Source: http://www.sassansanei.com/sanfrancisco/Everyone around me is talking about how chipper I am these days. It’s true. I’ve become rather perky, and I’m proud of it despite the fact I’m freaking out some friends. They’ll get used to the new John.

My job hunt is speeding along an encouraging path, and that’s one reason for my cheerier attitude. But there’s more at work. I’m simply getting more out of life by having less money right now.

It sounds crazy, and let me assure you that I’m eager to return to full-time employment and my regular income ASAP. Looking for a job isn’t that much fun, and neither is having to slow down my Almost Debt Free action plan. However, life has become more fulfilling even though my unemployment benefits pay me nearly half of what I used to earn. How is it possible that I’m happier than ever?

I was reading over some old stuff old I wrote to get an idea for my next topic. Not feeling a moment of inspiration, I got ready for the morning and started to brush my teeth. I’m staring in the mirror like a big goofball with minty froth all over my face, and wham! I realized what I’ve been doing differently in response to two things about life that always rattled my nerves:

1. People want your money.

2. People want your time, which is just as valuable as money.

My reaction always was:

1. Grudgingly pay my bills and debts; swat at everything else like an ornery cat, yet lose some money from the grasp of my claws anyway.

2. ‘œSorry, I don’t have time.’

Here is what has changed.

For #1: Just Buy What’s Needed

When I was working, I’d always complain, ‘œGosh, I spend so much on eating out and drinks. Why is it so hard to stay within my budget?’ Duh, because I kept going out to restaurants and bars at least four nights a week.

Poor me that I live in a very central location with every kind of cuisine to enjoy just blocks from my apartment. But there are just as many places nearby to get inexpensive and delicious foods to make at home at a fraction of the cost of going out. Yes, I have more time to cook now that I’m not working the crazy hours I worked before, but I’m sure I could have found ways to cook in the same amount of time it took me to go out to eat.

The point is: now I’m only putting myself in situations in which I need to exchange money, as opposed to ‘œWell, this is more convenient, so I’ll just do this.’

How many of us actually see a clear distinction between what we need and what we buy for pleasure or convenience? Having my income slashed uncovered the clear boundary between my needs and wants. Thankfully, my needs are met easily and affordably.

For #2: Sequence What You Love To Do

One of the best things that happened to me since becoming unemployed was finding this article about entrepreneurs who love too much. The following excerpt from Pam at Escape From Cubicle Nation washed me in waves of comfort and validation:

‘œThe other day, I was talking to a very well-known and accomplished author who by her fame and prestige you imagine would be living on Easy Street.

‘œBut she was exhausted and overwhelmed with her workload, and said in an exasperated tone: ‘˜I am just so tired! I have so much to do that I can’t seem to run fast enough. The worst thing is that I absolutely love everything I am doing. It is so hard to give anything up!’

‘œIt struck me that this is the exact same response that I get from newbie entrepreneurs who are faced with the following challenges:

‘œTrying to decide which business to start when they have equal enthusiasm for things like starting a coffee shop, launching an internet business, becoming a professional speaker or working with a tribe in the Amazon to export native fruit as a way to save the rain forest. (You think I am making this up — I run across interests this diverse in the same person all the time!)’

Pam left out a few other competing interests in this list, but the famous writer’s troubles and Pam’s explanation pinpoint the EXACT source of my previously overwhelmed schedule. I didn’t know how to attend to everything I love, until she listed helpful steps which include:

‘œ1. Set the appropriate mindset’¦ It is all about sequencing projects and ideas so that you get things done while maintaining health and balance.

2. Measure your ideas against a real, live calendar.

3. Define selection criteria.

4. Define in specific terms the cost to your financial, emotional or physical health if you continue to light all fires at once.

5. Create a long-term calendar where you plan for multiple projects.

6. Create a good transition plan for things you are shedding’¦’ and so on.

Since implementing these steps in my life, I’ve learned how to balance the gift of having more time on my hands.

So in answer in to people wondering why I’m so damn chipper without a job, it’s because I took action to live in harmony with my needs and time as I’ve detailed above.

Have you had a similar or wildly different experience?