Letting go
Why is so hard to give up something that you KNOW is not good for you? We do it all the time……with relationships, bad habits and material possessions. I can rationalize the first two to some degree, but an object, really?
I just turned in Benz. I loved this car, but as a struggling actress, I could no longer afford it. Giving back the car was an emotional experience. Really? It’s just a car…a means of getting around. So why just days before it was due, I was trying to justify keeping it. I am not this materialistic. I’m NOT! Why was it so hard to let it go? This sent me deep into self-reflection. After some thought, here’s what I came up with.
The car was symbolic of my past life. It represented my hard work and success. Material possessions get attached with personal memories, security, or identity. For me, I guess it was the latter two. I worked so hard for most of my life in order to not have to worry about money like my mom did.
Since moving out here, I changed my lifestyle 180 degrees. I said goodbye to shopping (this was huge for me given my long-time love affair with designer shoes and handbags), dinners with friends, extravagant trips, blah, blah. Today? I love coupons, bargains and stretching a dollar. And, wasting food…forget about it. You going to eat that? Perfect, I’ll take those left-overs home. Not kidding. It’s another meal. There may even be the occasional pilfering of napkins from fast food restaurants. Did I just say that? So, to say I changed my way of life, spending habits and outlook on money IS an understatement. The car was my last luxury.
I had to ask myself: What means more: the car or the journey? Am I prepared to give up
a car in order to pursue this? Of course, I would! I already gave up so much. The car needs to go.
The day finally came when I turned in the car. I will admit there was a few tears, but soon after leaving the dealership, I felt a sense of freedom. This was the right thing to do. It was weighing me down, and now I am even more committed to this journey. It’s all about commitment.
For whatever reason, you grow attached to things and getting rid of them, can be stressful. How do I cope with all this change? I am trying to feel comfort with it. Change is good. I say that a lot to myself. Most of the time, I believe it.
In this materialistic society in which we live, “I have therefore I am.” Well, I beg to differ. It is not what you drive or what you wear that defines you. So, if you’re holding onto something that you know is not in your best interest, I bid you….Let it Go! Let it Go! Let it Go!
Hitching home from the dealership
This is a hard thing to do, I know. I still miss my old Chrysler, but living within your means will get you far further than a fancy car.
We are living in very scary financial times. The is no doubt about that!!!! You hear countless stories, every day, of educated and formerly very very successful professionals stuggling to find work, save thier homes, provide for their families…. While we keep waiting for an end in site, it is looking more and more like this could be our new reality. So embrace your choice to chase your dream and pat yourself on the back for getting yourself to a place where you can make a choice to live within your means!
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Nancy
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