We experienced so much stress related to my father, that happy spending was a lifeline. My mom stashed away money for joy like our lives depended on it. My mom made sacrifices so we could afford joyful 'nonessentials'Much of my childhood was spent terrorized by my sociopathic father. Her philosophy — that spending money on "non-essential" pick-me-ups is actually pretty damn essential — kept us mentally (and financially) afloat. The reason I deliberately budget joy into my expenses is because I know what it's like when you can't afford to.

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