Hello, hello! Welcome, or welcome back to the Buy Me a Coffee page for The Winning Wallet!
In January of 2022 I started watching budgeting videos. There was a yearning in me to learn more about building financial stability and as we sometimes do, I headed over to the YouTubes to see what I could find. I never knew there was a 'budgeting community' in YouTubes-Land, and I was captivated. I started watching videos and quickly became enamored with this community. As I learned more, watched more videos, and started to get to know some of you through your videos, I wanted to join in. I even went to Amazon and purchased budgeting binders, envelopes, and a budgeting workbook to use.
But I didn't do it. I didn't join in. I held myself back.
Has that ever happened to you? There is a yearning inside, but you held yourself back from starting? You wanted to try something new, but you weren't sure how it would turn out so you didn't try? You wanted to be a part of something bigger but felt perhaps you wouldn't be a good fit? Good at it? Accepted? That was me. The word is FEAR, my friends. I've lived a lot of life in FEAR. Fear of the unknown. Fear I wouldn't be good enough. Fear I would suffer negative consequences. Even fear of those whom I thought were trustworthy and could be relied upon. Lots of fear.
So as 2022 progressed, I was still watching budgeting videos. I still had my supplies, yet wasn't actively budgeting. I was still spending a ton of disposable income on makeup, skin care, and beauty items. My time in the beauty community began after ending an engagement while in an abusive relationship. I knew early on the relationship had to end, but a part of me wanted to give it all I could to make it work. That was a mistake for me. I was harassed, stalked, and the stories I could tell of the true nature of this person would drop your jaw to the ground. I was a different person then... a person who always tried to help others be better, be there for them at nearly any cost, always believed there is good in everyone, and was sacrificing my own self for the sake of others. I am no longer that person. And at that time, I needed something to fill the time, make my heart feel better, distract me from the emotional pain of losing what I thought was going to be the relationship of a lifetime. Thankfully, my spending habits didn't cross over into shoes, clothes, bags, jewelry, home decor, or in other areas of my life. I was still spending on beauty until in September of 2022, when my rent increased $400.00 a month that is.
And voila, here we are. The increase in required living expenses and the decrease in my disposable income meant my life had to change. I now wonder if the Universe was priming me in January 2022 for what was to come in September. I was primed. I was ready. I knew my life had to change and I knew it was up to me to make it happen. And I have. And I am more grateful than mere words could ever, ever convey.
There is a profound feeling of gratitude in the depths of my soul, slowly laying roots in the foundation of what is to come, what is 'becoming', that fills me with hope, a lightness of spirit, and a sense of glorious, awe inspiring wonder leading my way. YOU are a part of my gratitude. Your friendship, our building relationships, getting to know you, sharing stories, bonding over funny situations or scenarios we share, your videos if you have a channel, your wisdom and suggestions and guidance.... just everything! If you are reading this and we have ever chatted in comments or via Instagram, YOU are appreciated. If you watch my videos and have never said a word, YOU are appreciated. If you've ever had a kind thought about me and my work on this channel, YOU are appreciated. And if you've ever shared those kind thoughts with me (as many of you have), your kind heart and warmth is appreciated.
I needed something in my life. Something positive. A new hobby, since my time (7 years!) in the Beauty Community was coming to an end. I took the leap. I decided to just do it, to just go for it. I started posting videos late October/early November 2022. And I've never looked back. If it weren't for you I wouldn't be here. That too, is profound. Thank you for reading my story and sharing in my journey, my growth.
As my work here continues and you are interested - but in no way ever obligated - in further supporting my work and my channel, I now have a Buy Me A Coffee link. This of course, is entirely optional and never, ever expected. A few have asked me if I have an Amazon store front or link, and perhaps that will happen too one day. There are many savvy business people online and I am not one of them (yet?). However, if you are ever inclined to contribute, I thank you here publicly in advance.
All my sincerest thanks and with appreciation, Elle at The Winning Wallet