When you have to 100% provide for yourself, you have a deeper understanding of everything that you have. What you may have taken for granted before increases in value. You have complete ownership of what you do with your time and how you spend your money. You understand the sacrifices that are needed and have a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for the little things.
What I love about this quote is that there is power in being 100% accountable and responsible for yourself. When you succeed, you appreciate every sacrifice you had to make to get there. When you experience failure, you learn lessons about what to do or not to do next time.
One of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received is that I had to earn and fight for everything that I have in my life. Nothing came easy and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am grateful for my struggle. Growing up I worked every day after school, sometimes juggling three jobs at once. Sometimes my family could help me, but most of the time I had to rely on myself. I used to feel like it sucked, but in hindsight, I am beyond grateful for it.
As an adult, my husband and I have had to work hard for everything we have. We’ve had many peaks and valleys. We’ve been homeless, having to live in our car and we’ve had ridiculously nice homes that we never thought we’d have. We’ve been without cars, having to walk everywhere or rent a car. And we’ve also had really nice cars and the ability to pay it forward by helping others in need.
I’ve appreciated the good and the bad, but I know the life experience I gained by being in my valleys has made all the difference.
