hey guys
its that time again....our debt anniversary. many know my secret debt life, but i have started to realize that not only was that a testimony that i carry, but it does seem to be connected to minimalism-who knew.
when you start to live with less, it impacts many aspects of life. i have said before we dont live to keep up with the joneses. we dont need our home filled with things and unlimited amounts of clothes, shoes, purses, etc. no one does (sorry, truth hurts).
if you had asked me 11 years ago, when our lives changed drastically, if i wanted to be a minimalist, i would not have even known what that meant. it has been a journey that just continues to teach me. minimalism is a simple way of life that has to be embraced to work. (i really wish i could get my eating habits as solid as my minimalism)......but i do know it takes a lot of self discipline, constant work, you can't do it once and think it stays that way, its always evolving. (ex. i have taken 4 bags to goodwill in the last month----you have to be willing to always recycle and clear out)
so how does it relate. well the easiest correlation i see is many people have debt because they have a LOT of stuff, that they have more than likely purchased with debt. but also, when you realize and analyze all purchases it helps with debt. you are not buying things constantly. there has to be a reason for the purchase. i have been guilty lately of purchasing a new shirt too often when i visit tj maxx (thats my weakness-tj maxx), but if one new thing comes in one old thing goes out. it has to work that way or it DOESNT work.
when i say i wish the world could feel the freedom in not living in clutter and debt----i am so very serious. i was that person, i literally did all i could to make it. i think i have said this before---there was a time, bryson was a baby, i was taking grad night classes at UNCC and i knew there was a bill coming in the mail that day, i literally lied about class being canceled to stay home to intercept the mail to HIDE my secret. i lived in that fear and chaos for years! i lived for checking the mail to avoid being caught. the stuff i had purchased on that secret debt was not worth it. i literally almost caused us to lose everything. it. is. not. a. good. healthy. life. i promise! and the stuff is not worth it!
i do think that "it" taught me how to be disciplined (again not with food), but with routine, order, etc. i strive to accomplish (that may not be super healthy either, but its way better than lying, hiding and barely making it).
i just really encourage you to....let go of having stuff, let go of spending money you may not have or money that could be used for something bigger and better, let go of impressing people----honestly people dont care, they are going to judge you for having or not having, it DOESNT matter. just make YOUR people happy, keep them safe, teach them better ways.
i truly appreciate you reading---if you have questions, if you need a starting point, ASK me....if you have budgeting question-i know a guy! i truly want the world to be better and i do think letting go of stuff, debt and envy would be a great start!
*****for anyone that saw my vision board for 23---this is my 1st of 6 posts!!! (sorry had to document that)...if you want to know about my $32k hidden debt, you can catch up here: http://brooksalyshabryson.blogspot.com/2013/02/
as always, much love, alysha