The Marching Minimalist

angelpye

So I used my gym membership tonight and really enjoyed myself...rocking friday night! I am going to see if I get back into the swing of it over the next month or so. I have written down the days and times of classes I enjoy and fit with my commitments...if I don't use it then I will cancel but feeling optimistic. Have updated signature as a minimum target in order for it to be paying for itself and hoping this encourages a more active me.

Have been eating more a healthier diet since coming back to this site so this is having a positive impact on my mood too I think.

angelpye

Came down to a lovely clean and tidy half of the house this morning and felt so much lighter for it! My home is never truly disgusting but it can get chaotic and when I am low it can be hard to stay on top of - there have been times when just getting out of bed on the days DD is with her dad feels like an achievement. I am determined to keep it up and build on it.

I know my negative financial behaviour (buying ready meals/takeaways when DD away, ignoring bank balance, spending unnecessarily, guilt purchases, going out just to get away from the silence at home) is linked to how messy my house is. Certainly having debt stress causes the low mood to be more frequent, and therefore house disorganised, but can I blame all of bad financial behaviour on low mood all of the time? Feels like a cop out to me but maybe I am being hard on myself!

Either way, I know for sure a tidy house and good finances gives me the best chance of not having low mood so it's the only long term solution. I may need to sort some coping strategies for when I am low on this journey. Being here helps so thats a start.

Weighing up whether to take £10 from my emergency tin to meet a friend tonight. Its not an emergency but I am feeling isolated. Will ponder until later - the friend is easy about me not turning up as will meet others too.

Bobarella

Angelpye I do think you need contact with other adults that isn't just virtual. I'd spend the £10 to be honest.

angelpye

Bobarella, I think you are right. Hopefully my posts aren't making me seem like I am going crazy but I kind of am... couple of pints it is!

1LuckyLady

Have a good night Angelpye

Bobarella

angelpye wrote: »

Bobarella, I think you are right. Hopefully my posts aren't making me seem like I am going crazy but I kind of am... couple of pints it is!

Not at all. You seem very sane and rational. But people do need company! Enjoy your evening:beer:

mummytogirls

Good Evening Angelpye, just popping in to join you on your march

I think you have made the right decision for tonight and the £10 will be well spent. Maybe once your budget allows you can allow a bit of money each month for socialising?

My debt journey now involves enjoying myself which I do feel is an important factor xx

angelpye

Thanks guys, I had a lovely night out and feel regenerated. I didn't go over budget but also don't feel I missed out at all either.

I double checked my budget and made sure I had the money spare so went out totally guilt free.

Definitely in the future, when the budget allows, some fun money will be a priority.

Today I did my food shopping in a very conscious way. I bought what we needed but ensuring we have the treats my DD likes and that we are eating well. Usually I would just throw in what I fancied and not even think about if there were enough meals etc as I could always pop back. Today I shopped with the view that I won't be entering a store for a week so need to ensure all week covered but without buying unnecessary stuff.

It's little things but makes me so relaxed to know I have got this!

Drawingaline

Sounds like you are doing well. I am with you on the clutter front, I am on a couple of minimal Facebook groups which are quite inspiring. Unfortunately I am married to a hoarder who remembers every little thing I throw out and brings it up when ever he can. I threw outs toy of my eldest son savour 5years ago. Now my youngest would possibly like it now and he keeps on and on about it, driving me potty!

Good luck on your journey.

angelpye

Drawingaline...it must be hard at times to live with someone who loves 'stuff'. There will always be something that you could have kept but then hindsight is easy and if we kept everything just in case we wouldn't be able to move!

I do have some toys away passed down to DD and some of hers (significant expensive or unique) that are not going anywhere at the moment but this change in lifestyle is a staged process. Emotionally driven things will come later in my journey. For now its things like clothes, shoes and coats, books, ornaments etc that I am slowly getting rid of. Everytime something goes its like a little weight is lifted...but then I a am single and don't have anyone reminding me I could keep it! Well done you for having the will power to keep on trying!

Thanks for popping by