It’s 2026, and what better way to start than by learning something about myself? Why yes, and it only took me until the 5th of January to realize that I have a problem, well, a couple of problems.

One, I’m a people pleaser. Even if I want something for myself, I jump on the approval train pretty quickly. Two, I say yes to spending money before giving it some real thought.

I know I was not raised to value money or live within my means. At fifty, this can no longer be an excuse.

Yesterday I was given a plan to get into shape and feel good in my skin. At first, the yearly cost seemed doable, but if I had taken the time to think, I would have realized I couldn’t afford the program. Now, not even 24 hours later, I am trying to undo a contract I signed.

Lesson learned, and I hope, going forward, I can say, “I need some time to think it over,” because this is a very uncomfortable feeling I have now. What kind of lessons were a gift but hard to see? I know I cannot be the only person who has experienced this. Until next time…