Two days ago, something unexpected happened. I was browsing cars online (as I often do), looking for a fairly new, but used Subaru Legacy with low mileage, in an affordable-to-us price range. Honestly, Subarus have become so popular that their prices have sort of skyrocketed, and I figured we'd never find what we needed, or what I wanted. I've been after a Legacy for a long time. Don't get me wrong- Imprezas, Outbacks, Forresters, Crosstreks, they're all fabulous, but I seriously needed to upgrade my vehicle and was itching for Legacy.
Why? I have my reasons- too many to name, really, but a few include: It's a sedan, a step up from the sportier Impreza (which we also own), and it's sleek. Subaru's performance and top safety ratings keep us in love with their cars. The Legacy marks our third Subaru. I needed something with room- the kids needed more space in the back, and we needed more cargo space for travel. We've looked at Outbacks, and really thought we'd wind up with one (and we may still), but I'm not super comfortable in driving anything I feel is too big, and I'm not in love with sitting up off the ground, either. The Legacy might help me work up to it.
So, we found the car online, did some online financial inquiries, were quickly approved for financing, and boom- the car was placed on hold for us, and we were headed to test drive and look at it the next afternoon.
We walked into our nearest Carmax location at 5 pm. They were super busy, but within an hour, we drove the car, fell in love with it, and started the buying process. By 7 pm, we were driving it off the lot. We hadn't necessarily planned on buying a car this week (days before we head off on vacation, no less), but the stars aligned and everything worked out just so. We knew if we hesitated, the car would be gone in a matter of days and we'd be back to the drawing board.
Am I looking forward to having a car payment? Not really, but I'll tell you what- the fact that we can work a car payment into our budget is sort of crazy to me. We live pretty modestly. We don't own anything flashy and typically, if we can't pay for something in cash, we don't buy it.
Purchasing a new-to-us car is a huge stepping stone. I'm self-employed. Being self-employed can be really scary at times. Mommy's Block Party is my joy, and it's also my bread and butter. It helps put a roof over our heads, feed our faces, send my kids to great schools, and now it's helped us be able to buy a new car. I'm still sort of in awe, honestly. When I started this blog, I had nothing but a few ideas in my head, and zero know-how, but with a lot of hard work (early mornings and crazy late nights), tons of help from family and friends, and the prayers and constant support from those in my circle, here we are.
There are some mornings when I am up and working at 5 am where I am completely tired. My brain doesn't want to put words together to make complete thoughts or sentences, but I press on. Last week, I suffered a terrible allergic reaction and cellulitis from yellow jacket stings, and went on a 'glamping' trip for work (yes, MBP), knowing that I might wind up in the hospital while on said trip. I pressed on. Blogging isn't easy money, and it certainly won't make you rich overnight, but over the past nearly ten years, hard work has definitely begun to pay off.
My husband remarked that I'm always working. We took our kids to lunch yesterday and I hung back in the car for a few minutes to finish working out a deal. I'm checking my email morning, noon, and night- trying to make it all happen so my family can have a good life. It's unconventional, but I've found a rhythm, and it works for me. Best of all- I love what I do. It rarely ever feels like a grind, gives my family amazing experiences we wouldn't otherwise have, and I never know what will hit my inbox from one day to the next. I am never bored!
I'm not here to gloat, friends. I'm just here to encourage and remind you not to give up. Trust me, I have felt like throwing in the towel numerous times. If you're starting something new, I pray patience will find you, along with peace. Thick skin helps when others just don't understand your thinking or reasons for moving in a new direction. Remember that you are a person... a unique, beautiful, skilled, valuable person. Don't let someone else's opinion diminish your self-worth. Setting goals is a must- it'll help you stay on track and truly reach things that might seem like they're out of your grasp. Own what you're doing (whatever it is). For the longest time, I was afraid to talk to people about my blog. I was sure they just wouldn't understand what it was that I was doing and would just write me off. Be proud of your ideas and accomplishments and share your joy and happiness that comes from them!
Pursue Your Passion!
If you've been thinking about following your dream, pursuing your passion, turning a hobby into a business, or starting something completely new and different, I'd love for you to check out Mavensoul! Working with a business coach has been a big part of my journey over the past few months. Learning about important entrepreneur characteristics and changing my mindset has made the biggest difference in my business and my life. You'll be coached every step of the way as you work toward new goals, and transformed from the inside out! You'll have the opportunity to work one on one with a coach who will help you examine the things that might be holding you back from taking your next step toward true joy and happiness! You can also connect with Mavensoul on Facebook for great daily motivational tips & more! Another fantastic resource for anyone looking to change it up and grow their business, is to connect with https://www.plannedascent.com/ for business coaching and consulting. This is a surefire way to grow and accelerate your business- no matter what type of business you are in.
Let's talk about dreams! What are yours?
Is there something you're passionate about that you'd love to pursue? I want to hear all about it.
Drop me a comment below or catch me over on MBP social media @mommysblockparty on Facebook or @mommysblckparty on Twitter and IG.
It's a new day. Let's get to work!
I dream that my son gets a job since he just graduated and that my granddaughter start college. For me I am living my dream, working my hobby, traveling, doing yoga etc. Rosanne
ReplyDeleteMy dream is to live in the country! I would love to be able to have some land and chickens, as well as my own garden. It would be amazing to be able to grow my own food and be remote and away from the city life. We currently live in a huge city and I am very unhappy, I need nature!!
ReplyDeleteMy family is growing so we are in need of a bigger house and cars.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new car. We just got our dream car a Nissan Rouge a couple months ago. Working hard does pay off. We are working towards our dream now of owning our own house
ReplyDeleteIf it's to be, it's up to me - my motto. There's nothing you can't do, if you set your mind to it. - Mom
ReplyDeleteMy dream has always been to own my own house with some land. I don't know if it will ever come true.
ReplyDeleteMy dream has always been to become a writer. I love to write even though it is only for myself.
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