Thank you for your raw honesty. I can relate to your struggle. You are needed and you are an essential and important part of this world. You have the potential to make this world better than your wildest dreams.
Keep after it. Keep learning, growing, failing and you will eventually get the life you dream of. I’m 51 and I didn’t start on my path until my mid 40s when I had some major life catalysts. Now I have four streams of income, I’m buying a vacation property next year, my retirement is secure, I don’t worry about money, and I love my purpose. After I “put my own oxygen mask on,” I was able to lift others up: adopt two special dogs no one wanted, donate monthly to animal charities and ensure my daughters college is paid for and mentor another professional in my space.
I’m not smart and I’m not special in any way. I just kept seeking out knowledge and teachings from people who had done what I wanted to do and then I did it in my own way. It wasn’t an easy journey, and I made mistakes along the way. It was uncomfortable at times but that’s also part of the fun. The money is not the reason for our journey. It’s the person we become in the process of our journey.
After you’ve created your dream life you’ll lift others up. But, don’t ever doubt the power you possess to create the life you want AND that this world is a better place because you are here.
Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful reply to a stranger. I know I can rebuild again faster this time around but I def had to write out the frustrations in real time. It wasn’t something I wanted to post, but it was real for a moment in time and I hope it helps someone else feel less alone. Your financial part of your story gives me so much hope
I’m sure your post will help out several people on their journey.
We all get knocked down. Every successful person has a lengthy “failure resume.” 20 years ago I had creditors literally knocking on the door of my dumpy studio apartment (that had no heat and didn’t even come with a toilet seat). My bad decisions had compounded. I just started solving one problem and then another, then came the growth mindset, increased resilience, visualization practice (visualizing the process over the end goal).
You got this! We all have more potential than we realize.
I tell my kids (and one of yours, lol) that my first wish for them is to be useful, not happy. By that, I mean be useful in a profession/livelihood and in relationships with loved ones. Because it’s in being useful that we find meaning and happiness in life. In case no one has told you this recently, you are useful AF! You are also spot on about finding meaning by looking forward to something. And when you think about it, the things we look forward to always involve be useful in something or to someone. It’s being that value add.
mmm I love that. It's so true. Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes, but in being useful you find purpose, drive, will to live even (quite frankly) I think sometimes, we can negate what is "useful" but I love this idea.
I am glad you’re not minimizing that one of those entities to which you are essential is your doggie. Mine are among my greatest fans who count on me every day. And your dog being useful to you is also what brings it joy. Also a most excellent substitute for a human partner.
She's literally my little best friend! Although I wrote this over the summer and I was in a much different place than I am now, I give her so much credit for getting me here.
Thank you! I will say, I'm having much much more purpose these days... I'm doing 50 First Dates (with myself) and documenting it. But I wrote this back in the summer and it felt too raw to publish then, but feels a bit better now :)
Thank you for your raw honesty. I can relate to your struggle. You are needed and you are an essential and important part of this world. You have the potential to make this world better than your wildest dreams.
Keep after it. Keep learning, growing, failing and you will eventually get the life you dream of. I’m 51 and I didn’t start on my path until my mid 40s when I had some major life catalysts. Now I have four streams of income, I’m buying a vacation property next year, my retirement is secure, I don’t worry about money, and I love my purpose. After I “put my own oxygen mask on,” I was able to lift others up: adopt two special dogs no one wanted, donate monthly to animal charities and ensure my daughters college is paid for and mentor another professional in my space.
I’m not smart and I’m not special in any way. I just kept seeking out knowledge and teachings from people who had done what I wanted to do and then I did it in my own way. It wasn’t an easy journey, and I made mistakes along the way. It was uncomfortable at times but that’s also part of the fun. The money is not the reason for our journey. It’s the person we become in the process of our journey.
After you’ve created your dream life you’ll lift others up. But, don’t ever doubt the power you possess to create the life you want AND that this world is a better place because you are here.
Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful reply to a stranger. I know I can rebuild again faster this time around but I def had to write out the frustrations in real time. It wasn’t something I wanted to post, but it was real for a moment in time and I hope it helps someone else feel less alone. Your financial part of your story gives me so much hope
I’m sure your post will help out several people on their journey.
We all get knocked down. Every successful person has a lengthy “failure resume.” 20 years ago I had creditors literally knocking on the door of my dumpy studio apartment (that had no heat and didn’t even come with a toilet seat). My bad decisions had compounded. I just started solving one problem and then another, then came the growth mindset, increased resilience, visualization practice (visualizing the process over the end goal).
You got this! We all have more potential than we realize.
I tell my kids (and one of yours, lol) that my first wish for them is to be useful, not happy. By that, I mean be useful in a profession/livelihood and in relationships with loved ones. Because it’s in being useful that we find meaning and happiness in life. In case no one has told you this recently, you are useful AF! You are also spot on about finding meaning by looking forward to something. And when you think about it, the things we look forward to always involve be useful in something or to someone. It’s being that value add.
mmm I love that. It's so true. Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes, but in being useful you find purpose, drive, will to live even (quite frankly) I think sometimes, we can negate what is "useful" but I love this idea.
I am glad you’re not minimizing that one of those entities to which you are essential is your doggie. Mine are among my greatest fans who count on me every day. And your dog being useful to you is also what brings it joy. Also a most excellent substitute for a human partner.
She's literally my little best friend! Although I wrote this over the summer and I was in a much different place than I am now, I give her so much credit for getting me here.
Happy to hear that your dog and your writing give you purpose.
Thank you! I will say, I'm having much much more purpose these days... I'm doing 50 First Dates (with myself) and documenting it. But I wrote this back in the summer and it felt too raw to publish then, but feels a bit better now :)