Such a small amount, yet I was giddy about the unexpected windfall for days.

The check for fifty dollars, printed on carefully patterned, possibly watermarked, paper arrived in a standard issue Number 10 window envelope, the kind used when a government department has a big mailing list.

The check, easily torn away from the bottom of an 8 ½” x 11” piece of paper, was accompanied by a short form letter from the state controller’s office. Basically, it explained that I had made a small over-payment on last year’s state income tax bill.

Oh, it was a reFUNd check. I thought about the word. The unexpected money was a reminder for me to have FUN.

This special delivery felt different than when I receive a rebate check for buying a favorite brand of spirits at the liquor store, although waiting three months for my “show me the money” moment can feel like a surprise as well.

Receiving a federal income tax “return” is also different.

No surprises are involved. People who overpaid know how much they can expect. In many cases, “return” money has already been spent.

No. This felt different.

The amount was not so small it could be mixed in with change that collected on top of my dresser, nor so large it would get earmarked for an overdue household project like a kitchen refresh.

The amount was perfect for treating myself without an accompanying dose of guilt.

A dinner out? A hardcover book?

It seems to be easy to spend money on a gift. Some type of calculations might take place around the history of the relationship. Yet, it’s often easier to justify spending money on someone else.

I remember a workshop I took many years ago about the different energies of money: earning, saving, spending, investing, and giving it away. I’d like to have a good relationship with all of them.

It is important to ENJOY your resources.

Fifty dollars is an amount that doesn’t demand deep psychological attention. I considered that spending fifty dollars simply on something FUN did not invite self-judgements. It was not an amount that robbed funds allocated for something I needed.

It was merely about treating myself to something I wanted, something I could enjoy —  at a time and place of my choosing.

Whether money is hard-earned or gifted, whether the amount is large or small or something in between — it seems that any spending gesture should be accompanied by joy.

Receive, Spend, Enjoy. Repeat.

Not forgetting the FUN in ReFUNd is no small thing.

Re-printed with permission.

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