Though as a child, I’d always been an early riser—up as early as 6 every morning—this was no match for the women in my household.  My mother, grandmother or great grandmother would have already been up, doing god knows what.  Sweeping? Cooking? Cleaning? I don’t know—any and every thing, with the exception of relaxing or sleeping.

These were my examples of womanhood.  Silent messages of taking care of things—being about my business. Not being, “lazy.”

As such, it would be of no surprise for you to learn that by the age of 14 I was legitimately working—dressing up as a teenage mutant ninja turtle, offering kids free introductory karate lessons.

I worked during undergrad. Had a full-time job during my masters and would also have a full time job while pursuing my PhD. (Who does that?!) The notion of not working, or not putting my hand to something, had been nothing short of inconceivable to me.

[Fast forward to August of 2013…]

I’d been a consultant working 20 hours per week for an organization—advancing ideas I was passionate about—and was unexpectedly offered an opportunity to direct another program. Problem was, I was also an adjunct. I was scheduled to teach 4 classes at 3 schools. How could I say no to this kind of opportunity?

Great! Full time job!

Quit the part time gigs, right?

No…as has been a pattern for me, I took it all on.

(I should take a moment to mention, I’m a single mother.  I’m actively working on writing my dissertation and deal with pain and sickness associated with a chronic illness.  Despite these things, there was something in me that couldn’t say, no.)

Then finally, the break between semesters came. Whew! You couldn’t imagine how much I would need that. But as the beginning of the new semester approached, a sense of dread lurked. Inside I kicked and screamed—but thoughts of bills, and tuition prodded me.

Then, with  a day’s thought, I did the unthinkable… Though I’d thought, “I can do this! My schedule would be easier this semester,” my higher self gently said, “It’s not about what you can do. It’s about the energy you’re offering (the universe).” With that, I took a leap of faith and quit my part time gigs. Though this would mean a $16,500 loss, the peace of mind and promise of better health it offered was much more alluring.

Since then (about a week ago), I’ve seen tiny glimpses of the miraculous. Although, I was still active, Norissa-style, I didn’t have to work very hard for money to come my way. I put books on sale on Amazon and made $700 in one weekend. Our resident Frugalista, Kara, called me and we brainstormed on ways in which we could make sure my tuition was paid, and yet another friend called and offered to reserve tickets for me at an event she was hosting and give me proceeds of ticket sales towards my tuition.  Another friend booked me for a 3 part speaking engagement. Let’s not forget, a friend of mine (not even a best friend, just a dear heart) sent me $100 towards my tuition.

If it is not clear, the message of this post is, what can happen when you get out of the way and stop thinking that you need to manage and control things.  The Universe will conspire to assist you, if you allow it.

Frugalistas in the spirit of community, share some easy things you do/did to get by or meet huge financial obligations in a short time?