My Blogging Journey Begins

Introduction

Turning 35, I found myself lost in a social media maze. A podcast about beating money worries sparked a lightbulb moment: I needed to share my story. Inspired by financial experts, philosophy gurus, and the freedom of running, I decided to start this blog. It's a place to talk about money, life lessons, and finding my pace.

Overcoming Debt

I was buried under almost 100K pesos in credit card debt. The weight of it felt crushing. Every payday was a battle, with most of my income swallowed by interest payments. The constant anxiety of falling deeper into debt was a heavy burden.

It was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn't continue living paycheck to paycheck, trapped in a cycle of endless consumption. The decision to break free was difficult, but necessary.

My first goal was simple: eliminate the debt. I created a strict budget, cut back on unnecessary expenses, and allocated as much as possible towards debt repayment. It was a grueling process, filled with temptations and setbacks. There were times when I wanted to give up, to indulge in retail therapy as a reward for my efforts. But I persevered, reminding myself of the long-term benefits.

Gradually, I chipped away at the debt. With each payment, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Finally, after two years of sacrifice, I was debt-free. It was a pivotal moment. I had conquered a formidable challenge and emerged stronger.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: financial freedom begins with debt freedom. It's essential to prioritize debt repayment before pursuing other financial goals.

Embracing the Stoic Path

Consumed by the relentless pursuit of promotion, my ego was spiraling. Then I discovered Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday. It was a lifeline, grounding me in reality. The Stoic principle of focusing solely on what I could control became my anchor. Gossip, distractions, and external pressures faded into insignificance as I dedicated myself to the task at hand.

Living by Stoic ideals is a daily practice, not a destination. There are moments of weakness, when emotions threaten to overwhelm. Yet, the philosophy serves as a compass, guiding me back to equanimity. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a relentless pursuit of wisdom and virtue.

Journaling has been instrumental in this pursuit. Daily gratitude and reflection have fortified my resilience. For those embarking on this path, start small. A simple journal entry can be transformative. Let's share our experiences, support one another, and together, cultivate a life of meaning and purpose.

Finding Freedom Through Running

The pandemic lockdown ignited my passion for running. Seeking a productive outlet, I laced up my shoes and hit the pavement. Initially, speed was my focus, but injuries taught me the value of endurance. Through consistent running, I discovered strength, both physical and mental. The culmination of my journey was completing The Bull Runner 2024 marathon.

To conquer the distance, I prioritized consistency over intense training. Mental fortitude played a crucial role. Reminding myself of my "why" propelled me forward, especially during challenging runs.

Running has become more than just exercise; it's a path to freedom and clarity.

Conclusion

This journey of self-discovery has been a blend of challenges and triumphs. From the depths of financial struggle to the heights of personal growth, I've learned that life is a marathon, not a sprint. By combining financial discipline, Stoic wisdom, and the physical liberation of running, I've found a path towards a more fulfilling life.

I invite you to join me on this adventure. Let's share our experiences, support each other, and together, create a community of individuals striving for a better version of themselves.

Remember, every step, big or small, is a victory. Let's chase our dreams, one day at a time. Live intentionally, run freely.

Thank you for reading.