“I Survived Because The Fire Inside Me Burned Brighter Than The Fire Around Me.”

“Never make fun of someone’s passion because that’s the thing that saves them from the world.”

— Unknown

CREATE BAD ART

Proper boundaries

truths I’ve learned at 25

1) you are your own best friend. start treating yourself like it. at the end of the days it’s YOU who will fall asleep with yourself. YOU who will drive yourself to work and back. be kind to yourself. learn how to be alone with yourself.

2) you have to learn how to be authentic to yourself. by this I mean you have to learn what makes your butt wiggle and go after it. no motivation, no ambition is a disease. find something that lights you up inside and work for it.

3) if you’re a people pleaser, you will spend the rest of your life making others comfortable at your own expense. stop it. if you catch yourself trying to make others comfortable at your own comfort, KNOCK IT OFF!!!

4) not making a choice IS a choice. you’ll stay forever frozen where you are if you’re too scared to make any change. if you’re so scared to step on the wrong path it keeps you from stepping ANYWHERE, nothing changes if nothing changes. you quite literally cannot figure out what your destined for if you refuse to try anything.

5) if you struggle with discipline, don’t think of it as ‘discipline’. think of it as devotion to yourself. if you promise yourself something, STAND on it! be there for yourself by showing yourself integrity.

How to Live Your Dream Life on a Budget

1. Define Your Dream Life

Clarify Your Priorities: Identify what truly matters to you. Is it travel, a peaceful home, pursuing a passion, or more time with loved ones?

Set Realistic Goals: Break your dream into achievable milestones. This helps make the process feel manageable and less overwhelming.

2. Focus on Experiences, Not Things

Prioritize meaningful experiences over material possessions. For example, a picnic with friends can be as fulfilling as dining at an expensive restaurant.

Look for free or low-cost activities in your area, such as community events, nature trails, or local museums.

3. Budget Strategically

Track Your Expenses: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to understand where your money goes and identify areas for savings.

Cut Unnecessary Costs: Reduce spending on non-essential items, such as subscription services you don’t use or frequent takeout meals.

Save Smartly: Allocate a portion of your income, no matter how small, to a "dream fund" for your long-term goals.

4. Leverage Resources and Skills

Learn for Free: Use free online resources like YouTube, Coursera, or local libraries to develop skills or hobbies that align with your dream life.

Barter or Trade Skills: Exchange your expertise for goods or services. For instance, offer graphic design in exchange for language lessons.

5. Maximize What You Have

Repurpose and Reuse: Upcycle old furniture, clothes, or decor to create a refreshed living space without spending much.

Enjoy Simple Pleasures: Appreciate small joys like reading a book, journaling, cooking, or spending time outdoors.

6. Pursue Low-Cost Travel

Take advantage of budget-friendly travel options like camping, house-sitting, or volunteering abroad (e.g., WWOOF or Workaway).

Use travel rewards or discounts to save on flights and accommodations.

7. Build a Support Network

Surround yourself with supportive people who share your values and inspire you.

Join communities (in-person or online) that focus on minimalism, frugal living, or achieving dreams on a budget.

8. Stay Positive and Flexible

Embrace Gratitude: Celebrate small wins and recognize the progress you’ve made toward your dream life.

Adapt Your Vision: Understand that your dream life may evolve over time, and that’s okay. Be open to new opportunities and adjustments.

Examples of Dream Lives on a Budget

A Creative Lifestyle: Pursue writing, painting, or photography with inexpensive tools and platforms to share your work.

An Adventurous Life: Explore local attractions, hike nearby trails, or road trip on a budget.

A Peaceful Home: Create a cozy, welcoming space using thrifted decor and DIY projects.

Pursuing Personal Growth: Dive into free or affordable online courses, read self-improvement books, or attend community workshops.

Your dream life isn’t about how much money you have—it’s about how you use your resources to align with your values and aspirations. With intention and creativity, even modest means can lead to extraordinary fulfillment.

It’s okay to be afraid!