The Puzzle of The Pauley Principle, Part 1

Dump Out the Pieces and Start Sorting

This can work for you. Imagine that all life's pieces that have to do directly with you and your family are laid out on the table along with pieces from other people's lives. How can you put the puzzle together in a way that creates a meaningful whole? Thoughtfully, carefully, intentionally--usually one piece at a time--but you may have some pieces missing.

First, consider your basic needs. In today's world you must add medical care and transportation to the food, clothing, and shelter list. Those are the edge pieces of your puzzle. They give your life shape and boundaries. And, yes, we need boundaries as a starting reference. Put your basic needs in order before you begin sorting out the rest of the puzzle. Other people are working on their own puzzles and may neither have the time nor the inclination to work on yours right now, but they will.

To put your edge pieces in place, ask yourself what you can do to supplement your basic needs, live life more abundantly, and cut costs. Any little thing you can do will add to your quality of life, but there's a trade-off. It's work. In another article I suggested growing tomatoes because my family loves Mediterranean cooking (pizza, pasta, salads, etc.) and Mexican-style cooking (salsa, the spiciness of chili, and tacos). I use tomato products at least three times a week. I also recommended herbs, not necessarily a need but they do improve the quality of life, and the cost of herbs is on the increase. Consider the difference between pasta with plain tomato sauce and sauce with herbs added. Choose several herbs if you can because variety is the spice of life. Use fresh when possible. Then dry, grind, and save the rest. You may have more than you need and that leads to Part 2.