The Modern Day Caveman

Day 10 arrived, and with it, a much-needed payday!

I started my full-time role at the beginning of October, and I’ve now completed my first full month in the job. Genuinely, I think this might have been the most anticipated and exciting payday I’ve ever had.

With it, I managed to pay off just under £2,000 of my debt – and with a few direct debits scheduled for some of my credit cards next week, my debt figure should finally drop below the £40,000 mark. It’s a huge step in the right direction, and I’m hoping I can carry this momentum into the months ahead.

Of course, I’m incredibly fortunate to be living back with my parents, who aren’t charging me rent while I get myself back on my feet. It means I can put almost my entire salary toward clearing my debts – something I’m deeply grateful for.

The past 10 days have made me so appreciative of the people around me, friends, family, and especially my parents, and moments like this really drive home how much their support means.

Money aside, tomorrow is my birthday, marking my 29th lap around the sun. My 28th year was the toughest, most mentally challenging year of my life, and it pushed me right to the edge.

During my run to The Mountain Ahead, I actually got quite emotional when I reached the summit. It felt like all the pain, frustration, and self-hatred of the past year came to a head in that moment. As I took those final strides, it honestly felt like saying goodbye to that dark chapter and looking forward to a brighter, more hopeful 29th year – as cheesy as that sounds!

Today was also Halloween, and when I was younger, I always had Halloween-themed birthday parties. My mum (the star that she is!) kept the tradition alive by making a spooky-themed dinner for us all! Even on the eve of my 29th birthday, it’s clear that I’m still a big kid at heart.

Metrics

• Steps: 11,965
• Garmin Stress Score: 30
• Mental Health Rating: 7/10
• Remaining Debt: £40,085.33 (-£1,936.97 down on yesterday)

Food Log

• Breakfast: Weetabix, milk, orange juice
• Lunch: Cheese and tomato omelette
• Dinner: Plant-based burgers, sweet potato fries, spaghetti, “Worms in mud”
• Snacks: Homemade raspberry jam on toast, apple, popcorn

A good day all round – big progress on the financial front, emotional clarity from reflection, and gratitude for the people who keep me grounded. Here’s to turning the page on 28 and stepping into 29 with purpose.