This hit home. I realized years ago that my constant pursuit of crap, especially cars, was causing problems, but right about the same time, I found out my mother gambled everything she had, and I pushed to support her through getting her degree, nobody called to give her a job in a year, and I’ve been counting the days until she’s eligible for Social Security next year and won’t cost me anything anymore. I pushed so hard I don’t remember where the last 10 or so years went.

I’ve been losing my way again after pushing for so long. I’ve felt as though I was denying myself the nice car. I test drove a really expensive car last year, and I caught myself making plans to buy one with the money I wouldn’t need to send Mom’s way anymore.

This time away from work and reading all of you made me realize I’d rather buy my freedom back.