Indulging In a String of Pandora Memories

I learned very young to save my money and to only buy that which I needed. In fact, saving was such a way of life that it became like a game for me—the more I could save, the happier I was. I tend not to buy a lot of items that are not necessities, but I do envy those who are easily able to guiltlessly buy that which makes them happy. I had first seen the Pandora jewelry line at work when my boss had gotten a bracelet. I thought that it was the most beautiful line of jewelry. I immediately fell in love with the intricate and unique silver beads and the colorful glass beads. As much as I adored the bracelet, I wasn’t able to convince myself to indulge.

I received my Pandora bracelet for my 22nd birthday. My mother and sister gave me my bracelet along with the bear bead. When we celebrated my birthday at work the very next day, I found out that my bosses had actually gotten me the exact same bracelet and bear bead! In addition, they gave me my initial “S” in silver. I was able to exchange the additional bracelet and bear bead for some different beads. I chose the happy fish, because I spend my summers fishing with my boyfriend, and the green stripe Murano glass bead, simply because I love the look of the green on silver.

The Pandora bracelet is my favorite birthday gift that I have ever received. I wasn’t able to convince myself to indulge, so instead, the ones I love and care about forced me into it. I am so glad that they did, as I love my bracelet and what the beads represent to me. I have learned to buy myself little things now that really make me happy. I purchased the snowman as a gift to myself because I have always loved the winter and holiday season, and I didn’t even feel guilty.

My bracelet has a few extra charms because my boyfriend gave them to me for our fourth anniversary. He added the rabbit, in memory of my pet rabbit, and the turtle because we had been in Florida on vacation just a month prior and searched everyday on our walks and bike rides for the turtles in the little pond.

I am so thrilled to be able to wear a beautiful piece of jewelry that reminds me of all the special things in my life that I decided to give the same joy to my mother and sister. My mom received her associate’s degree this past fall and will graduate this spring. We bought her the bracelet and the little package bead so that she will remember that this was a gift to her because of how proud we are of what she has accomplished.

It is true that the best things in life are free, but paying a little to have a string of memories in the form of a beautiful silver bracelet is worth the indulgence!

-Sarah M