Financial Freedom + Self Care

SnowBallBunny

CoffeeCakeYarn wrote: »

You're more than welcome, and sorry if I upset you that honestly wasn't the intention.

I get exactly what you mean with not being able to do everything at one. I had a really tough time last year, and went from a positive, upbeat, healthy, motivated person to someone who couldn't be bothered to get out of my pajamas and shower for days on end. I'd just come through an illness and I completely lost my way. The old faithful saying of small steps really did help. I started by picking up my crafts again as that had always been an escape. Then once that became normal made a pact to shower and dress every day. Then start eating a piece or fruit and some veg each day. It's been about six months now, and I'm still trying to pick up the last few habits I had that made me feel 'together'. Exercise is the hardest one but probably the biggest as it has such an impact on my energy, sleep and mental health. Stick at it, chose one that's not debt related and start. Just one, and make it a habit again.

Sorry for rambling so much on your diary, just wanted you to know you're not alone.

To clarify, I was touched by your post, so they were good tears Coffee. Your post really did make me feel less 'alone'. Thank you.

I'm pleased to know that you have taken such important steps to support yourself. Your advice about choosing one habit to reintroduce is a good tip.

I usually drink 2 litres of water a day, I'd like to start doing that again. I feel so much better and more energised when I do. Today I had 1 litre, it's a step forward.

SnowBallBunny

Laughs
Sometimes laughter can be found in unexpected places. I watched some Lavar Ball interviews. He's an American Basketball coach and trainer who coaches his three sons. He's bold, confident and hilarious.

I also watched a Serena William's interview, although it was 'funny' it was inspiring to hear her discuss her experiences. I used to listen to a lot of inspirational content so it was a good reminder.

No Birthday Dinner
A friend invited me to her birthday dinner next week. We met last year and I really appreciate the invitation but I'm not going to go. I wouldn't know the cost until the bill came. Her birthday was earlier this week and I sent her a birthday message on her birthday which was this week.

doingitanyway

It was nice of your friend to invite you but totally understand your reasons for not wanting to go.

You have reminded me to drink more water. Thank you.

SnowBallBunny

Work:

Finishing off a job application tonight and I have a phone interview tomorrow.

Creative Project:

Recording some songs at home appeals to me.

The Uni councellor said that maybe because I am thinking about so many things, I'm probably drawn to a project that engages the more creative side of my brain - the right brain.

I have an IPad which has been disabled because I forgot the passcode so I've got an appointment at the Apple Store this week to get it unlocked. I think singing would be good for me too.

It cost £150 when I bought it a few years ago. To be clear, I don't own a TV or lots of fancy gadgets and if I needed to, ofcourse I'd sell it.

I don't have a big plan in terms of releasing an album and all that stuff but writing songs appeals to me.

People:

I think it would be good for me to join a group of some kind. I've been feeling very alone. I've been a bit more chatty at work lately, so I can do that even more so.

I could volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
Join a writer's group.
Join a meditation class.

SnowBallBunny

Hey everyone,

I might go swimming on Friday so here's an early update.

Interviews/Job Applications

I had a first stage interview with a Beauty Company on Monday, I'll find out if I've been invited to the next stage on Friday. It's an interesting time in the company's growth and the role could be a good step for me. I don't know what the salary is yet though.

I've been invited for another interview in a government department in a few weeks time.

I have put my Business Analysis course studies on hold for now. I think I should spend that time preparing for interviews and just improving my Self Care. I've been feeling so down lately.

Unexpected expenses

£7.84 - St John's Wort - I've started taking this again recently.

£14.99 - Thermal Curtains - My room can get cold at night and I want to make it as comfortable as possible to aid my sleep.

£8.50 - Swimming - I went swimming this week, at first I was going to wait until Friday when it's free but I've been feeling so down that I felt like I had to do something to change my mood/energy. I usually get a discount at this pool but one wasn't available today and I just had to make a move.

I had lunch with my colleague Greg, another colleague was invited but she didn't join us as she had a lot of work to do. We went to a nearby cafe that's pretty casual so I ate my packed lunch and he kindly bought me a coffee.

