Are you struggling financially and you feel your whole world is in a mess?
Are you in huge debt and you feel so disappointed that you feel like giving up?
What if you knew that your essence should not be driven by paycheck after paycheck? What If you knew that even though you are broke, you could still live a life of Joy and Happiness?
Still hard for you to accept
. Let me introduce you to an awesome blogger who would clear your doubt.
Noel Rosos is a husband, father, writer and owns a awesome blog; Life’s How You Live It. He shows you how to dream big plus live an awesome life.
I have been following Noel’s blog and his stories are an inspiration. So today he shows you from his personal experience how to stay happy even when you are broke. Let’s hand over to Noel.
I can’t describe the pain I felt seeing my wife open one of three credit card bills we receive every month. As she glanced through the details, she let out a deep breath as she massaged her forehead with her left hand, with disappointment written all over her face.
We’re broke.
With three kids to take care of, a mortgage to maintain, and credit card debts left unsettled, we were barely making it as we lived from paycheck-to-paycheck.
It was tough for both of us. It’s like getting lost in the middle of a maze and you can’t find your way out. No matter how much we tried to keep everything tight, the problem doesn’t seem to end. It was getting worse like cancer.
Many of us have gone through a similar situation. In fact, as of July 2014, 1 in every 3 adults in the US are behind on debt payments according to CNN. That’s a whopping 77 million people in debt!
It’s alarming how people fall in deep depression due to debt. Some even take their lives.
Luckily, I haven’t reached that point but being knee-deep in debt has certainly made me hit rock bottom. I even published my feelings in Facebook out of desperation.
“The struggle continues. When will this ever end?” I wrote.
Of course this garnered comments from friends and colleagues but one comment from an old friend stood out.
“Just stay strong and never give up. It will all end soon. It may take long, but it will end.” he said.
Those words really left a mark. It was a wake-up call and it turned my mindset around.
The question I have for you now is, can we be broke and happy at the same time? Is that even possible?
My answer to this question is a resounding “Yes”.
Why?
Because I am living proof that it is and here are some of the ways you can too:
Just stay strong and never give up. It will all end soon. It may take long, but it will end Share on XAccept Responsibility
The first step is to accept our situation and be accountable for it. No one is responsible for getting you in debt except you. Don’t blame the economy For your circumstance. THAT’S ALL ON YOU.
If you were capable of getting yourself in so much debt, you are equally capable of getting out of it. No one else can help you become financially free except you.
Be Thankful
Life is so beautiful but unbelievably short and it doesn’t help your case if you’ll choose to wallow in defeat and self-pity. Things are not as bad as it seems.
You may be financially struggling but there are other things in your life that you should be thankful for.
Your family is there, your kids are healthy, you have good relationships, you’re able to eat thrice in a day, and the list goes on.
Instead of focusing your energy and attention on the adversities you are facing, count your blessings. You are in a better spot compare to others.
Remain Hopeful
Robert Kiyosaki and his wife used to live in their car. Chris Gardner, whose life was the inspiration for the movie, The Pursuit of Happiness, went homeless for some time. Best-selling author Andy Andrews used to live under a pier.
Where are they now?
They’re all millionaires and very successful.
How did they turn their lives around?
They never lost hope and they didn’t accept defeat. They persisted and they took action.
You might be saying, “well, they’re different.”
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
They’re normal people just like you and me.
Nothing’s impossible if you really want something and if you want to get out of debt so badly, you can. It won’t happen overnight of course but if you stay the course, you can conquer debt and put everything behind you.
Must Read: Nothing Stops Working Till You Give Up On Your Dreams
It’s not Always About The Money
We’ve all heard about Dave Ramsey’s recommendations. Live within your means, get an extra job, work harder. You have to do everything you can to lessen your debt and every step, no matter how small, will count but this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy life still.
We’ve always been honest to our kids regarding our financial situation and we’ve taught them to live simple, modest lives and not to be extravagant in their choices and we’re very proud of them because they understood.
We still go to the mall from time-to-time but they never threw a fit over a toy or shoes. If they like something, they’d ask us if the items were affordable and if it isn’t, they’re completely fine with it.
This experience taught us to value money and to find happiness in other ways. We’re happy to be together. We’re contented being at home on weekends instead of going out and eating at our favorite restaurants. Having each other is more than enough for us which is why if you ever saw us, you’ll never think that we’re struggling at all.
We haven’t paid off all our debts yet and it may still take us years to finally overcome all of them but I’m positive that we will get there and I believe that we can get there. I’m actually picturing myself debt free already.
You should too because happiness is a choice. So make the right one!
About the Author
Noel is a husband, father, writer, coach, and founder of the motivational blog, Life’s How You Live It (lifeshowyouliveit.com). His mission is to encourage everyone to live an awesome life by being intentional and dreaming big.