Sending You Peace, Love & Joy

by Melanie

It’s been a wild week for Dear Debt. My story was named one of the most inspiring personal finance stories in 2015 by Yahoo! Finance. Wow! All I can say is thank you to my faithful readers, my clients, and even my haters (ha!). I’ve been soaking up the feeling of being debt-free and trying to get in the right mindset to rock 2016. I hope to post a fun year-in-review next week, but wanted to share some of my favorite pieces of text and music, for this joyous holiday season.

My Favorite Poem to Read During the Holidays

Desiderata, © Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

My Favorite Tune

No lie, I’m obsessed with Judy Garland and she makes me cry every time.

Lastly, while you’re stressing over the holidays, consider reading my piece on the The Best Things Money Will Never Buy. 

From my heart to yours, may you have a wonderful holiday season. And may all your debt free dreams come true.

Melanie
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20 comments

Tonya@Budget and the Beach December 24, 2015 - 7:15 am

Congrats on everything Melanie and have a great Christmas!

Reply
Melanie December 24, 2015 - 1:19 pm

Thanks girl! So proud of YOU this year! You rock, friend. Thanks for being such a great support.

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Petrish @ Debt Free Martini December 25, 2015 - 9:27 pm

I read the article and I am so proud of you!! To hell with the haters….keep inspire others and enjoy the moment!

Reply
Melanie December 26, 2015 - 1:45 pm

Thanks, dear!

Reply
SavvyJames December 26, 2015 - 6:22 am

Great poem. Thanks for the share!

Reply
Melanie December 26, 2015 - 1:44 pm

You’re welcome!

Reply
Natalie @ Financegirl December 28, 2015 - 5:54 am

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Melanie!! Congratulations again on your debt free status!!! 🙂

Reply
Melanie December 30, 2015 - 12:56 am

Thanks, girl! 🙂 I’m telling you, you’re next 😉

Reply
Michelle December 28, 2015 - 8:48 am

I am so freaking proud of you! You have worked your tail off-enjoy your success and I can’t wait to see what awaits for you in 2016.

Reply
Melanie December 30, 2015 - 12:58 am

Thanks, dear! I’m hoping to work a little less in 2016 — 2015 was great, but quite exhausting!

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Mike December 28, 2015 - 10:25 am

Great post! I hope you continue writing alot next year. We’re really enjoying your blog!

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Melanie December 30, 2015 - 12:58 am

Awesome, thank you!

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Debtman December 28, 2015 - 2:18 pm

Congrats! And thanks for sharing the poem!

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Melanie December 30, 2015 - 12:59 am

Of course! 🙂

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Cat@BudgetBlonde December 29, 2015 - 3:53 pm

Awesome! That is so cool that you were rewarded like that. I can’t wait to see where you go in 2016!!

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Melanie December 30, 2015 - 12:59 am

Same for you, rock star!

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Doria December 30, 2015 - 5:08 pm

I love the desiderata. Sky is the limit! Proud of you.

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Melanie December 31, 2015 - 11:09 am

Me too! I know great things are on the horizon for Centsai!

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Lamesha December 31, 2015 - 12:44 am

Happy new year! You totally rocked this year! So proud of you and your new fame. Thank you for always responding to my tweets and being such a good example to me. You’ve changed the way I look at money and given me more hope. Have a great 2016!

Reply
Melanie December 31, 2015 - 11:08 am

Thanks, friend! I’m proud of you too. Your kind words mean so much to me. 🙂

Reply

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