2012- Faith Showing Me That IT'S TIME To Buckle Down

Going into 2012, my biggest resolution (on top of the ones from 2011 that I want to expand on) is to make major headway financially. I've hesitated on posting anything about this because this is so personal to me, but I need accountability, and this will give it. On top of that, I really feel like the message is strong and will benefit others.

Some Background:

In 2011, one of my resolutions was to "step out of my comfort zone." And... Well, there were times that I definitely lept over my comfort zone, and it always resulted in me growing and learning about myself and my views. And as I mentioned in my first post, this resolution resulted in me meeting some very influential people that have given me a new view on life. One of these people was a guy that I dated and was incredibly intelligent. I knew that just from spending time with him and absorbing everything he had to offer would really effect my life in positive ways. One thing that made me hesitate in dating him was that he is very religious, and I never have been too religious. I just didn't grow up in a religious household, though the belief was there. I started to go to church with him at Gateway Church (on McNeil and 183,) started reading books and educating myself, and of course asking him as many questions as I could. These experiences came into my life at a great time. The best way I can describe it was that I "absorbed" as much information I could, which resulted in quite a bit of self reflection.

While I'm no longer dating this amazing person, he is of course someone I still hold dear to my heart for the reasons I listed above. I still go to church as often as I can and try to apply the message to my life in order to continue growing.

One of the things I learned about going to church is that somehow the message always seems to be applicable to what I am struggling with in my life at that time. Whether it's relationships, how to manage stress (external and internal,) or simply self reflection, the messages always seem to be comforting. Last week's message and the series we're starting right now is absolutely no different.

My Financial Struggles... Resulting in My Resolution

Being an adult sucks. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would have taken my time becoming an adult. I never had any idea as to how hard it is to be an adult... Especially when it comes to finances. While it's hard for me to admit (the hardest thing for me to admit, actually, and the ONE thing I will not talk to most people about) I'm not great with money. On top of that, a year and half ago I had some medical issues pop that resulted in a 3-night stay in a hospital, an ER visit and an emergency surgery... All to find out my insurance wasn't going to pay for a dime after the fact. Plus student loans. Plus a mortgage. Plus life happening. While I have a good job and make decent money, I just couldn't keep up. I've started to feel the weight of all of these pressures and finally, I've had enough. It's time for me to really do something about it and if 2011 taught me anything, it's that I can do what I put my mind to. So, this is the year that I'm going to finally get ahead of the game. I'm buckling down- No traveling (sorry, Denver family,) really cut down on dining out and spending money on things I don't need. My fear is how it's going to effect my social life. But, I'm realizing that I don't have to spend (a lot of) money to spend time with friends and family. So, this is finally going to happen. It's getting real.

My next few posts are going to be about the series at church (which is called "Recovery Road: Moving Toward Financial Peace") and how I can apply it to my resolution and life. This series came at the best possible time and I'm very much looking forward to it and applying how my faith and support from church can make a difference in making progress on my finances.

:)