When we started our debt free journey, for us it was a bit scary to look at the amount of debt we had, $111,000 and think about tackling it and not having that debt anymore. It was actually very daunting. Could we really pay it off? We reminded ourselves that it was not something to rush through, that this was a journey not just about paying off our debt, but about building a stronger relationship, about teamwork, about our marriage, it was about creating a legacy. What we didn’t think about initially was about other people.
What I mean is, we weren’t thinking about how our journey, what we were tackling would impact other people. We just wanted to get out of debt. However, as we continued paying down our debt and started sharing what we were doing, we saw a spark in the eyes of some of those folks. Some people wanted to hear more about our journey, what we were doing, why we were doing it. It gave them the jolt to start their own journey. Others told us it wasn’t possible to get out of debt and that we’d be in debt forever, it’s just a part of life.
We realized that there were more friends and family who wanted to get out of debt than there were naysayers. It became a part of our journey to encourage others to get started, stick to it, keep going and check in on them. I’m so happy to say that there are many couples and individuals we know who are now on their debt free journeys and moving towards being debt free. That, that brings me so much joy. SO MUCH JOY. Breaking that yoke of bondage, moving towards becoming a lender and not a borrower, that is what it’s about.
Your debt free journey isn’t about you. That was something we had to accept. It’s not about what you are doing, it’s about who you’re impacting. It’s about the hope you give others when they see you doing it, that they can do it too. It’s about planting a seed that being in debt forever doesn’t have to be your life, you can get out of debt. It’s about sharing what you learn on the journey so that others don’t make the same mistakes. Your journey isn’t about you. When you let go of the thought that it’s only about you, you see that people don’t want to be in debt. No one wants to be worried about their light bill, their gas bill, their car note. No one wants to have to decide between buying groceries or putting gas in their car. When you are worrying about those things, you can’t be whole.
Starting the journey is challenging, sticking to it is daunting, fatigue kicks in, you want to stop and enjoy other things with your money instead, but please remember, it’s not about you. It’s about the hope you instill in others. It’s about those watching you to see if you actually do it. You are a gardener whether you believe it or not and the seeds you’re planting will either be encouraging someone to start and keep going or showing them it’s not worth it or it’s too difficult.
If you’re on the debt free journey right now, just take a moment and think about how many people you’ve impacted since you started. Think about the excitement you have sharing your journey with others. Think about the pride you feel when you see how much you’ve already paid off. Think about life on the other side of debt. That’s what others will feel when they see you on your journey. Remember, it’s not about you. Plant the seeds of hope, of freedom and encourage others. Let’s make a difference.
Debt Freedom frees you to give more to others than you would if you remained in debt. Do that. Give of yourself, your time, your experiences so that others can be free too. Don’t get discouraged if some people don’t want to get out of debt, think it’s impossible, or want to just enjoy life. It’s not about you, it’s about planting seeds. Plant the seed.
Have you been sharing your journey with others? What have the reactions been? Has anyone started their debt free journey because you shared with them?
