I haven't had a car payment in 15 years. I had planned on driving my 2002 Nissan Xterra until the wheels fell off, and they literally did. I had also convinced myself that because I hadn't had a raise in a decade and because I wasn't where I wanted to be in my life, that some how I didn't deserve to ride in style, or at least with AC. Yes, the AC in the Xterra went out last summer.
But I finally did it. I bought a car - a 2010 Lexus RX350. It's exactly what I wanted and the price I wanted to pay. Simply buying a car changed my life. It got me out of poverty thinking (journalists are really good at that) and opened my eyes to opportunities to really grow and make more money. It gave me confidence. I can valet without worry. I can show up at an event, a speaking engagement, at church and feel like I belong. I'm worthy.
Thank you to the sweet couple who drove it from San Antonio to my front door, complete with a bottle of champagne in the back seat. #yearofjoy