It’s FREE but can you really afford it?

Email boxes across the globe are bombarded daily with more and more opportunities for something ‘FREE’ all geared towards the increase of happiness, peace, health, wealth etc.  But what does free actually mean and is it really something you can afford?

One of the ways in which the dictionary defines FREE is “exempt or released from something specified that controls, restrains, burdens, etc.” and it is the individuals pursuit of this that dictates the development and growth of free opportunities. At the time of writing a Google search reveals three million plus results on the word free alone. It is undoubtedly a popular turn of phrase, but the question still remains is there really any such thing as something for nothing?

Not according to American Business man John Capozzi, he suggests that “a free lunch is only found in mouse traps” and we all know what happens to visitors to a mousetrap!

So could there be some truth in Capozzi’s statement?
Well, you are best placed to be a judge of that.  Are you attracted to free opportunities/information? Of course you are (we all are) but where has all of those opportunities/information actually taken you? Have they been useful or have you found that you have unwittingly become a ‘free stuff’ junky and are surrounded by lots of free stuff, that you have yet to find a profitable use for?

Whether this is an accurate picture of you or not, stop for a moment and ask yourself just how much free stuff has actually cost you and what the return on your investment has been?

Where is all of this conversation about free leading?
Simply to get you to consider whether the pursuit of  ‘free’ has actually been working for you and how to make it work better.

Let’s face it our senses appear to be heightened at the very thought or mention of the word  ‘free’ and whatever proceeds it becomes more appealing even if previously it was something we had little or no interest in.
In order to fully benefit from ‘free’ you need to have a plan for how to use it or it could simply provide you with the same result as buying dog food because it is going cheap and you do not have a dog.

Don’t let ‘free’ seduce you
Whenever the word ‘free’ shows up stop for a moment and ask yourself whether you need what is being offered and whether you have the time to get maximum benefit from accessing it. Then make your decision according to your answer to that question.

By being strict about your answers it will help you to reduce the amount of ‘free’ you are surrounded by and how you make use of it.

Here are just some of the ‘free’ things that can benefit you and make a difference in your life.
Say thank you. Saying thank you to people in your life for the things they do and for just being there can make a huge difference in both of your lives.

1. Be grateful. Remember to record the things you are grateful for. Do it now and on the days you are unable to see the wood from the trees and saying reading them will provide you with a welcomed distraction.
2. Smile often. A smile is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal “It is the light on a face that tells you someone is at home.” It is not only guaranteed to make you feel better, it is also infectious and enriches whoever receives it. Spread a smile today.
3. Laugh. Laughter has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and make people feel better about themselves, their lives and their situation. When we laugh, it releases the endorphins in our brain and according to Kalat “laughing is like taking opium or morphine without the adverse side effects”.So next time you feel yourself start to tense up, tune into your favorite comedy on television. Read a funny book. Call up a good friend and laugh heartily for a few good minutes. It doesn’t even hurt to just force a good laugh now and then. You’ll find your stress melting away with each breath!
   Use the library – Libraries are a powerhouse of knowledge and information and quite often have the latest books you are looking for. They are full of interesting information and people, why not check it out and see for yourself.
4. Go for a stroll in the park. There is something about the great outdoors that helps connect you to something greater than yourself and it makes you feel better.
5. Have a conversation with a friend. A real conversation, not by email or instant messenger or on Face book try the telephone or face to face perhaps even meet up for a coffee or a drink. One of the real joys in life is to have more conversations with people who stimulate your own thinking, or who inspire you to do something new.
6. Sleep. Sleep is your body’s opportunity to relax and recharge and is necessary to keep your body and mind functioning smoothly and efficiently. Make sure you give your body what it needs. You can even supplement your sleep with the power nap. Treat yourself to a 15 minute nap whenever you need a top up, your body will appreciate it.
7. Volunteer. Want to feel good and contribute to your community at the same time? There are volunteer agencies as well as local groups that will benefit from your input. Volunteer at whatever level of time you have to give. You’ll be helping people out and you might just find that it is one of the most satisfying things you can do.
8. Exercise and cultivate life energy. Exercise is important and something you can do without setting foot in a health club. Walking, and running are free and can help you keep vitality in your life.

Free is a powerful tool that can work for and against you so as the world of free continues to grow and surround you choose wisely how and make free work for you.

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