As I’ve been looking ahead to a new year (and a new decade), I’ve decided to make some changes to my blog and my lifestyle. Let me start with the blog…
I think I am going to take this blog in a slightly new direction, as I want to use my experiences to help others by looking at how lifestyle changes can help and also how to pick yourself up when anxiety and depression rear their ugly heads. I’m still going to address mental health issues, as I think it is so important to talk about them- but I want to hopefully help people address their struggles and just be happier people. For those without any formal diagnosis, but who still struggle with anxiety (and maybe even depression at times), I am hoping this new approach will be helpful. I also hope to blog more, but write less. That may seem a bit of a juxtaposition, but I think my posts are too lengthy for those who just need a positive word or idea. I also come across some great ideas from various things I research and read, so I hope to post those more frequently with a little less verbiage. My husband is always telling me I talk too much! LOL!
As for my life changes, I just am going to work to find a better work/life balance, to find more time to enjoy the little things in life, to try to listen to God more, and to enjoy the many blessings that I have. I’ve really been thinking about my New Year’s resolutions and how I can make them meaningful and impactful to me and those around me. So here goes:
1. I will eat clean at least 90 % of the time. I have totally GONE OFF THE RAILS this holiday season and feel like garbage. It is not about losing weight (though that will be a nice bonus); it is about feeling good and having more energy. By feeling good, I mean that everything doesn’t hurt in the morning, I don’t get these horrid cramps that leave me curled up on the couch, and I’m not so moody (which will be a blessing for those around me, for sure-ha!). I currently have a clean lentil soup in the crockpot and a clean wheat bread baking in the oven. We are getting back on the clean eating train today! I feel better just saying that!
2. I will leave work by 3:30pm daily and come home to work out (even if that just means a long walk with my dogs- I am not putting pressure on myself to run the next marathon or be able to do 80 push ups…or 8, as is my current situation. If I need to do work more later, at least I can do it from the comfort of my own home. I will be finished working by dinner time- regardless. This is going to be tough because I am somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to my job; I want to do the best I can possibly do for the kids in my care- and sometimes that takes over my life. However, it also leaves me burnt out and cranky, so I think this will be best in the long run for everyone- even my students.
3. I will journal every night so that I can really reflect on my days and set myself up for my tomorrows. My parents got me this amazing journal for Christmas that I plan to use! It has categories to make you really think and blank pages just to clear your thoughts on- a perfect balance for me.
4. I will start my day in God’s word. I have been doing this for a few months now, and it really helps me to get my head in the right place for the day. I am still trying to listen for and actually HEAR God; that part alludes me, but I will continue to work on building that relationship. I will continue with my prayers and will sharing things that hit a cord with me.
5. I will get out with my husband and with friends more. Though I love to be home puttering around, crafting and cozying up with a good book, I find that I also really enjoy time spent out doing things with family and friends. I will work to get a better balance.
Those are my big five resolutions. I think those will leave me feeling replenished, fulfilled, and able to have energy left over to help others. Please share my blog on your FB page or Instagram page or whatever page you use to communicate with friends and family if you feel it would be helpful for others. That is now my goal for the blog- to help others (whether or not they have a mental illness); we all need a little more kindness and cozy in this world- and that will be more of the focus. Blessings to you all as you head into this new year and decade! May 2020 be a year filled with happiness and joy!