Really in need of a wee bit encouragement :(

Newyorkdreams

Thank you everyone for your words of support and encouragement, your hugs and the kick up the butt!!! It's a long, arduous journey and 22 months seems such a long way off (My LBM was in January 13 but I've been in debt for the last 10 years) - sometimes even for the focused and determined it is such a struggle. It's also my birthday today and feel quite lonely, sad and a bit tearful. But your kindness has helped, so thank you for that. The urge to go out and throw £200 down the drain has gone away. Re the idea of £30 a week on something nice for me rather than debt is a good one, although I think I would be racked with guilt! I can't wait to be debt free but then I think I would wonder what to do with an extra £1200 every month!!!!

Thanks everybody

NYD x

LannieDuck

Happy Birthday!

Even if you don't decide to give yourself £30 per week, you should definitely do it this week for your birthday

KT2802

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Well done you, you have achieved so much it's inspirational and shows what is possible!

I agree with others about maybe setting aside a small amount of money to treat yourself with as this may help with lifting your mood. The treats are really important I think in keeping your motivation up. Nothing major just small things.

Also, as it's your birthday today I def think you deserve a treat! Doesn't have to be anything that costs money either, just about doing something nice for yourself.

And again, well done!!!

AnnieBox

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Secondly, your signature is AMAZING! Look how far you have already come, you've done a super job so far and you really should be very proud of yourself. I know it’s not always easy to big ourselves up, especially when we feel down in the dumps but if anyone deserves it, it’s you. Your progress so far is really inspirational.

On my own debt free journey I've had to make a lot of sacrifices, I've even given up 2 hobbies completely and at first that got me really down, but now I’m coping without it and strangely enough, life did go on and I feel fine without it now. I also cut down on buying snacky foods and takeaways which killed me at first but again, I've got through it. I do personally still need to spend money on myself to stop myself from spiraling into madness but I limit it to about £10 a week max.

I think when you've done as well with your debts as you have, you can allow yourself some little treats, especially if it will help pick you up and spur you onward. Spending money doesn't have to be a bad thing; you just have to be reasonable about it, don’t go crazy overboard. I know for me personally, if I didn't allow myself some personal spending freedom, I would have fallen off the wagon months ago and I would be nowhere near my debt free date.

Whatever you decide to do with your money, I wish you all the best in your journey. Keep up the good work and keep knocking those debts down, you can and will do it and it will be SO worth it!

Also, big massive hugs! You rock!

Newyorkdreams

Wow - thank you so much for your comments and motivation! That makes me feel a lot better. Thank you.

I am such a sensitive person, I really need to toughen up. 4 of my closest friends and my own brother forgot about my birthday today so I have had a bit of a shi**y day. I reallly need to shake it off but I can't, it bothers me. I am a very thoughful person and would never forget someone's birthday that I care about. I guess I just need to wise up and get tough.

NYD x

KT2802

Newyorkdreams wrote: »

Wow - thank you so much for your comments and motivation! That makes me feel a lot better. Thank you.

I am such a sensitive person, I really need to toughen up. 4 of my closest friends and my own brother forgot about my birthday today so I have had a bit of a shi**y day. I reallly need to shake it off but I can't, it bothers me. I am a very thoughful person and would never forget someone's birthday that I care about. I guess I just need to wise up and get tough.

NYD x

Oh no, I'm really sorry to hear that. I would be upset about that too. Hope you have done some nice things for yourself today.

mrsscattercushion

Happy birthday.....I would also be somewhat miffed if close friends etc forgot mine so you are not alone....sounds like you are doing brilliantly and deserve some pampering of yourself!! Good luck x

allybee101

Here's a Happy Birthday, a hug and kick up the butt all together!
I hope you've taken some time out to treat yourself and indulge yourself today (even if it's just a cuppa and a chocolate bar).
I think you should put some money aside for something for you and you alone. It doesn't have to be anything huge, my treat is an Indian Head Massage for about £30.
It can be difficult when you feel down, I hope you feel better soon. I find lots of fresh air and counting my blessings works for me .
What you've achieved so far is fantastic and I am sure you will continue on your path to success.

thedogsmum

Hello NYD,
Firstly, I send you belated Birthday wishes, with a hug, and secondly, I hope you're feeling more on the up, today?
A hug for today, too.

ChesterDog

Well, you know, I really have no idea who you are...

I was just browsing around the forums and happened to come across your post.

My thoughts count for nothing really, but...

You sound like a really nice person who is having a tough time, while trying your best to sort things out. Someone once said to me that nice things happen to nice people but, sadly, the reverse is often true, as your tale shows.

Still, that's life, isn't it? !!!!!!-all to be done about it.

So chin up, pat yourself on the back for what you've achieved and consider that the fact that others forgot your birthday when you would not just shows that you are a person much nicer than the average.

Don't spend to cheer yourself up. That is a dangerous siren call and will make you feel worse.

I would share a dog biscuit with you if I could... :-)