Hey debt fighters! Today we have a lovely dear debt letter from E. E is a personal finance blogger at Joyfully Frugal where she blogs about aggressively paying off nearly $70,000 in debt while working to live a more minimalist, simple, and fruitful life. She has sought inspiration in all corners of the internet for this journey and would love to connect with you to find common ground and hear your story.
—
Dear Debt,
Thank you. Have I said that yet? I know I’ve spent a lot of time bemoaning your presence in my life (like, A LOT of time), but really I owe you some gratitude. Every month when I see your little payment notification pop up I feel no small measure of dread and stuck-ness. Like we’ll be together ’til death do us part. I don’t want that. In fact, I’m aggressively trying to get rid of you. But that doesn’t mean I’m not thankful.
Kate Northrup talks about bills as invoices for blessings already received. I love that concept and the reframe it implies. In fact, I love it so much that it has shifted my entire way of thinking about you, Debt. You see, your presence in my life is really just an indicator of some pretty major blessings that I’ve received – chief among them a high-quality education, a new nesting place with my partner, and a jump on some professional development for my future business.
So yes, I’d like you gone. I’d like to not be indentured to anyone or anything. That’s a fact. AND I’m also, simultaneously, grateful – grateful that I had the opportunity to take you on so that I could afford myself numerous other opportunities. Weird how one little switch of perspective can take you from shame and blame and sadness to lightness and appreciation and even (dare I say it) joy.
So, while you’re still in my life, I’d like the opportunity to thank you. You deserve that. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to reduce you to a zero balance.
With appreciation for blessings already received,
E
- Talking About Money and Mental Health - September 12, 2022
- Dear Debt, We’re Better Apart - June 27, 2022
- Announcing The Mental Health and Wealth Summit - May 4, 2021
6 comments
Thinking about bills as “blessings already received” is a great outlook. I’ve never thought of it that way.
I almost see it as a situation between two fierce competitors. I respect you debt, but I am here to crush you.
Yes, thinking about bills as “blessings already received” is a great way to keep your spirits elevated and your mind focused on what matters (i.e., your struggle against Dear Debt). No sense beating yourself up for purchases that can’t be un-purchased. Just remember, you don’t want to have anymore more “blessings” with recurring monthly payments. As long as your future “blessings” are paid for once, and only once, you’ll soon be free of Dear Debt. Best of luck, E. Cheers.
Assuming bills as “blessings already received” is a great thing, in fact, I never actually thought bills/debts that way. But then, I’m not here to make friendship with debt/loan, I’m here to kill you as fast as possible. Debts are more of a headache for me; I can’t sleep at all when I have debts. It’s good to stay as far as possible from debts, and in case if you have one then crush it as soon as possible.
I really love your take on looking at debt in a positive way! Seeing your bills every month, you can reflect on how lucky you are because debt allowed you to get a college degree, a house over your head, a family, and a comfortable and healthy life! Just remember not all debt is good debt such as credit card debt.
Wishing you a happy new year from the Centsai team!
That’s a fine outlook on debt and I respect that. Surely it may actually mold you into a good person.
It is a very refreshing outlook towards debt. Most of us take the debt for a particular purpose which we otherwise might not have been able to achieve, atleast at that point of time. Debt can be a blessing when looked at, that way.