Sweetie Pie: A Story of Trust and Transformation
We all carry a story—of where we started, the people who’ve walked with us, and the moments that shaped us. Some of the most powerful lessons in life don’t come from textbooks or boardrooms, but from real life—right in our own backyard.
Here’s one of mine.
About seven years ago, we were “adopted” by a little cat we eventually named Sweetie Pie. She wasn’t the kind of cat you pick out at the shelter or fall in love with at first sight. No, Sweetie Pie was scrappy, rough around the edges, and honestly, a bit of a terror.
She showed up one day, pregnant, and made our garage her home. She had her kittens right there on the bottom shelf of a storage unit next to my car. She nested inside a crate I used to store car-washing sponges. From the beginning, it was clear—she didn’t trust people. And she definitely didn’t want to be touched.
One time, she must’ve felt like we were getting too close, and she moved the kittens—one by one—under a bush outside the garage. We carefully moved them back and created a small pen inside to keep them safe. But every time we got near, she’d hiss or dart away.
Still, something told us not to give up on her.
So we gave her space. We fed her. We let her be herself. Slowly, day by day, she watched us—watched how we treated her kittens, how we spoke to her, how we kept showing up. Not forcing. Not demanding. Just present.
Shortly after she gave birth, we took her to the vet to get checked out. It was a chaotic experience—she thrashed, hissed, and even tried to bite us on the way into the carrier. She was terrified. After observing her behavior—how anxious and unapproachable she was—and seeing that she bit the vet tech, the vet told us she should probably be put down. Said she was too wild, too far gone. Feral. Not worth saving.
But we knew better.
We’d seen glimpses of sweetness. We’d watched her slowly begin to soften. And we believed there was more to her story.
Now? Sweetie Pie lives in our garage by choice. She greets the neighbors. She lets you pet her. She gets along with our dogs. She keeps the rodent population down, keeps an eye on the house, and has truly become a beloved part of our little world.
She even walks to the bus stop to greet the kids in the mornings, like she’s part of the send-off crew. When we head over to chat with the neighbors, she often trots along behind us, tail high in the air, like she’s just checking in on her people.
And one of the sweetest things? There’s a neighbor who walks every day—quiet, kind, keeps to herself. Sweetie Pie won her over, too. Now that neighbor brings her daily treats, and Sweetie Pie meets her out front on the sidewalk, soaking up the affection like a completely different cat than the one who first showed up scared and angry.
She’s made a friend. She’s become a friend.
Sweetie Pie reminds us that trust takes time—and love requires patience.
We didn’t give up on her. And because we didn’t, she learned it was safe to trust. She became the cat she was always meant to be.
And I think there’s a message in that for all of us.
Whether we’re talking about relationships, healing, finances, or just life—it’s easy to label something (or someone) as too far gone. But trust and vulnerability don’t come overnight. They come when people feel safe—when they’re given space, consistency, and love over time.
Sweetie Pie’s story is simple—but powerful.
Because trust—real trust—isn’t forced. It’s earned. Day by day. With kindness, patience, and presence.
And when it finally shows up? It’s beautiful.
Why This Matters for Your Financial Journey
You might be reading this feeling overwhelmed—maybe even a little lost. Maybe you’ve made some financial mistakes. Maybe you feel like it’s too late, or like things are too messy to fix.
But I want you to know: change is possible.
You are not too far gone.
Sometimes, all it takes is someone who won’t give up on you. Someone who shows up consistently, gives you space to breathe, and helps you take that next small step forward.
So take a chance—with me as your coach.
You never know what kind of transformation is waiting on the other side of trust.
Want coaching?
Let’s connect, let’s build you up, let’s make you elite and let’s get you to believe in yourself!
Schedule a free financial coaching session here.
TJ is a financial coach that helps couples who earn good money but feel like they have nothing to show for it. They’re unsure about their financial situation and frustrated that they aren’t where they should be. He provides a path forward and helps them believe in themselves so they can get unstuck, gain confidence, take control and change their financial future.
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About the Author
TJ Recinella (Owner/ Founder of TJR Financial Coaching)
TJ helps couples who earn good money but feel like they have nothing to show for it. They’re unsure about their financial situation and frustrated that they aren’t where they should be. He provides a path to help them get unstuck, gain confidence, and change the financial future of their families.
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