I've been in a funk. A rut. A slump. You get the picture. I'm constantly trying to think how I can make myself a better me, one who is more well-rounded and generally happy. I decided a couple weeks ago that I'm going to make a lifestyle change. More than one, actually. I think one's lifestyle is composed of so many different elements, from health to finances to work/life balance to hobbies....
I decided that I need an overhaul in nearly every single area of my life.
Lifestyle Change #1. Stop freelance writing. Most of you all know that I was doing freelance writing for a web content company. While the larger assignments brought me a good little gap-filler between paydays, I was ultimately spending every free moment I had writing random content of which I had no prior knowledge. I wasn't talking to anyone, wasn't going outside to enjoy the summer...I wasn't even watching TV (GASP!)
Lifestyle Change #2. Get on a budget. I've never been great at managing money, and frankly, my ex-husband left me with nothing after the divorce. No house, no car, no money -- nothing. I'm a 30-something who has had to start from zero and climb her way back up to where she can survive while living at home with her mom. I'm extremely grateful that I have a place to go, and I have a job where I'm happy and am headed for greatness. It's just really tough to have to depend on people. My sister is gracious enough to allow me to drive her car until I can get enough under my belt to get one of my own, and I will never be able to repay her for that. My brother has been helpful enough to sit down with me and help me work out how to allocate my finances, so that I can save enough to go visit my Philly at Christmas, and enough to start the immigration paperwork. I need him here, and I can't wait for the day that dream comes true.
Lifestyle Change #3. Cut out the crap. I've essentially stopped drinking Coke, of any kind, and after just a few short weeks, I can tell a huge difference in how I feel internally, and how my skin looks and feels externally. I've gone from about 2-3 per day to 1-2 per week, which, when you do the math, is a huge reduction. I've started mapping out a meal plan, so that I don't have to eat out at work so much. I can divulge in my leftovers; it's a win-win since I love to cook.
Lifestyle Change #4. Hit the gym. For the longest time, I've felt guilty about leaving the house for fear of taking time away from Phil. But I got to thinking about it, and I know he wants me to feel good about myself, and he wants nothing but happiness for me, so why shouldn't I take a little bit of time each day to focus on me? My apartment complex has a small fitness center with 24/7 access for a small yearly fee, so come next payday (tomorrow, as a matter of fact,) I'm going to take advantage of the convenience and pay to join. I'm always telling everyone to use their resources, but it seems I never take my own advice. Well, it's about time that I do.
Lifestyle Change #5. Enjoy life. I've realized that it's okay if I want to go have coffee with a friend, or go to Uptown Art, or enjoy a day by the pool with my sister and my niece. I've made no secret about my passion for interior design, so I'm definitely going to spend more time fixing up furniture and trying my hand at making a few extra bucks at it.
Among these things, there are others that I want to incorporate. I want to read more, I want to blog more, I want to sing more, and I want to play more music. These things are slowly fading from my life, and it makes me sad.
I feel like I'm on track to becoming a new, improved me. I've made some small steps to get myself started, but my steps will turn into strides soon, and before I know it, I will be de-funked.
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