My sister told me last night they are 98% sure they are going to file bk in a few months. Her acceptance of filing made me think about my own emotional journey and how I went through very similar "stages" as my sister. I guess I'm curious what everyone else's experience was.

My experience:
-In the middle of my financial crisis: Stress, depression, anger at my ex for getting me into this mess
-First thoughts of bk: apprehension, worry, shame, guilt
-As I got "used" to the idea: "seeing a light at the end of the tunnel", still stressed and a bit shameful.
- Made the decision to file (this is the stage my sister is in): Some relief, but some apprehension that I was going to do something wrong or that the judge would laugh me out of court (yes I get a little dramatic). I had some circumstances that I was worried about.
-Met with the lawyer: Feeling better - I was doing something! The calls would stop once I filed! Still a little worried.
-Filed: Felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders! Well, except I still had to tell my mom, since I owed her money and she was included in the filing.
-After my 341: felt even better - the worry and apprehension was gone. Yes I still had 60 days, but the 341 went really well and the issues I was worried about were not really issues at all.
- Discharge: Ahhhhh.... new life.

It is now 5 months post discharge. I've started opening up about my experience. There are still less than a handful of people who know I filed bk, but frankly I came to realize its nothing to be ashamed about and while I won't advertise the fact, if my experience can help someone I have no issue talking about it (my sister and I talk a LOT - I honestly don't even thing she would have made the decision to file if I hadn't done it already - she had been talking about credit counseling though). I have a new (used) car, 2 starter credit cards and a new lease on life. I've lost 8 of the 30 "stress pounds" I've gained and feel like I can focus on myself now. The last 2 years I have done nothing but neglect myself. My daughter is happier - well as happy as a 13 year old can be lol (kids can sense stress) and I am back to the old me.

Please feel free to share your experience.

Original Post