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A couple of weeks ago, as I was reflecting on my current situation, I couldn’t help but have a flurry of emotions go through me; first was of anger, then regret, anxiety, and finally guilt.
As I gathered myself and realized I was still breathing, still have a beautiful and supportive family, I can’t help but instead be grateful for this pickle I’m in 🙂
In a way, I figured, the glass would always be either half full or empty, and how I perceived it was entirely up to me; and let me tell you, I tried the negative side and it wasn’t pretty.
So here are some thoughtful lessons I learned while dealing with being “broke”:
LEARNED TO GAIN PERSPECTIVE
Have you ever heard the saying “no matter what you’re going through, there’s always someone who is worse off”? I had to remind myself of that saying so I can quickly see myself being fortunate in my “temporary” predicament.
I reminded myself that it is only “temporary”. Life is a journey, and inherent in that is the idea of being in constant motion.
I learned to roll with the punches and kept moving forward.
A great analogy I remember was the Rocky movies where he had to duck, get hit, but continue to punch his way forward even though he was taking a beating; and in the end eventually won against all odds.
To be determined, tenacious, knowing there’s always lessons to be learned in every moment of our lives, and all I have to do is just keep fighting and view adversity from all positive angles.
LEARNED TO BE HUMBLE
I eventually had to figure out that I wasn’t the hotshot I thought I was, in fact, all of my blunders up to this point can be attributed to pride and arrogance.
I really thought to myself that I was the big dog; that I was the bomb….until it exploded.
Failure can be a good teacher. It actually was and continues to be for me. In the pursuit of my ‘American Dream’, I made all the mistakes associated with taking shortcuts.
I seriously thought that stuff was worth chasing instead of experiences and relationships.
Now I finally realized that acquiring material possessions isn’t the goal. Being a well-rounded and grounded human being is.
LEARNED TO PERSEVERE
Pat Williams in his book Secrets from the Mountain said that “Every mountain in your life, whatever it may be, is potentially a ‘way’ for you to grow”.
I realized that in my journey to debt free, oftentimes it will look bleak, it will feel like the hole is insurmountable, but I refuse to submit to the negative voices, and instead determined to put my head down, fight on, and keep on fighting; until I eventually get to my goal.
Quit isn’t an option. I know where the finish line is, it’s just another step away as long as I continue taking the rights steps to get there.
LEARNED TO ACCEPT, LET GO, AND MOVE ON
I figured that looking back on the past is actually okay; first to figure out where I’ve been compared to where I am now.
I had to also recognize that it’s not there for me to camp out or be stuck in.
Learning to accept the things I can’t change, like the past, and then letting go; ultimately allowed me to be released from all the baggage associated with it.
I resolved to deal with it in a positive manner, to get on with my life and future, forgiving myself and giving myself permission to move forward.
LEARNED TO BE HOPEFUL
I realized that I’m at rock bottom, it’ can’t get any lower that this.
I constantly remind myself that the only way to go from down is up. So naturally, things can and will eventually be better.
The sun will shine and chase the gloom away, and conquering my mountain will eventually happen, taking it one step at a time and not giving up.
So I encourage you, don’t despair, there’s hope. Adjust your perspective, be positive, and find your anchor and support. Create a plan and move toward it.
In time, slow and steady, just like the porpoise running against the hare, we will make it to the finish line; with our heads held high and it will really feel profound and rewarding.
Do you have other lessons you can add? Any encouraging, uplifting insights? Please do share by leaving us feedback or emailing at thedebtfreejourney@gmail.com
Peace and Blessing to you all.
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