Dear Debt,
The end is near. I see myself breaking free from your chains in the not-so-distant future.
While my heart yearns to break free from you and get my life back on track after you’ve bankrupted me, I’m scared.
I’m scared to be alone. You were my first love right after college. You made me feel important, like I was worth something.
Everything I’ve ever known in this life, I’ve known it with you.
Who am I, if not standing in your shadow? After nearly a decade together, I don’t know who I am without you.
Debt, you were there to get me through college. You helped me go to my dream school. You pushed me harder and harder, just so I could keep up with you.
You’ve pushed me so hard, that I thought I might never come back. But I also don’t want to focus only on the bad stuff. I know you’ve given me many opportunities, too. Without you, I might have never gone to college. I wouldn’t have the career I have today.
It’s all because you pushed me. For better or worse. But it’s my time now to figure out who I am without you.
I don’t love you anymore and quite frankly, I don’t need you anymore either. I’m scared to be without you, but this is a path I must walk alone.
It’s over,
Melanie
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Do you want to write your own dear debt letter? I’m always accepting submissions!
- 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
18 comments
“I’m scared to be without you” — good point! I think about how it will feel without debt and it is scary because you have to move onto another financial goal. Debt repayment has been my focus, just like yours. I’m excited to see what’s next for you. Way to go!
It’s definitely a new, scary chapter. What’s next? I’m excited and nervous!
This is one of my favorite posts by you! Can’t wait to read your debt free post.
Wow, thanks Michelle!
Congrats on being so close to paying off your debt!
Thank you! Still months away, but I can actually see the finish line!
You’re so close Melanie! So proud at how far you’ve come.
Thanks, doll!
I love that you are SO close to learning who you are without debt and I can’t wait to see what you do with yourself once you finally kick debt to the curb! 🙂
Me too! Hoping in the next 6-8 months, I’ll be done!
Isn’t it funny how debt can be like the abusive mate that you hate but are afraid to be without? Awesome post, Melanie!
Glad you enjoyed, Laurie! Yes, debt can feel abusive for sure!
That was the happiest and saddest post I’ve ever read.
Remember, I was a theatre major and have a flare for drama 😉
Congrats and I can feel through your writing that you are almost free. It is a long journey for many people, but with focus and determination it will be realized. Good luck
Thank you EL! I can’t wait to be done and start a new chapter.
I was never afraid to be without debt. I kind of despaired at times that we ever would. But I longed for the day.
That said, I can see how it would be kind of scary to venture into any unknown.
Glad you’re working through your feelings now, so that you can take action once the day comes.
Yeah, it’s a very weird process coming to terms with everything. More complicated than I thought.