Recovering Women Wealth

Sober Women Managing Money & Mental Wealth

  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Home
  • FKA Ms. Fiology
  • About Me
    • Testimony
    • Mission Statement
    • Contact Me
  • Operating Procedures
  • Resources
    • Recovery Resources
    • Books I Recommend
      • Recovery & Self Growth Favs
      • Money Favs
      • Christian Favs
      • Non-Fiction Favs
      • Fiction Favs
    • Financial Resources
  • Public Speaking
  • Investment Policy Statement
  • Debt Freedom
  • Series
    • Brain Health
    • Inspiring Women in Recovery Interview Series
    • People are Basically…

This post may contain affiliate links to products I’ve used and recommend. If you click on the link and purchase the product, I am compensated (at no additional cost to you). 

View my full disclosure here.

Finding My Voice

April 4, 2019 By Deanna 15 Comments

All my life, I’ve doubted myself. I’ve looked to other people to tell me what I should think and do. I’ve asked so many different people about my life, that I’m swirling in a sea of voices. But there’s one voice that I’ve drowned out, and that voice is mine.

The Role of a Mentor

It’s probably no surprise that when I was in the throes of addiction, my mentors (if you want to call them that) were not healthy people. The people I sought approval from did not have my best interest at heart. Nor did I.

Through my recovery, I’ve learned to surround myself with healthier people. Additionally, I found mentors who are worthy of that title.

Mentors can come in many forms – sponsors, pastors, counselors, teachers, authors, etc. I’ve had them all. I’m grateful for them. They guided me and offered advice when my brain was healing and the fog was lifting.

When I wasn’t really quite sure what a healthy response was, they taught me. Furthermore, through these mentors, I learned to form healthier relationships.

Life is an evolution and lately, I’ve been having a new epiphany about the role of a mentor.

Mentors are really good. However, I believe the most important job of a mentor is to encourage their mentee to think for themselves. And as a Christian, the most important job of a pastor is to encourage their sheep to learn to hear the voice of God for themselves.

For some reason, I’ve always been drawn to mentors who will talk and think for me.

It’s not their fault. It’s what I was looking for. And it was what I needed at one time.

Finding My Voice

However, tonight as one of my mentors was talking I realized something. I realized no one is really listening to me. Additionally, I realized it’s because I’m always asking what other people think of my decisions.

I’m not really sure I need that anymore.

Sure, there is a time and a place to bounce things off of the important people in our lives, but overall, I know what I need to do. Furthermore, I have access to the same God and hear clearly.

I realized I don’t really need the approval of others if I have the approval of God.

Moreover, I’ve realized I really have something to say. And now I have the confidence to say it.

Photo by Josh Rocklage on Unsplash

When The Teacher is Ready, The Students Will Appear

There is an Asian proverb that says, “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I am experiencing the converse of that proverb is also true. I’m ready to teach and I have students lining up. Women are asking for my guidance.

Let me repeat that to convince myself it’s real, women are actually asking for my guidance.

Am I going to sit on the sidelines and let fear prevent me from embracing this? The old Deanna would say yes, but Deanna 2.0 says heck no!

In my writing, I’m getting to know my true self. Maybe you, as the readers are seeing it? I don’t know because I cannot look in from your perspectives.

However, I am noticing something. Whenever I bare my heart and soul, you leave heartwarming comments or send me emotion-filled emails.

I don’t know if this blog is changing anyone’s life but I know it’s changing mine.

I’m finding my voice…finally.

Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash

Where Do We Go From Here?

So the thing I wrote vaguely about in my post on Monday, is that I feel led to go to Africa. I suspect I may be called to teach orphans there but first I must go on a short term mission trip and see if what’s on my heart is God’s will for my life.

I’ve told my family about it so I can write about it.

A lot will have to happen before this short term trip can occur but I’ve started to take action. Mainly, I’ve reached out to a pastor who leads short term mission trips to Uganda. I put the word out that I’m interested in going on one in 2020.

From there, it’s yet to be determined what will occurs after…

Teaching Here and Now

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

For now, this teacher (me!) has students here to teach and that is namely women who want to do better with their money.

I have a full-time day job which I enjoy a lot. Additionally, I blog on the side which brings me a lot of joy. As we’ve just established is allowing me to find my voice!

Now, though, I’m ready to guide some women in their financial endeavors.

How will I have time for all of this? Great question. As I’ll be working on some financial curriculums, I may have to reduce the number of posts I release per week. Currently, I post on Mondays and Thursdays and I’m religiously disciplined about it.

*EDIT: I’ve mostly paused Thursday posts for now.*

For now, I’m not changing anything about my blog but I will begin working on some financial curriculums geared towards women. Potentially, I see the possibility of teaching them at recovery and sober houses. I’m sure, as the curriculums begin to take shape, I’ll get more clarity of where to teach them.

The Curriculums

As I think more seriously about teaching to women here, I think about the basics in financial literacy:

  • Budgeting
  • Saving
  • Spending
  • Giving
  • Getting out of debt
  • Investing
  • Planning for the future

As I meet more women in recovery, there seems to be no shortage of those who need to gain financial literacy. Being in the personal finance world, I see so many great teachers already out there and it’s easy to think, who the heck am I to teach on this stuff too? #ImposterSyndrome

And then I’m reminded that people are most apt to listen to someone who’s come out of the trenches themselves, dug their way out of debt, found freedom in budgeting, learned about investing, became mindful about spending, and is embracing a high savings rate. That’s me!! And I know I have nothing if I don’t give it away.

