2010 The Year of Transformation

[irishdf]

So last year was pretty hard for me. I was stressed out, and frustrated, and depressed. Just trying to make it through the day. And then to make it from one day to the next. And I could feel myself getting somewhat ... bitter, I guess is the word ... or more cynical, at work, for numerous reasons. And all I could do was just hang on until I had some time off at Christmas. When, for the first time in a long time, I slept a lot. And took it easy. And saw my friends part of the time. And just cozied up at home, the rest of it. And suddenly, so much of that burden of stress was gone. And I was happy most of the time. And I decided that I didn't want to give up that feeling. I didn't want to be a hardened version of myself. I wanted to re-connect with my better self.

So I decided that there was going to be a change. I want to be happier and healthier. In general. To feel better. About myself, and the world. Because I can't change everything at work, or the people around me. But I can change how I approach them. So I set about taking baby steps. Like promising myself that I would get at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep every night. Which for an inveterate insomniac is a HUGE thing. I used to get by on 3 1/2 - 4 hours of sleep. Not by choice, but by natural habit. So far, so good. I'm more well rested, which means I have more energy. I'm achieving a deeper sleep, which means I'm dreaming more. I don't remember the dreams, but I'm *aware* that I'm dreaming more. Which is a good thing.

Other things I've done. Breakfast every morning before work. Taking my vitamins. No Diet Coke at work. (Also HUGE because this was my total addiction.) Down to one glass only  allowed per day. (And sometimes none.) And I'm throwing out the clutter. I'm Clutter-busting!! Out with the old, to make room for the new. Old clothes will be donated. Old books, etc. as well. Sometimes we have to let go of the past, because it's just weighing us down.

It's going to be a long road to change, but I've taken the first few steps. It's all starting to take root, and make for permanent changes. So fingers crossed that this continues. Because I feel totally different. I am happier, and that makes the people I meet in my job happier too. Life is just easier this way. So I'm keeping my eyes on the road, my head forward, and my heart in a positive place.

Comments

[jehane-writes.livejournal.com]

Irish, my dear, I've missed you, and was wondering what you've been up to!

Glad to hear you're making positive steps towards a healthier and happier lifestyle. And I'm taking a leaf out of your book - I should totally be taking my vitamins and heading out to the gym more!

I hope 2010 treats you well and is everything you hope for. Much ♥ to you. Jay

[irishdf]

Jay!! Thank you, sweetie. I am feeling a sense of renewal and optimism, so I must be doing something right. *g*

The trick is going to be keeping it up, and moving forward. But I'm really starting to feel a change taking place, so fingers crossed.

I hope that 2010 is full of happiness for you as well. Big hugs and lots of love,

Dee. :)

[jhkimbrell.livejournal.com]

Hi Dee, it's so good to hear from you, hon, and that you're doing well. Sounds like a lot of good healthy restructuring, much of which I need to do for myself as well. I hope you had a lovely holiday and a very belated HAPPY NEW YEAR to you. I hope we can catch up more soon. *hugs*

[irishdf]

Hi Julie!

It's good to hear from you, as always. I hope that the new year has been treating you well, in your new home. I'm feeling pretty good these days. One good decision leads to another, right? I just have to keep making progress.

I look forward to catching up with you, and finding out how you've been getting on. That's also part of the new me. Reaching out and keeping in touch more often. So let's catch up soon. *hugs*

Dee :)

[aglia.livejournal.com]

It's great to hear from you and I've missed you. I was just thinking this morning that we should get together and chat. We haven't in a long time. As for your post, I've been going through something similar too, and I'm de-cluttering too. I know you love books just as much as I do, so you know that it's hard! Since I love books, I'm using a book: "Shed your stuff, change your life" by Julie Morgenstern. It's helpful!

[irishdf]

Hey there. It's true that we haven't caught up in quite a while. I hope that things are going well for you.

De-cluttering feels really good, but as you say, it can be very hard! When I was going through a lot of my books, I had to be very decisive, and think about whether I really wanted or needed them. Some of them I'd never even read! So I had to be tough.

But there's a lot more to do. So it's going to be a long road to true change. But it's going to be worth it. And thanks for the suggestion of Julie Morgenstern's book. I'll have to look it up. :)