real greenery is enough to lend the illusion of reality to fake flowers, and the greenery is easily replaced.

[Clarke]

Firstly, I am so sorry that you have become disabled. That must be hard.

I usually recommend the ‘thirds’ principle. Save 1/3, spend 1/3 on necessities and 1/3 on yourself.

Are there any hairdressers you could get to, or could visit you at home?

A pedi I’d a lovely pamper, Marilyn Snider.

[Linda]

If you like to read hook up with your local library. Get books videos etc. They also have a lot of free things to do also.

Lots of good ideas here! Enjoy the simple pleasures of life!!

[Carol]

Do u emotionally need to pamper yourself@ this time then use it on lotions etc & give your an at home spa treatment.

Whatever that means to u. If not I’d save for that rainy day need.

[Nancy]

First off apply for Social Security – It’ll backdate to a point.
Complete indigent applications at hospitals – when accepted, it’ll backdate and cover 100% for 12 months.

Snap application – before you become desperate.
You’ll probably recover and not need it … BUT …
I didn’t do any of this when a work accident disabled me.

I kept trying to get past the “temporary disablement”.

Lived off Workers Comp, Credit cards, bounced cards around (to $0 interest), loans, cashed in my 401.

I just KNEW – I’d get back to work. I had had a great job with a super income. The day came that I had nothing and no way to work.

Hungry, I applied for SNAP – I couldn’t get emergency SNAP because my accident was too far past.

Lesson learned.
23 years, still disabled. I’d filed for bankruptcy, SS, made some smart choices – I’m ok now.

Took this workaholic too long to accept a disability.

[Marsha]

It depends on what you like, but if it was my $25.00, and wanting to spend it on special stuff for myself, I’d maybe get some nice tea, a candle, chocolate, a book.

Maybe not all of this with only $25.00, but some of it.

[Author]

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