When people think about getting out of debt, they usually picture spreadsheets, strict budgets, and saying no to everything fun. I understand why — I’ve lived that mindset. But I’ve learned that if the process feels miserable, it’s much harder to stay consistent.
For me, coloring has become a quiet, unexpected part of my journey.
Not as a productivity hack or a therapy tool — just as a simple, grounding practice that helps me slow down and keep going.
Stress Relief Without the Price Tag
Debt is stressful. Even when you’re actively working toward paying it down, the weight of it doesn’t disappear overnight. For me, stress often shows up as mental noise — constantly thinking about what still needs to be done, what we can’t afford yet, or how long the road feels.
Coloring helps quiet that noise.
There’s something soothing about focusing on one small section at a time, choosing a color, and letting my hands do the work. It gives my brain a break without requiring a screen, a subscription, or a shopping trip.
It’s one of the few forms of stress relief that truly fits a low-cost lifestyle.
Intentional Rest Is Still Productive
Rest used to feel like something I had to earn. If I wasn’t checking something off a list, it felt wasteful. But burnout doesn’t help debt freedom — it usually leads to giving up altogether.
Coloring has helped me reframe rest as intentional.
It’s a pause that allows me to recharge without spiraling into comparison or consumption. I’m not scrolling. I’m not spending. I’m just being present.
That kind of rest makes it easier to return to budgeting, planning, and long-term goals with a clearer head.
Low-Cost Creativity That Fits This Season
One of the hardest parts of paying off debt is adjusting expectations. Big hobbies, expensive supplies, and constant upgrades don’t always fit the season you’re in.
Coloring meets me where I am.
A few pens, a printable page, and a quiet moment are enough. It’s creative without pressure and expressive without needing perfection. I don’t have to finish something grand — I just have to show up. The freedom that printable coloring pages means that I don’t have to buy a whole book and store it.
That matters when money is tight and energy is limited.
From My Backyard to Yours
As part of this journey, I created a free coloring page inspired by one of my dogs and my ducks in the backyard — a little snapshot of the slower life I’m working toward.
It’s my way of sharing something calming and personal, without a cost barrier. You don’t need fancy supplies or artistic skill — just a few minutes and a willingness to slow down.
If you enjoy it, I’ve also created additional coloring pages that reflect the same cozy, intentional themes — nature, gardens, and simple moments — which are available in my Etsy shop (LehuaLouLollies). Purchasing those helps support this blog and the long-term goal of building a more sustainable, debt-free life.
Consistency Comes From Joy, Not Punishment
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency doesn’t come from discipline alone — it comes from having something to look forward to.
Coloring gives me that.
It’s something small I can return to regularly, even on hard days. This path isn’t about deprivation. It’s about building a life that feels sustainable — one where creativity, rest, and responsibility can coexist.
For me, coloring is part of that balance.
Bloom & Feather 
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