SprinkL3, I'm just going to live my life as is and be happy. I don't need to worry too much about money as long as I earn enough to get by. I am going to enjoy what I have and my surroundings. I love it here! There is everything I need here. I am getting by somehow also. I am happy. I don't need to prove anything to anybody and will be just happy the way I am. I had and have a good life. I don't miss being in debt. I like being debt-free. I also don't want to worry about the future when I don't know what to expect. I've had fancy dinners and used to go to fancy parties. I don't miss them. I eat well on my own when I like. I eat fancy desserts here and have eaten at various restaurants within my means. I am happy. My parents ate well while I was growing up so food has never been a problem for me. I have eaten at the four seasons hotel, Lawry's, Ruth's, Maine lobster in Maine, etc. Food is not that interesting to me anymore. What interests me is being healthy. I have had fancy clothes too but this does not interest me either. I prefer cheap clothes that make me look good. I also have traveled all over the USA, Canada, and here. I don't need to travel either. So, I just need to be happy and healthy.

I think you should find happiness in life. I have let go of all of my bitterness and live for myself now. You should also. Yes, I've experienced racism, ageism, and sexism also. But, I have realized these isms will always be part of living in this world sadly. I don't care about them or worry about them. I just do as I please. I am lucky to have recovered and am doing well. I live independently and pay for everything from my own earnings. I don't ask for handouts or take advantage of others. I am proud and would never have dinner with someone without reciprocating. I was brought up not to take free handouts from anybody. My mother told me that the most expensive thing in this world is that it is free. Nothing in this world is free. I always remembered this. Of course, I did eat for free at the Rescue Mission but this was because I was not able to pay for anything at the time. Since then, I pay my way no matter what. I had an acquaintance who tried to get me a job and paid for some coffee and breakfast, but he wanted sex in return so I dropped him like a hot potato. So, nothing is free in this world. I have met men who were rich but cheap too. That is another story. So, SprinkL3, please find happiness from within and meaning in your life. I am happy you are proud of your accomplishments. I am proud of my health and my well-being. I am also proud that I try not to hurt others. I don't need anybody's support or encouragement. I am fine the way I am. Thank you for writing on my thread. I think you are seeking approval and acceptance from others. I think you should invest in yourself and love yourself first and foremost. I have and am happier because of this. I have been where you are and want you to know to love yourself. If you don't, people will walk all over you. So, you have my blessings and hopefully one day you will be happy and find love for yourself, not from others.