Do you know those people whose lives always seem charmed? Things seem to go their way so easily and you look at them and think…is anything hard for them? I’m not one of those people. I have a great life, but it has never been smooth. My life has been characterized by all of the bumps along the way.
Maybe that’s why I love stories of transformation, of awkward, flawed, and relatable people who could be me…or, a friend of mine.
My trip to Australia gave me the opportunity to live my story and see what could happen. So I picked up the book Wild and went about rediscovering myself (without all of the obvious pain).
I pushed myself to speak to new people, put myself in challenging situations, and journaled like crazy. I purposely decided not to date or have (ahem) too much fun when the opportunity presented itself. I didn’t need the distractions. You only get so many moments where you can actively focus on yourself and eliminate noise of everyday life.
Have you ever read Wild/Eat, Pray, Love/ Under the Tuscan Sun/ or Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? Didn’t those stories suck you in and make you wish for to start a journey to change your life?
My Money Story
I have now come to grips with the fact that my money story will take even longer than I ever wanted it to. Again, nothing ever seems to run as smoothly as I would like it. But, it is in these topsy, turvy difficult moments that I’ve grown the most. That I’ve met the people who would change my life, that I’ve pushed myself the hardest, and I’ve triumphed the most.
My goal is to be debt free in the next 2 1/2 years. It only took 3 years (only) to get my head in the right space, change my habits, and believe that I could ever have a life that is different from the one that I have had for the past way too many years.
I Would Be Lying If I Didn’t Admit
That I Am A Bit Frustrated.
Why is it that so many people seem to have it easy? Well, I’ve come to grips with the fact that my road will be a little bumpy and that from time to time I will get some whiplash and maybe a bruise or two. But, because I’ve been through so much crap I have a lot of empathy for people who are trying to get their financial lives together.
Sometimes when I read posts across the blogosphere I have to fight feeling like I’m a failure. I read about people making bank, becoming successful, and finding love. I wonder-when will it be my turn? The thing is you can’t live looking towards the future. You have to live now. And, as I actively live in the now, it will set up the series of events that will bring my debt freedom, my success, and love.
But a lot of those people had struggles, worked hard, and triumphed over whatever their personal demons they may have been dealing with. It has just taken me longer to deal with my sh$t.
This Is My Wild, Eat, Pray, Love Moment
Where I learn more about myself than I ever wanted to, and then share those life lessons with others. So, I will embrace this journey with open arms (and the right shoes) and carry on.
So, thank you for continuing to support me and read about my journey. The road is going to get bumpy but I’ve decided that I won’t be angry about this. I will embrace my journey, put my Buffalo Exchange Ray Bans on and get back to kicking some debt butt.
See you on the other side.
***Check out my post at The Money Spot. I talk about the livable wage.***
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Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. I admire your determination and being open to challenges and changes in life Michelle. Good luck! Never forget to LIVE for the moment!
You are so right! I’m just going to go with the flow, live in the moment, and make things happen. I’ll be much happier in the long run.
Yes! I think I have been on the same bumpy road you have been on! Sometimes I ask myself when does the road get smooth and straight?! The past few years have been so tough for me in every aspect. I’ve made changes and things are turning around, but I’m certainly not where I want to be yet financially or mentally. We can do this!
Basically, last year I was grappling with the fact that I had many more years of debt repayment to go and I was wanting to get out of my job. Then, I knew I didn’t want to work in another office-so, that was part of why I was so down last year. I just was frustrated. I also felt that I am living now and I needed to do things that would invigorate and excite me as I continued on this journey. My debt freedom journey (and my life) has just never been easy. So, I will roll with it and kick some a@@ with the skills I’ve learned persevering through challenging situations.
I totally get where you’re coming from! And yes I pretty much think every man, woman, and child that read Eat, Pray, Love! thought about their own life and what it would be like to be in her shoes and do that same kind of thing. You can say “just don’t compare” but we are humans and I think it’s very difficult not to fall prey to that sometimes. I know I do. Hell I wish I had the perfect armor that could protect myself from seeing people going on fabulous trips, making money, and getting engaged in FB. I think its OK to embrace our “humanness” and know that we are flawed, but like you mentioned, that we are working our very best to try and overcome life’s obstacles and hurdles.
I want that armor!!I think that sometimes it’s hard for people to understand why people would travel while in debt or why people are embracing these type of experiences as they work towards debt freedom. I knew that I was at a point in my life where I had to make some major changes before it was too late for me to create the life that I want for myself. I am very happy that I took the time to check back in with myself, got my head back into the game, and now I am looking forward to managing the second part of my money journey.
Oh, have I felt like this from time to time! You are not alone. Keep going. Anything worth doing takes time and determination.
I am, and I have you guys in my corner!! I just have to admit that there is moment when you have to just admit you’re (I’m) tired of this.
I understand your frustration; the fatigue is something I fight off harder than any other factor. Still, I have no doubt you’ll make it through and come out better because of it. The journey is what it’s all about. Good luck, friend.
Thanks Mario, I appreciate your encouragement and support!! You’re right, fatigue is an issue and I just have to dig deep and work harder. Luckily, I am a part of a wonderful community of people who cheer me on when I feel a bit down
The grass is always greener! Honestly, as much as I’d like an “easy” road or have good things happen to me all the time, all the bumps in the road are really what makes me who I am. I’m not paying off my CC debt and student loans as fast as I originally wanted, which is a bummer. But I’m enjoying life along the way, and that’s all I can really ask for!
I am much happier than I have been in a long time. BUT, I am over the debt. So, there will be some changes as I move forward into this second stage of debt repayment. I just have so much more energy now that I’m not commuting. That alone is HUGE.
Keep your head up! Remember, people aren’t as fast to share negative, ugly, difficult things as they are to shout their triumphs and good stuff from the rooftops 🙂 I think Lisa is spot on with her comment about the grass being greener, too. Sending positive vibes your way!
You are so right about keeping the crappy stuff to yourself. I am just trying to live my own best life in the way that I envision it: love, family, debt free, growing income, good health and travel. That’s it.