20 years ago this month, my dad asked me to leave the family nest. I was 16, I was full of fire and ambition and I had a plan.
I didn’t really know what I was going to do, exactly. But my plan was to be wildly successful, have a brilliant career, travel the world and have a really, really big house. I was convinced that these “things” would make me deliriously happy. So I studied hard, got my diploma and racked up a ton of student debt.
Then I worked hard and lived large and racked up some consumer debt. I was happy, sort of… but not really. Ten years ago, I woke up and decided I wouldn’t be a slave to this lifestyle anymore.
So I quit it all and my debt and I went in search of a different path. I rejected money and vowed to find inner peace through voluntary simplicity and service to my fellow man. I would be lying if I told you it’s been easy. I’ve walked through the desert and weathered many storms that shook me to the core. But I’m stronger and wiser because of it and that alone makes everything worthwhile.
Next week, I’ll be making the final payment on my student debt. In all, that little piece of paper cost me thirty thousand dollars. I feel as though thirty thousand pounds are being lifted off my shoulders. You have no idea how free I feel. As an added bonus, my husband and I are also very close to eliminating all of our debt as well. Needless to say, we are very, very pleased. I’m actually quite thankful for the lessons learned but I’m eager to end this chapter and begin a new one.
So what’s my plan now? I plan to let go of the past and not anticipate the future. I want to enjoy life, one moment at a time. Because moments like these
make me profoundly happy. The rest is either unimportant or will work itself out.
As I take my evening walk tonight, I’ll have a special thought for all of you who are paying off your student loans or consumer debt. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and you will get there! Good luck!
