Financial Frustration…and Weariness…

When I went on my search to find a dog, my goal was to own a fat lazy dog. In fact, I chose him specifically because he sat on the floor, completely lethargic while the other dogs barked and jumped in the kennel.

Maybe it’s because he’s happy, maybe it’s because he’s eating healthy, or maybe it’s because he’s out to SPITE me, but he’s the most energetic dog I’ve ever owned.

Saturday, I went hiking and took him along to see if I could finally wear him out.

We hiked for HOURS.

Up hills, down hills, up steep mountain faces, jogging on trails, climbing through brush, he chugged along beside me. Naturally, I expected him to be exhausted and ready for a break…

But he wagged his tailless butt with fervor, suggesting no rest was necessary.

Drenched in sweat and resting my hands on my knees trying to catch my breath, I couldn’t help but compare him to my debt. I push, I fight, I struggle, but it pursues me with unending vigor. I feel like I can’t win.

My husband’s job loss and our recent setbacks have felt like an overwhelming stumbling block to our journey.

I pushed a while longer and ran a few more hills before going home. I took off his leash and tossed it on the counter. As I gulped a giant glass of water, I looked to see where my endless ball of energy went.

He was curled up on the couch fast asleep…and he didn’t wake up for a solid two hours.

I had two words for my energetic ball of fur…

I win.

Be stubborn with your debt fight today.

Eventually, we’ll win.

Posted by Beks on November 13, 2009 at 5:00 AM in Keeping Motivated | 15 Comments »
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Money Beagle responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 7:39 am
I love the analogy between hiking and finance, and if you can conquer one (I’m tired just reading this!) then you can conquer both. I know it is frustrating, but just remember, you’re learning valuable life lessons right now that will serve you for years and years to come. You’ll make it and be stronger for everything you’ve been through. Hang in there! And give your dog an extra treat, he earned it!
Melanie responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 8:27 am
At least your dog loves you unconditionally, unlike the debt;). It’s a good analogy, though…always climbing, and if you’re not climbing, you’re looking at the next hill ahead. You guys will win, though.
Elizabeth responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 9:10 am
So well written.
Very impressed with your “can-do” attitude. My heart has gone out for your circumstances this fall. Here’s a vote of encouragement. You guys CAN do it!
me in millions responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Cute story!
John DeFlumeri Jr responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 10:20 am
You are a person of good character!
That’s why I am here every day.

John DeFlumeri Jr.
emmi responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 10:58 am
That dog knows how to store up energy for later use. There is a lesson in that too.
mem responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 11:32 am
There’s also a positive spin on most of life’s situation if you choose to be positive. Your dog is giving you a free source of exercise and better health (not to mention unconditional love and all the other things dogs provide).
Bobby responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Dogs want nothing, and succeed in getting it. There’s a lesson there.
Nicole responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
That’s hilarious! It sounds like my boys : )

Yes, getting out of debt is hard and SO worth it!
Alison (a girl in her element) responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Great analogy! Maybe I should get a dog that persists and keeps on trucking along. Instead I’ve got two kitties who I love dearly, but they spend their days napping around the house
GoBankingRates responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
My dog is the exact same way! Except now that she’s getting older, the level of energy is slowly diminishing. Love the analogy with finance. We will win! =)
tim responded:
Posted: November 14th, 2009 at 6:01 am
you have the wrong ending…the ending isn’t that you will will win, it is that you will be able to sleep comfortably without worrying for however long you want, knowing you are taken care of, just like your dog.
Family Man responded:
Posted: November 16th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I hear ya on the dog. And also on the stumbling block issue. My life has been a series of ups and downs over the last few years, and there are many times I can’t decide myself if I am coming or going. I have been running a special series about many of the emotions we all feel as our financial lives impact our daily “being”

Hang in there!
Michelle H. responded:
Posted: November 16th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Good Message! Set backs can be bummers, but eventually even the tortoise won the race….
Beks responded:
Posted: November 20th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Thanks all! I love my dog and hate him at the same time! But at least he makes me smile about life.