Cutting it Fine - the challenge is on!

savingholmes

Glad you are feeling better. 

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes.  I was really in a bit of a fug and couldn't seem to lift myself out of it.  The break did me good and this weekend I've been really productive - which has ifted my spirits.  Payday helps too , and I've enjoyed updating my spreadsheets and seeing how much of the mortgage has been paid off.  Busy week ahead, so will do my best to stay calm and positive

savingholmes

It's so easy to get stuck in the gloom of despond with all the news currently. Definitely have to shift the focus to what is working in our lives and not just what needs fixing.

debtfreeoneday

Hope all ok and still feeling better x

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes and debtfree for checking in. 

I've been a bit up and down lately, with slightly more downs than ups - but I'm trying to take things a bit easier and continuing to make time for myself.  It seems to be working and I had the motivation to start a list up last week.  Already crossed a few things off and feel much more positive.

Its one step at a time, but seems to be working.  This time of year doesn't help, it seems to emphasise that there is such a lot of need and suffering in the world.  I'm trying to practice mindfulness and have been having a sort out so that I can make some donations.  

Fortune_Smiles

So sorry to hear you're feeling low Sandy.  I sometimes feel overwhelmed too when the media is reporting the worst of the world and charities are tugging our heartstrings as Christmas approaches.  It's hard to keep our internal fires going in this situation (and perhaps that's too much to expect of ourselves) but maybe it's possible to make a few sparks?  This article resonated with me so I hope you don't mind me sharing it  - https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/sep/03/i-have-a-good-life-but-how-can-i-experience-joy-when-there-is-so-much-suffering-outside

Fortune x

savingholmes

Hi Sandy. Sending gentle hugs your way. I love that you are planning to donate some of your surplus. We all would benefit from doing that more.

SandyShores

Thanks Fortune that really chimes with me too.  I'll be making little sparks, instead of trying to set the whole world alight - really appreciate that.

SandyShores

I've had a much better week this week in terms of little sparks of positivity - really appreciate the encouragement received.  Ended the week feeling tired and a bit sore from overdoing it, but in a much better place.  We're almost at the point of saving our full emergency fund, so can think about making overpayments to the mortgage starting in the new year.  I'm not sure whether it will be overpayments though or put into savings as an interim - I need to have a look at the interest and do some calculations.  We have about 25% equity now, 20% is H2B and the other 55% must therefore be mortgage - it would probably be nicer to see the equity rise more quickly.

I'm gradually clearing out my clutter again and donating/gifting it away.  I cleared out the airing cupboard the other day and was wondering whether to buy some vacuum bags to store the spare duvets in.  They are £10 for two but I was wondering if there was a more economical way to store them without buying more stuff - I'm thinking compression sack e.g pillow case or making some ties out of spare fabric?  Off to Pinterest to investigate.

I've a huge long list of things on my ToDo list for the weekend while I'm feeling motivated.  One thing on the list is to make a draught exclude for my office door, so a good time to look at duvet storage ideas at the same time.

Moneyfordreams

Congrats on your EF being almost there - mine never is as the goal posts always change! I'm another that will be ready in the spring to seriously OP the mortgage, but I will need to get organised with bank accounts first. I'm far too good at compartmentalising stuff.