Thankful

by Melanie

I absolutely love this time of year! Everything slows down to a cool simmer and we can all reflect and relax a bit. This year has been extra special to me, and I’ve met some amazing folks along the way. I have so much to be thankful for this year.

My health, my apartment, my love, and my new career.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the help of others. Not even close. So I’d like to thank some people.

I want to thank…

My parents for believing in me and actually pushing me towards being self-employed. Thanks for your support, help, love, and everything this year!

My boyfriend for keeping me sane, and understanding me. For pushing me, and being my number one fan. For being my sometimes editor, and confidence booster.

The readers of Dear Debt. You keep me going. You inspire me more than you will ever know.

Kathleen for meeting with me and inspiring me to start a blog and being a great friend.

Tonya Rapley for being a light of encouragement and fountain of opportunity. This year was unreal because of you. I am so glad we met and am so inspired by everything you do!

The other Tonya who keeps me laughing and is always so supportive of everything I do.

Erin for being a great friend to talk to and share my deep dark fears.

Carrie for being my mentor, whether she intended to be one or not.

Kali for answering all my crazy questions about self-employment and being so helpful in every way!

Shannon for being a badass babe and awesome friend! Your support, love, and personality have given me so much.

Cat for being a great resource and amazing person! I don’t know how you do it!

Kayla for listening to me and cheering me on.

LaTisha for inviting me to the first ever #DumpDebt chat. Excited for more collaborations with you!

J Money for listening to my crazy ideas and never judging me, yet always supporting me.

Erin, formerly of Red Debted Stepchild for being a fantastic friend, who patiently answers my neurotic questions. I would not be where I am today without her friendship.

Laurie, for being a complete debt fighting rockstar and always inspiring me to do better. I appreciate your support and never ending friendship.

Michelle Jackson, for always keeping it real and taking part as the FIRST ever dear debt letter writing participant. You are beautiful inside and out and I’m so glad you are a friend!

For Wendy, who has shown me what it’s like to pay off debt with courage, class, and sass and for being a great supporter.

Anna for sticking around since the early days and being a great friend, confidante, and supporter.

Kassandra for your unwavering support and showing me that being debt free is possible.

Lisa for being a friend and supporter, and all around cool gal.

Brittany for the dance parties, karaoke dates, coffee conversations and fun times!

Natalie for blazing the trail towards debt freedom and being a true inspiration!

Stefanie for being a role model and showing me it’s possible to be in the arts and in this crazy personal finance world.

Stephanie for entertaining me with your fabulous comics and always keeping it real.

Brent for being one of the first people to give me a chance with my writing, and supporting me along this freelance journey.

The rest of the PDX blogger crew, including Eric, and Joe! You guys are so crazy smart and fun to be around. (and I love writing for you!)

The friendly folks at ReadyForZero for letting me share my voice and consistently supporting me and the dear debt letter project.

For my clients who have helped me on this journey and continue to give me work, push me, and validate why I do what I do.

I know I’m probably missing quite a few people, but I truly am thankful for everyone’s support and encouragement. Each share, each comment, each opportunity fills me with so much joy.

Because of this community, I am reminded that I am never really alone. My debt can feel so isolating, but you guys are cheering me on. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday.

May all your debt free dreams come true!

 

Melanie
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28 comments

Tonya@Budget and the Beach November 27, 2014 - 7:17 am

Gasp! I’m the OTHER Tonya! I thought I was the first and only. lol!! Thanks lady! You are awesome! Happy Thanksgiving!

Reply
Melanie November 27, 2014 - 2:45 pm

Haha I’m just lucky to know TWO awesome Tonyas!

Reply
Kirsten November 27, 2014 - 1:00 pm

Such a neat, personal post!! Happy Thanksgiving, Melanie 🙂

Reply
Melanie November 27, 2014 - 2:43 pm

You too, Kirsten! I hope it’s a good one spent with family. I hope you get some rest too 🙂

Reply
Kassandra November 27, 2014 - 7:47 pm

So honoured to be counted among this list and I’m with you every step because I hope to be present the day you pay your last penny on this debt!

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Melanie November 28, 2014 - 8:47 pm

🙂 Thanks!

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Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life November 28, 2014 - 8:10 am

Thank you Melanie! Love this community!

Reply
Melanie November 28, 2014 - 8:46 pm

Me too!

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Kenny Schneider November 28, 2014 - 2:32 pm

We’re all thankful for you, Melanie! Happy Thanksgiving!

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Melanie November 28, 2014 - 8:46 pm

Aww, thanks! You too!

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kay ~ lifestylevoices.com November 29, 2014 - 12:19 am

Wow! What a sweet and uplifting post! Happy Holidays Melanie! 😀

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 3:10 pm

Thanks! 🙂 Hope you had a great holiday as well.

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Wendy November 29, 2014 - 1:20 am

Courage, class, and sass is the nicest thing, anyone has said to me all year about me and my debt. 😉 Thank you Melanie. You already know how PROUD I am of you and your awesome blog! 🙂

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 3:10 pm

You’re sweet! I’m proud of YOU girl.

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Erin @ Journey to Saving November 29, 2014 - 5:54 pm

This is an awesome list of people, and I’m thankful to be on there! I’m so glad we had the chance to meet up and talk at FinCon, and that we get to continue our friendship via video chat. I like to think we’re freelance partners in crime. =) I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and aren’t working too hard!

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 3:09 pm

We are freelance partners in crime. I like the way you think 😉

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Amos @ Modest Money December 1, 2014 - 4:55 am

Happy thanks giving season.I had a chance to have time with my family and we had great time together.

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 3:07 pm

Nice! I love the holidays!

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Shannon @ Financially Blonde December 1, 2014 - 6:58 am

Oh my goodness!!!!! This post is almost as awesome as you are!!! Thank you so much for the shout out, I am crazy thankful for you as well. You are such an amazing woman and I am loving watching your progression and supporting you along the way. You deserve all great things my friend!!

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 3:06 pm

You’re so cute 🙂 Thanks, friend.

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Natalie @ Financegirl December 1, 2014 - 7:25 am

This post is so thoughtful and sweet, Melanie! What a gracious way to show your thanks. And thank you so much for including me, you’re too kind!! I’m thankful to read your blog, know you, and be inspired by your debt payoff journey – you rock! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 3:05 pm

It was fun to write. You all inspire me so much!

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Michelle December 1, 2014 - 8:43 pm

I teared up a little when I read this. I am so thankful for all of your support, positive energy, and for having you as a friend. Thank you for all that you do. Am overwhelmed!

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 3:03 pm

Aww, you’re so sweet! You rock, Michelle!

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Kayla @ Shoeaholicnomore December 3, 2014 - 10:58 am

I’m a little late to the party, but thanks for the mention girl! I’m thankful for you too. I love being able to help each other stay accountable and share our ups and downs as we try to navigate the world of self-employment and freelancing.

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 2:40 pm

Me too! It’s nice to chat with others. 🙂

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Lisa December 3, 2014 - 11:19 am

Just now seeing this and girl – I’m so thankful I finally got to meet you this year! I hope you know I won’t stop supporting you 🙂

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Melanie December 3, 2014 - 2:36 pm

Yay! It was so awesome meeting you in person 🙂

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