While home for Christmas, I had a conversation with my step-dad where he said that both he and my mom had noticed that something seemed to have changed with me since they saw me in August.
Every time I’m in town, my step-dad and I go out for coffee—just the two of us. In August, we talked about how I wasn’t sure all of my school debt would be worth it and there were just no guarantees and it seemed like such a risky decision. I was very vague, but still I had never been that honest about money before.
Money had finally become such a big stress in my life that I couldn’t keep it inside. Introvert that I am, that really tells you something.
When he told me this time that I seem so much more at peace and not so distant, I was vague again, but honest in saying that taking control of my finances had made a huge difference. I don’t know how to explain it except to say what I’ve already said: it opened up this whole future for me where I’m not struggling with money—where I can afford the pet I want and the vacation I dream of, buy a house before I’m 50, have kids some day, and just live the reasonable-but-comfortable life I want.
If getting out of debt is something you know you need to do, don’t do it just because it’s the right thing. Do it because it will change your life. It’s not just getting out that will change everything—the change happens the minute you seriously get started.
I am not one for motivational speeches and though I study theology, I took the academic track where there is no preaching, but getting out of debt was the second best decision I have made in years (the best was starting a blog).
My debt has been holding me in place, limiting even my dreams (which for a dreamer like me is again really saying something). I feel free and the difference is so dramatic that it’s apparent to people who know nothing about my debt.
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I am famous (in my small circles) for saying “Ok, this is what I’m gonna do” because making plans is something I’ve been doing for years to make myself feel better, even before I knew I had an anxiety disorder. That’s what I thought of right there when I saw the title of your blog in my reader.
I’m glad you’re feeling better, like you’re in a better place and that the people close to you notice it. I can only imagine how relieving it is for you to be on your way to being debt free.
Sigh, you need to give me tips when I see you this weekend. I need to get out of debt!
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