So I’m ready to take up this mantle as a teacher.  After all, this is not a dress rehearsal.

Photo by James & Carol Lee on Unsplash

Closing Thoughts

I’m continually reminded that life is an evolution and we are either growing or dying. We need to be willing to take calculated risks and go for our dreams, our purpose, and our passion.

Who is not being helped when I’m not living on purpose? Seriously, if I’m meant to help others in this manner, then who am I to say no?

So I’m ready to guide women into getting their financial ducks in a row so that they too can have the capacity to dream, be on purpose, and find their passion.

How about you? Are you ready to take action in your life? Who is not being helped because you are not doing your purpose?

Theme Photo by Frida Bredesen on Unsplash

 

 

 

Filed Under: Inspiration, Stories of Recovery Tagged With: Education, Purpose

Comments

  1. Fred Leamnson says

    April 4, 2019 at 7:15 am

    Good for you, Deanna. Helping those in recovery with their finances is huge. As you know better than most, addiction is a killer for finances. Most addicts (including our son) who’ve spent time in the system come out with lots of debt to repay.

    In most cases they have to “check the box” on job applications about having a criminal record. Though many employers are banning this practice, it’s still very hard for them coming out of the system.

    Having a guide and mentor who’s been there would be huge. You’d be a perfect fit. I applaud you for listening to God’s voice. We never go wrong when we do that. I look forward to hearing about this journey.

    Well done.

    Reply
    • Deanna says

      April 4, 2019 at 7:38 am

      Thanks, Fred! You are absolutely right that addicts typically have money problems. It’s such a crucial piece of the bigger picture to a lasting & healthy sobriety.

      I’m excited to step into a role I’m qualified for. It’s hard to say no to God!

      Reply
      • Fred Leamnson says

        April 4, 2019 at 7:41 am

        AMEN to that!

        Reply
  2. Daniel says

    April 4, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    Amen and amen! When we are in the darkness we do not know why, when we come out of the darkness we realize why God held us there. You have been blessed with the gift of teaching my friend and you are obediently using your experiences to bless others.

    ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

    Reply
    • Deanna says

      April 4, 2019 at 10:30 pm

      Best words to hear ever! Thanks, Daniel 🙂

      Reply
  3. Rebecca says

    April 4, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    Absolutely love this! I am so happy that you have found your voice through this blog because I and many others benefit from your words daily! You are inspirational, and a great mentor!

    Reply
    • Deanna says

      April 4, 2019 at 10:32 pm

      Aah, thanks girl! Sometimes I think I am writing in vain but I really, really hope it helps others. This is refreshing to read your comment 🙂

      Reply
  4. MK Williams says

    April 4, 2019 at 8:50 pm

    This is so amazing! What a beautiful post and I’m so glad that you will be sharing your story and lessons with others. I can’t wait to see and hear more about it!

    Reply
    • Deanna says

      April 4, 2019 at 10:38 pm

      Hey MK! Thanks for coming by & commenting.

      It’ll be an interesting ride for sure!

      Reply
  5. PFI says

    April 6, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    This is so great! You’ll be a fanastic teacher – and the world needs more of those.

    I look forward to reading about the curriculum you develop and your experiences.

    Reply
    • Deanna says

      April 7, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      Hey, thank you!! I am honored that you would say that. What do you teach?

      Reply
      • PFI says

        April 7, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        I’ve taught everything from elementary school to university teacher and administrator classes. I currently have the honor of running schools for kids who have slipped through the cracks or been pushed out of other school systems. It’s a lifelong passion, which is why I’m always thrilled to see others approach it with the same passion.

        Reply
        • Deanna says

          April 7, 2019 at 1:05 pm

          That is great! Do you have a subject area of focus? I taught at a drop out recovery school about 8 years ago. Those are the kids who need the passionate teachers. Keep up the good work!

          Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Being True to Yourself - Ms. Fiology says:
    June 13, 2019 at 6:53 am

    […] ones who are gaining control of their finances. As I go further down the road with blogging, I am finding my voice and now I am finding my […]

    Reply
  2. How I am Taking My First Overseas Mission Trip - Recovering Women Wealth says:
    March 2, 2020 at 7:27 am

    […] written about my calling to travel to Uganda here and here. Am I called to take a sabbatical and teach in Uganda for a longer-term? I don’t know but I […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

About Me

My name is Deanna and I am happy to be on this redemptive path. I got sober from drug addiction/alcoholism in 2010 and returned to a faith in Christ. Additionally, I finished digging my way out of debt in 2017. Today, I’m learning to be a wise steward/investor of my resources while helping other women find their victories too. More about me.

Join my email list!

Subscribe to be notified of my latest posts via email.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Affiliate Link – Click Image

Affiliate Link – Click Image

As Featured On

Recent Posts

  • Planning a Simple Frugal Wedding on a Non-Budget
  • We Got Engaged During the Year to Forget!!!
  • My Biggest Lesson in 2020, We Need One Another!

Categories

  • Blogging
  • Career Hacking
  • Financial Independence
  • Frugality
  • Healthy Living
  • Inspiration
  • Investing
  • Minimalism
  • Personal Finance
  • Stories of Recovery
  • Tax Efficiency
  • Travel Hacking
  • Tribute

Archives

  • March 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018

Copyright © 2021 Recovering Women Wealth