Unforeseen Progress

I realize I don’t update this blog too often – probably because, in part, a lot of what has changed is in my day to day life and I tend to stay pretty busy. Sure, I have days when I’m pretty down, or when things don’t seem to be going my way very well, but then, inevitably, something happens to change that outlook.

There are a lot of things about my life now that I love, and most of all, I love that I’m in control of the overall outcome. Yes, things happen outside of my control, but being focused on the things that really mattered to me has put in a position of power in my own life. Taking time to focus on those things, and not being swayed by random things that would distract me has allowed me to get into this position in my life.

For the first time in a rather long time, I’m not worried about paying my bills. I’m not worried about being able to buy a tire for my commute bike if I get a flat. Sure, there are months I’m scraping by, but usually because of the things I’m doing for “fun” or because I spent money then had something unexpected come up. But, while it’s been close, I haven’t had to dig into the emergency piggy bank for gas money for quite some time. I’m getting a small little nest egg started.

To some people, I’m sure all of this would seem rather amateur, but considering where I was 3 years ago, this has been some major progress. I’m taking care of myself, renting my own little place, paying all the bills, have the resources to chase my passion, and still a tiny bit that can be set aside. Anything extra that comes in is available for saving or a splurge (like the AC unit I picked up earlier this summer), rather than needing it for basic necessities.

In fact, today, for what I believe may be the first time since my divorce, I imagined what I will feel like when I’m debt free. Mind you, with my student loans, that’s a LONG ways off, but I’m finally in a position where I let myself imagine that feeling again. That’s not a position I’ve been in for a very long time! Even to be willing to imagine that feeling is a huge step. It means things are heading in the right direction!