The last several weeks, we've talked about some pretty big, perspective-shifting things on the topic of body image. If you've followed along through all of the posts, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. No worries if you are. I've got you, friends.
Today's true story comes from a member of a Facebook group called Becoming Unstoppable. The group started when Jamie Kern Lima launched her book, Believe It. If you need some positive energy, head on over there.
This story, shared with permission, of course, is inspiring in its simplicity. It exemplifies a principle we've all heard before, but, man, it can be hard to live by! It takes a kind of patience, dedication, and vision most of us give up on before we reach our goal. Her story shows the power of taking one step at a time.
Erissa's Story
(with some minor edits for clarity)
Hi everyone. Today was a huge day.
So, a long time ago I had a goal to be a home owner. Bad credit. No savings. All the things. Working my butt off as a single mom. Second baby came and my man picker was still bad. A very sneaky alcoholic. Found out he was stealing from me and took credit cards out in my name and then it got physical when I tried to understand what was going on. But, despite all the obstacles, I stayed true to my goal. Not without setbacks, but nothing was going to keep me from providing a home for my kids.
I made a vision board. Put my goal of down payment on it. And all the things I wanted in a house. And it happened!! 5 years ago exactly actually. 5 years ago I signed for the biggest loan I have ever had. Felt incredibly blessed that with my struggles anyone would let me borrow 200k!
And then the overwhelming part of being responsible for all the things kicked in. But I kept moving forward.
My front yard was not secure so I built a fence. One 8ft section at a time - 1 year and 64 ft later it was done!! Water lines were in my way so I had to get creative. And I did. So 75 lb bricks to build up a wall, 4 bricks at a time. Lol. The guys at the store always laughed at me. But it didn’t stop me.
I needed flowers so I built planter boxes. And planted food: raspberries and blueberries and artichokes. Then I started on the back yard. Had to hire some help and built a deck but it got built! . And made our back yard an oasis!
Now I am in the process of refinancing and the appraisal lady looked at the work I have done and gave me 50k in home improvements. Beyond blown away.
That one little project, one 8 ft section, one step at a time has built a home!! And when my kid’s help me and see what I have done. I know they are proud. And did I mention, I had never built anything prior to this?
Such a scary, hard journey. Filled with doubt, and fear and victories!!! Don’t stop going for your goals!! One step at a time adds up!!
And now, to learn about insulation, drywall, mudding and taping. Garage here I come!! A woman’s cave/work out/storage/amazing space!!
A fifty thousand dollar improvement on a two-hundred thousand dollar home! It took her five years! One eight-foot section and four bricks at a time! How's that for vision and perseverance?
So, if you're feeling a bit overcome by what we've discussed about body image in recent posts - or by any other significant life change, remember my friend Erissa, and stack your four bricks, build your eight-foot section, get some help, and watch your dream slowly become reality.
Go, grow!
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If you’d like to learn more about this topic, click HERE to book a session with me.
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