It’s a pretty simple equation. One woman said that’s all you need to be free.
It’s been a long time since I read that article, and I haven’t been able to find it again. But I think it’s true. For her she was talking about trying to leave an abusive relationship. Freedom equals the ability to get away on your own terms.
This move to St. Pete is allowing me to feel some of that freedom. It’s the first time I’ve had all of my ducks in a row and haven’t had to worry much about deposits and whatnot. It’s the first time I’ve chosen a place solely because I want to live there.
During my marriage, I always had to consider my ex’s thoughts and considerations with other places we lived. I lived in base housing while I lived on Okinawa. No choice there. We worked together to pick the first apartment we lived in together in Jacksonville. He pretty much bought the house we owned without any input from me (red flags, anyone?). The house we lived in in Georgia was largely picked by him.
After the separation, money and logistics drove my living locations. I needed to be close to school in case my car got impounded for non-payment, and I needed it to be inexpensive. Later I moved in with a room mate, partially for a change of scenery, but also to save some money. After moving out from that place, I need an inexpensive place to live that was still close enough to school but also inexpensive enough. That resulted in me living in the smallest place I’ve ever lived in (400 sqft). It’s been good, but a little more space will be nice.
Money has been part of my thought process in where to live in St. Pete, of course. But once I figured out what I was willing to spend, I’ve let my gut take it from there.
Whenever I think about my move, I don’t feel anxious like I have in the past. I feel excited. I feel happy. I feel like it is the right choice.
I feel free.
It feels good to feel like I’m finally getting on my feet financially. I don’t know if I’ve ever really felt that way.
I just need to reign in my eating out budget…