Because the hubby and I have been in debt for years, we have spent lifetimes focusing on making a buck just to make ends meet. In fact, doing anything else was completely foreign to us until just recently. There comes a time when you just can’t do it anymore. You’re mentally and emotionally exhausted, you’re certainly not a pleasure to be around, and your life revolves around work, work, work. When I got to that point, it hit me: I was a slave to everything I owned and everyone I owed money to. It was not a good life.
When our family started budgeting, we were freed, in part, from this hum-drum existence. When you’re working Dave Ramsey’s plan, you have to put in the hours of work it takes to get out of debt, but once you start making progress, the things you dream of someday doing become a closer reality.
I’ve always wondered which came first: your passions or the money? Some people seem to have it made, doing something they are passionate about from Day One and making a modest income doing so. But for some of us, this isn’t the case. In a consumerist society, I would argue that things come first, and we all put our blinders on so we can focus on generating income to pay for those things. If we’re lucky, we will end up doing something we enjoy. But mostly, our true passions soon become one-day or when-I-retire dreams.
Last year, I decided that I wouldn’t hold off on passions on hold any longer. I’m getting out of debt as fast as I possibly can so that I can start doing the things I love doing. I am passionate about marketing, the internet and small business, so I started freelancing to explore this further and how it will fit into my overall long-term goals. I also love crafting, farming and the simple life, and I want to own a small-scale farm someday soon. That’s my one when-I-retire dream that I will make happen in the next couple of years.
Everything I do today is a step towards living a spirited life. And you know what? I’m having a lot of fun doing it.
What about you? Are you doing today what you are most passionate about? If not, what’s holding you back?
Image Credit: Joaaso
Wow, you are speaking my language as I was just thinking the same thing today. I am TIRED. And you are right, as you begin to make steady progress towards debt free… The dreams that were forced down soon begin to resurface.
I believe we start out w/ passions but when our horizons get expanded with relationships, kids, and jobs that will make it to the top, we lose focus because our dreams ‘change’.
Living each day with passion in mind is wonderful. Keep persisting at it. I may just do the same, as I have always wanted to start a business.
You are very right – we do change our dreams to fit into the mold we create for ourselves when life is thrown at us. I definitely think that living each day mindfully and with passion is the antidote to that. It, too, can be tiring but much more rewarding.
Would love to get an update if you do start a business!
I love this post. I think you guys are really making great progress and staying focused. I certainly believe that passion comes first because then the money will follow.
On another note, if you’d like advice on farming. Grandpa Ashby would love to have you and the boys over to their farm in Hartwell, Ga. They have a beautiful piece of land and cows. Zane and Gavin would love it. Grandpa will even give them a ride on the tractor and show them how he takes care of the bulls and cows. Of course, we could meet you guys up there too. Just a thought. I know you guys have a lot going on, but it could help keep your vision alive.
love you!
That’s a great idea! I know the boys would LOVE to do that, and it would be a lot of fun for us as well.
I just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU! I just found your podcasts a few days ago right before i headed out for town for a week. I downloaded each of your podcasts and I’ve been able to listen to 5 of them since yesterday! What an encouragement you’ve been already. I’m sure I’ll be back to keep up with your progress, as your story has already inspired me to continue to make big sacrifices and changes so that we too can be debt-free someday! Thank you guys for being so willing to be so transparent and honest!
I’m so happy that you’re enjoying the podcast! I think it’s wonderful that you’re making BIG changes to get the debt-free ball moving. Definitely keep us updated with your progress!
Right now, it’s all about the money… until we get our consumer debt paid off. Hubby is doing what he loves (started his own business about nine years ago) but at the moment, I’m just working to help pay the bills. In late 2011 or early 2012, we should be through all our debt except for the house, and then I will do something different. That might be working part time, or staying home full time. If I find a full time job I absolutely love, I will do that. But really, I love being a homemaker, and I want to do that as much as possible.
I completely understand that. Since we are in baby step 2, I’m still focusing on the money too, but it’s in a more positive way that is starting to take into account my passions without losing focus on the big goal. Getting out of debt is a great motivator so we can move on to the things we love, isn’t it?