When I was in primary
school, I sat down for the first time to watch one of my all time favourite
movies “Homeward Bound.” So amazed by the scenery and story of these 3 loyal
family pets that I decided I had to have one. As we were a feline friendly
family I told my mum that I wanted the fluffy white and brown cat from the
film.
It was at this point in time
she sat me down to explain and demonstrate the value of money. She explained
that most of the things I want in life will involve an exchange of money, that
money doesn’t grow from the fingers of other people, and that there are more
important things than money in life.
Following this I collected
every bit of coin left over from lunch money, every cent found amongst the
couch cushions and every note from birthday cards I could get my hands on.
Every time my mother would tell me that I did not have yet have enough for my
kitten, but enough for other things, I learnt that you have to be patient to
get what you want in the end and stick to it.
Eventually the day came when
my mother drove me to make my first big and independent financial exchange, and
it feels like I’ve been counting coins ever since. Minus the car crash on the
way of course…. Unless the flood and fire fall into the same delayed
gratification category of events.
Since then I’ve always
been saving for travel and tucking savings away for a rainy day. Now that my big trip is
finally on the horizon, I am beginning to become more anxious about my ability
to support myself overseas and handing my power of independence over to fate.
It will be the first time in 10 years I will not have an income nor
any savings for
my safety net as I’m cashing it all in.
Many “what if” questions are
starting to circle around my head, especially those stating “what if you’re not as prepared as you thought
you were…..so you’ll have to come back sooner than you’d like?”
“What if you’re not as
independent as you thought you were or need to be?”
I know there are plenty of other more positive thoughts I
could be dedicating my energy to. One can never have enough money for Europe right?! Reading
over this blog I think it has been more a therapeutic vent to voice my fears so
that I am able to take the next step with a better footing.
So I will prepare as much as
possible, take a deep breath and relax.
After all, I want this to be
fun and I swim well in deep water.
I came back with 2 euro in my pocket and 30c on my CC.
ReplyDeleteI only wanted enough so the universe made sure I had exactly enough.
I had one month at the end where my mother loaned my $50 AUD per week for food as my work got cut short and she wanted me to relax during my final month instead of stressing over finding new work. This was enough, and I spent my days walking and exploring, talking with locals and soaking up the sun on the beach in Nice before heading to Paris for a final few days.
I paid her back as soon as I returned home and found work, which was well within my means.
You will only get what you want if you believe you will get it.