I've been invited to a work lunch on Friday, There's a special offer at the restaurant, so lunches are half price on Fridays. I think I'm going to go, I'll check the menu ahead of time to see how much it'll cost. I'm trying to be more sociable in general, including at work.

Self Care

I want to start getting up earlier so I can make breakfast at home.

Hope you're all having a good week. As usual, thanks for reading, I appreciate all the positive and kind comments so far. I wish you all the very best with your DFW journeys.

SnowBallBunny

Hi everyone,

I hope you've all had a good week. This is my Friday update. I did an update yesterday because I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do one tonight.

Expected expenses

£6.10 - I went to the work lunch today. We were supposed to go to a pizzeria that had great reviews but there was a long queue when we arrived and a 50 - 60 minute wait time. We had pizza closer to work and it ended up being cheaper than expected. The colleague who planned this lunch suggested another restaurant and someone else scheduled a lunch there next week. I won't be going.

There are team lunches where we go to a space/cafe where we can bring a packed lunch with us - that's free of charge. So I'll opt for those lunch gatherings in future. It was fun but it's best.

Free fun

Speaking of lunch, I had lunch with a colleague on Thursday and we saw an art exhibition on campus. I had a packed lunch and she kindly bought me a tea. It was good to chat with her and to get to know her better, she's from another country so she's making efforts to meet new people and enjoy her time here. She's lovely and positive, someone I get on well with in the office.

Swimming - I went swimming at a local pool for free today.

I've been getting to bed earlier in an attempt to regulate my sleep and after my swim today I'm feeling sleepy, hopefully that's a good sign.

Music Earlier this week I started recording a song I wrote years ago. I recorded some vocals. Rather tha pushing myself to record all the parts I thought it would be good to record part of it.

I'm going to write a list of creative projects I could do this year. Just to consider things.

I've come to realise that I don't do as many fun/creative things as I did before, including free things, like going to open mics or free workshops/classes. Even walking around galleries or parks.

Although the job search is my priority, I want to enjoy/create something.

Thanks for reading DFWs.

HairyHandofDartmoor

I'm glad you've been socialising more Snowball . Being lonely can make you feel depressed.

Doing free fun things is also a great idea. When you feel depressed it's easy to wonder what the point is of doing even free things, but it can make you feel much more cheerful and more involved in life, rather than a spectator looking on.

SnowBallBunny

HairyHandofDartmoor wrote: »

I'm glad you've been socialising more Snowball . Being lonely can make you feel depressed.

Doing free fun things is also a great idea. When you feel depressed it's easy to wonder what the point is of doing even free things, but it can make you feel much more cheerful and more involved in life, rather than a spectator looking on.

Thanks Hairy, I think it can be a two way thing. Feeling depressed can cause feelings of loneliness and vice versa. Either way it can discouraging, but it's worth meeting with people and doing fun things.

SnowBallBunny

Snowball Update: As of Friday, I set aside £900, it's taken since the end of November but I've done it. I'll use all other funds moving forward to pay off debt.

Housing: The property I stay in is owned by a relative. If someone moves in, they want to chose who moves in and the only family in the area are my laws who have a 6 year old son. There is a friend who might be willing to move in but I have to be sure that she would be reliable. I could opt to stay alone, which would be more managable with a good salary, and I could still save money - after my debt has been paid.

Positive Thinking:Still working on not mulling over regrets as much and getting back to being more positive about the future.

I'm going to take some time to cook, clean, read a book and write down my thoughts down this weekend. I think it would be good for me to also clarify some goals I'd like to pursue.

SnowBallBunny

Job Update: My contract has been extended until the end of May, with a possible further extension. After that a senior manager will be replaced and they'll make decisions about the role, namely the job description and salary. As it stands, the permanent salary equivalent for the role would not pay that well however that could change.

Upcoming Expense £200 - £350 Cooker - The oven is over 15 years old. It's a dual oven so the bottom oven is broken and has been for 2 years. For basic safety reasons it needs to be replaced, not today but this is something I need to plan for in the coming months.