Revelations

DiscoverMe Month comes to an end today. This past month has been filled with revelations about myself and the people I’m close to. It revealed areas in my life where I need to show more gratitude and appreciation. It also helped me realize the work I need to do to move forward into a new chapter of life.

I truly thought I had made a lot of progress over this past year. Last year, before turning 41, I challenged myself to become stronger mentally and physically before turning 42. I achieved that—but I decided to challenge myself again in those same areas.

I also discovered something that captured my attention:

I have to show gratitude for the moments I have now in order to fully enjoy my accomplishments when they come.

I do appreciate everything I have. But like most people, I still find myself dissatisfied with certain things in my personal life that I want to change.

One of those things is my home.

I am currently a renter.

And lately, all I see in the news is how affordable housing has disappeared. The price of rent has increased significantly in my area, and it frightens me. It makes me feel like I will soon be paying far more than average just to keep a roof over my family’s head.

Property taxes have increased, and landlords are passing those costs onto tenants. Some renters are paying over $500 more per month. That’s a huge shift.

And if you’re like me—your credit may be decent, but your down payment savings? Gone… thanks to life’s fine print.

I knew rent would eventually increase. But seeing it happen so quickly is overwhelming.

Even utilities have gone up. What used to be a $150 electricity bill is now over $250. Groceries are another example. Items that were once affordable are slowly creeping up in price.

It may not seem like much to some, but for those of us watching every dollar, it adds up.

So what does this have to do with gratitude?

Everything.

Because even with all of this happening, I still have something to be thankful for.

And that’s the part I need to work on.

It’s not easy to feel grateful when you’re overwhelmed. But I know the importance of positive thinking and holding onto faith, even when things feel uncertain.

Yes, the housing market causes anxiety.

Yes, the future feels unclear.

But I refuse to let that stop me.

I will continue working toward becoming a homeowner.

I will not give up on that dream.

No matter how discouraging the headlines are, I know I will get there.

All I have to do is remain grateful for what I have now—and build a plan for what comes next.

My advice:

Don’t let inflation dictate your future.

Inflation is a side effect of life.

Find your own way to combat it.