Now that the holidays are over, and life has returned back to normal, or as normal as life can be, you may be dealing with holiday debt and more or you may be right back on track. Depending on the path you have taken in life, or what obstacles have gotten in your way, can make all the difference. For some of us, our personal, professional, and financial life may be all figured out, but there are others, like me, who are still trying to work out the kinks. As we all know, life can often feel like a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, the trick is learning how to enjoy the ride, without falling off.
Leading with Your Heart Can Get You in Trouble
As a woman, sometimes I lead with my heart and not my mind. While I am well aware of my financial status, which is not all that good, and the consequences of spending over my budget, I tend to do it anyway. I’m no stranger to dealing with holiday debt and more. In the past, I have been in the position where I needed to use same day title loan cash to pay off a bill or two.
Being a mother, or father, or a guardian of any kind, you often go above and beyond for the children in your life. I am certainly guilty of that. But trying to do more than you financially, and most likely, physically can, can come at a price. It has the ability to put you in a financial windfall, and physically make you sick. The thing is, we really don’t need to do it all, even though we feel a responsibility to do so.
No Regrets
While I have no regrets about the things I have done for my children, I wish I was not in the financial mess that I am currently in. It can often feel like a tug-of-war. On one hand, I am very happy that I was able to provide my children with every opportunity they deserve, but on the other, I wish I had more to show for my life then the debt I have created. Sometimes when you win, you also lose. Life is a give and take. We give, and it takes!
Holiday Debt and Your Financial, Physical and Mental State
The problem with giving all you can is that it can be draining. Think about it, when you give everything you have, whether it is financially, physically, or emotionally, there is nothing left for you. Some of us, may physically get sick, financially stressed out, or even mentally wiped out. Dealing with the stress of it all is hard, not only during or after the holidays, but in everyday life. Being a parent, or a guardian comes with responsibilities. Providing a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear, safety, and a good education, are the necessities that every child requires and deserves. Anything above the necessities, is our doing. The extras are not required. So, spending more money than we should, creating more stress than necessary, and just going overboard is not included in the requirements of raising a child.
Realizing Debt and the Problems that Follow
For me, this week was a hard one. I’m not sure what made it different from last week or even last month, but for some reason it was. Whether it is the realization of how much debt I am actually in, the cold and rainy weather confining me to my house, or the endless cycle of stress, I’m not quite sure. If you look up stress or depression, you may find that some “experts” say it can be the change of temperature causing seasonal depression, the task of preparing for the holidays, or the financial aftermath it can cause, or for us women, menopause reeking-havoc over our bodies. But what do the experts know?
It’s No Surprise
I mean, It’s no surprise that the seasons will change, right around the same time the holidays approach, it happens every year. As for menopause, I’m not there yet! Ask my kids. They won’t tell you that every month I cry at commercials and curse out inanimate objects. Don’t we all? The aging process is not a secret. So, my eyelids are drooping just as much as other parts of my body. It’s a sad reminder that I am getting older. Like I need any “expert” to point out the obvious. By the way, thank you Mother Nature!
Talking about Your Debt and Other Issues
By now you must be wondering why I am going on a rant about money problems, stress and depression, raising children, and the devastation of getting older. Why not? Having a hard week, or an even harder month or year, is not an isolated matter, it happens to the best of us. If posting a blog about the difficulties of dealing with holiday debt and so much more has the ability to help me, then it may help someone else.
Do I have the answers to life? No. Do I have a degree in psychology? No. Am I trying to sell you something? Definitely not. I am just a single mother, struggling to stay above water. This blog is a way to connect with others to remember I am not alone, and to remind you, you aren’t alone either. Purging your emotions is healthy. So, why not? I’m not scared of a little word vomit, and you shouldn’t be either. You can always rinse your mouth out later.