Three Actions I Took That Changed My Life...
I can’t remember where I read this or if it was a quote, but it kicked me in the gut. It goes like this, “You will never be as young as you are at this very moment.” HO-LEE-MOLY! Right?
That is SO MOTIVATING to me and it got me thinking about so many times in my life when I needed to freakin’ hear those exact words...ie I needed a kick in the pants.
I’ve been talking a lot about budgeting and closet organization lately over on The School of Betty social media channels. And perhaps that might seem really disconnected...BUT...there is (I promise) a method to the madness.
Speaking of needing a kick in the pants. At one time in my life, there were three problem areas that were the source of some serious chaos. And there were three key actions I took that stopped them from spinning completely out of control. And, AND...those actions CHANGED.MY.LIFE. I know...that’s so dramatic. But it is the truth.
FIRST PROBLEM: My money habits.
At the young age of 23, I was already $30,000 in credit card debt. That did NOT include my $28,000 in student loans. Also - I lived in one of the most expensive cities in America and I BARELY made $30,000 a year. You don’t have to be a math genius to figure out I was in a really bad spot.
SOLUTION: I forgave myself for my actions, created a budget, and committed to changing my situation.
SECOND PROBLEM: My shopping habits.
In the beginning, I was dazzled by the pretty plastic card (ie fake money) and so shopping was fun. In the middle, shopping was a way to make myself feel better if I had a bad day or was really stressed out. In the end...shopping was NOT fun and BECAME one of my main sources of stress. Even when I did start living within my budget, I still shopped, but for all of the wrong reasons.
SOLUTION: I forgave myself for my actions, gave up shopping for an entire year, and practiced gratitude for what I did have.
THIRD PROBLEM: My self confidence.
Sometimes, you can have everything going for you and STILL not feel happy. Do you know what I mean? I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin and I felt bad about myself and my body. It’s the worst isn’t it? Even when you know you shouldn’t feel that way, your brain strong arms you and leads you down the path of misery. But this feeling was compounded when I would go to my closet to find something to wear to go out or just go to work. INEVITABLY, it lead to a shopping trip, because if I JUST found something that I liked, or fit, or made me feel better...I’d have a better time or a better day.
SOLUTION: I forgave myself for my actions, I removed everything from my closet that didn’t make me feel good (NO, “if I lose X pounds”, or it “kinda fits” clothes allowed), I organized it based on how I wanted to feel, and I began to practice self love.
In short:
My money problem was SO MUCH MORE. And I’m telling you...tackling the above areas in your life, will change you life.
WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS!? Well, I want to share it and I learned a lot fixing my problems. Years of learning and, well, It doesn’t need to take years. I’ve made all of the mistakes for you so you don’t need to mess around with that! In September we will be launching the 90 Day No Shopping Challenge. Essentially...it’s years of learning rolled up into a cute little package that will to take you through your money and shopping habits AND editing your closet. It’s the unconventional way to create a foundation of happiness and I know it will work for you too.
I’m telling you this because I’ll be sharing some tips and learnings here and on The School of Betty social media channels as we lead up to the launch day and I hope you will stick around!
So, get that Cyndi Lauper song outta your head and decide on one one thing you are going to conquer this week. I always say; it’s the little and unexpected things that make the biggest difference. Got that? You don’t have to move mountains with your actions you just have to make a move.
Have a smashing Monday Lovely!
Livin’ & Lovin’
B
