Rising From Ashes
Out of the Sand
- Posted:
6/16/2008
When my home was destroyed by a hurricane I felt hopeless and lost, but it turned out to be one of the most positive things to ever happen in my life. I was able to move to a new state and enjoy a fresh start at life. In my own life and the lives of others close to me I've seen beauty rise from ashes.
My Aunt has always been an inspiration to me. She stayed home to raise her children, and she was very active in their school and church activities. Her husband worked hard to take care of the family. Their home was always filled with laughter and stories being told. It was a joyful place to be. She was able to make meals that fed a large number of people from whatever she had on hand. Creative and resourceful, she managed her home well.
Life threw her a curve ball when my Uncle was forced to retire earlier than expected due to a heart attack. She found herself with a mortgage to pay, a family to feed, and very little money in hand to do so. I watched her struggle at first to hold it all together. With tears of frustration, she refused to give up on making life stable again for her family. She made some tough choices to save her family from ruin.
After being a stay-home mom for so many years, she knew the job market would be tough. She looked towards a job that would offer her a skill. Taking a job as a dispatcher for a local police department, she was sent to training school and learned the skills she needed. Smart move on her part because she was able to use those skills to secure a more stable and higher paying job with a company that offered increases in pay and position.
One of the hardest things I saw her do was leave her home. No longer willing to struggle to afford the mortgage, she decided to move into a smaller home. Since most of her children were adults she was able to save money in needing fewer bedrooms. She grew to love that little cottage style home.
She proved that it was possible to rise from the ashes of near ruin with grace. Was it easy? No. She struggled. She was tired, and often she would sit down and just cry. The key is that she never gave up. She strived to make things better, and she taught us important things along the way.
Learn a Skill
If you are a homemaker, take some time to learn a skill. Even if that skill is self taught typing, give yourself a chance to walk into the job market should you have the need. If you have internet access there are many places that offer eclasses.
Pay Yourself
Realizing how close to ruin she had come, the first thing my Aunt did was begin a savings account. Without fail, she deposits money into this account each pay day. Seeing the importance of retirement she places the max amount into the company 401K, as well. If possible, set up a direct deposit from your pay check for a certain percentage to go into your savings account each week. This takes it out of your hands before you actually see it and makes things easier.
Scale Down
Be realistic about what you can afford after a set back. You may need a smaller, more economical car. Your home may be too large or too expensive. These choices aren't always easy to make, but trying to meet a car payment or mortgage that is above your means is going to cause damage to your nerves and your credit report.
Love Yourself
What does this have to do with rising from financial ruin? There are days when you'll want to scream and run away. Allow yourself to feel those things, but don't give up or give in to the stress of the day. As time moves on and changes are made, you'll find you have more room to breathe. Love yourself enough to keep trying.
I know there are those here who are facing hard times due to unexpected health issues, job setbacks or any one of the other number of things life tosses at us on a daily basis. Take some courage in knowing that people do survive and make better lives. You can, too!
Comments
