The breaking point.
Most of us have hit our breaking point at one point, or another. Life has a way of pushing us to our limits. Health, work, finances, or about a million other things can push us to the breaking point. The human body can only take so much stress, before it starts breaking down, but why do we let these issues put us over the edge?
I have been thinking about this a lot lately, because I have been slowly moving toward my breaking point since February. It all started when I lost my job, at first I thought I'd be OK, that I'd just find another job and just keep moving along. I was wrong! My days are spent applying for any and all decent paying jobs, and by decent I mean a job that pays at least $8 an hour, but in 5 months I haven't received one call back. I enjoyed the "vacation" for a bit, but after a week I was ready to go back to work. We've managed to make it so far, but we've recently had some issues come up, which has put us behind on everything.
Issues one and two both came from my car, the first of which was my AC just dying out of the blue. I checked the freon, fuses, wiring and I was finally able to determine it was the center control panel. No biggie, I could hold off on fixing this and just do without AC.
The second issue with my car wasn't something I could put off, the air pressure valve on my driver side front tire was leaking, so it would have to be replaced. Sadly, my car has a tire pressure monitoring system, which means it required a specific valve for it to operate correctly. I was fortunate though, because I could still use a normal air pressure valve, I would just have to deal with a light on the dash til I could fix it properly. So instead of $40 I got by with spending $3, so not too bad.
Unfortunately, I wasn't going to get off cheap on the third issue. After spending all day out in the heat, and having to deal with changing the air valve, all I wanted to do was come home and relax....But that wasn't going to happen. I was unloading the groceries and I didn't even make it to the door before my wife comes running out telling me our hot water heater had busted. Luckily it wasn't the actual tank, just a water supply line, but our bathroom floor is ruined. A $13 hose caused a couple of grand worth of damage, a couple of grand that I don't have at the moment.
So there you have it, those tree things pushed me over the edge.
At the end of the day it isn't so bad, I am still living, I still have an amazing wife, so I know it could be worse. But in those moments when it seems like the next event is going to be worse than the previous, the stress breaks you down, and you give in to it. Money can be a big headache at times, but we can still survive without it. We may not have the new car, or ability to live a luxurious lifestyle without money, but you can still have happiness, and for that I am thankful.
I am very inspired by your optimism. I'm also currently going through some dark time now. My problems are probably not as acute or severe as yours, yet you are handling way better than me. Please stay strong. I'm glad you have a nice family to support you. Things will improve!
Thank you! It isn't fun, but I have always been a glass half full kind of guy. Just remember the dark times will pass, and in the end you'll come out a little stronger and wiser. Family is very important!
Unfortunately I have elected to stay single for life. So I kind of have to fight through this alone. Yes, hopefully I will emerge stronger and wiser.
I'm sure you will make it through! And you may have a few great posts to share when you come out the other side :)
I sort of got more sunrise as I started coming out early last month.
Welcome to Steemit ! So thrilled to see your post here! Woohoo! :D
@timbot606
If there's one thing we need more of, it's stories of struggle rather than seemingly undeserved success. When my parents split, my father ended up moving from a mansion which he owned outright to a caravan, unable to see his kids due to false allegations. One of his friends came around, casually looked around the caravan and said "you've got a television. Check. You've got a fridge full of beer. Check. A roof over your head? Check. What more could you bloody well ask for mate!".
You've got a loving wife... and a roof over your head. Your ability to appreciate and acknowledge that will tide you over. I was reading through you article and waiting for the news of poor health, but it seems you've evaded that for now so you're laughing!
You've still got access to electricity, clean water, computer, porn (;P), food.. you beauty!
My point exactly! Why focus on all the negatives, that will destroy anyone. Yep! That's all anyone needs! I have been fortunate to avoid any major set backs with my health, just the general aches and pains that comes with age, but that just lets us know we're still living. :) Thanks for the comment!
Tim, do you have homeowner's insurance? That should cover that leak. I'm a carpenter by trade and would love to help you out if I could. I do lots of remodels, especially after water damage.
My wife taught me one of the most important thing in my life, "you're not gonna die", she said. That one phrase really changed how I looked at things during the hard times. You've got friends in SteemitBC and even though it's a little monetary support, you got it from us.
No, sadly that was one of things we had to cut out of our budget to stay afloat. I appreciate it! I should be able to do most of the work myself, I will just do the work as I can. Yeah, as long as we're still breathing, we can pull through. I know it, everyone over there is great!
Exactly!
I was in a not very different situation for more than a year. Only glad i didn't have debt and have savings. Things turn out slightly better recently. Hope it will for you too. Hang in there.☺
Thank you! I have no doubt it'll turn around. Life would be boring if it were easy.
I definitely went through something similar when we first moved into the house, but rather than real financial difficulties it was all emotional piles. Still emotionally recovering, but I am thankful to have what we have at this time.
Money IS a headache and it's unfortunate that we just need more and more of it! I am not bragging, but my husband makes a decent amount, and we STILL have financial troubles. I guess that's what comes with homeowning. Lots of little things needed here and there add up to a lot of money in the long run. I guess we need to prioritize just a little better for sure.
I am so glad that it was just those seemingly "little" things that went wrong and not something worse. I'm glad you're here Tim. :D
Moving is stressful, and settling into a new place is as bad, or worse than the move itself. I loathe money! I don't think anyone can escape financial issues, unless you're very well off. Yea, it just all piled up one after another...Just an extremely bad day, but after the frustration wore off, I saw it wasn't as bad as it initially looked. Thank you! :D
I hope life takes it a little easier on ya moving forward. We are here with ya.
Thank you! Just gotta keep moving forward no matter what life decides to do...cause we have no control over that most times.