It feels great to live a debt free life doesn't it? I've been on a similar journey as you and now after a few years of struggle, things feel a bit better. Although as you said yourself, maybe life is just tough but I think facing it is as it comes, makes you tougher.
There was a time when I moved out of my city into a new one for a job. It was winters and it was really cold and I had no heater and slept on the floor. I finally managed to buy a small heater that warmed up my feet and it was good enough for most part of it.
I enjoyed the experience though. Life is better now that I moved back to my hometown where we have a house, no mortgage or any liabilities towards anyone or any financial institution. I was never in debt as such but I don't quite forget the days that made me! :)
Agreed! The more you owe the more you just make to maintain, thankful to be out of the cycle, trying to simplify and work on things that have meaning to me instead of just making a buck, will get there. Little by little 💕