2023 goals so far

[Associate of Daniel]

Shall we check in?

I'm trying to add one small change every 2 weeks.  So far I've

- started putting my phone in another room during the night, instead of in my bedroom
- stared stretching each day (more like a couple of minutes of limbering up)
- started spending 10 minutes a day just sitting outside, with no phone, book, drink or food.  Just listening and looking at what's around me.

Next I'll try to implement outside time each day, either gardening or walking.  Half an hour.

I've taken a couple of walks in recent days.  Covid seems to have done a number on me though - I'm slow, weak, and a little wavey as my ear is still blocked and causing very minor balance and dizziness issues.  I can't yet get the speed and distance that I was managing before having Covid.  Very frustrating.

AOD

[square]

Great progress, AOD. Sorry about the post Covid effects. The first time I had it, I had a noticably weak heart for months and it scared me, especially since I already have permenant effects from another virus many years ago. But happily the post Covid effects wore off completely over time, and the second time I got Covid, I was over it quickly.

My goal for 2023 was to (continue to) quit sugar. It's going great. I continue to feel stable and strong all day.

A couple of weeks ago my DD and my mom and I were caught in a situation where we were unable to eat at the usual time. My mom and DD were getting weak and woozy, something I've certainly experienced before. But while I was hungry, I was fine, not weak or anything. A great feeling to have blood sugar very steady all day no matter what, and also great to seperate blood sugar issues from actual hunger.

I didn't expect this, but my blood pressure went from ok-but-getting-borderline to great. Best of all, my heart rate, which was always elevated and bothering me a lot (high 80s or low 90s just sitting) went to normal and comfortable (60s or 70s).

I don't have a lot of weight to lose, 10-15 pounds, but half of it came off already, and I was surprised how much a few pounds made a difference.

[JustKeepTrying]

AOD and Square - you are both inspirational!

And thanks AOD for the check in

I am still on my diet and down a little more than 30 since I started.  I have reduced my alcohol consumption; leaning to healthier choices yet not restricting myself so overall I am doing well there.  I feel better when I look in the mirror and see my old face returning.

Arranged for a storage unit and I am slowly moving my stuff in - after I pitch and donate.  Whittle whittle whittle away.  Slowly but surely I am getting ready for the full time travel life in April

Attended a writers conference - felt great to meet people and talk and socialize and network

Made reservations for the travel life in some national parks - love seeing those dates line up

Put a stop to dating/dating apps and I'm now fully focused on my own stuff - I no longer have the need for male praise that I am worthy - I know I am.  Loved cutting it out of my life and felt very free

And we are only a month in.  See you next month?

[Jolie40]

hi
I started a 2023 goals thread a while back under future goals
maybe you didn't see it
it's not too far above your 2022 goals thread:

https://www.outofthefog.net/forum/index.php?topic=92638.0

[Kat54]

Thanks AOD for this post! 

Goals for 2023 will be to continue focusing on my artwork and make myself do a couple art festivals. I've done small ones but this would be a big step up. Gaining my confidence in my work.

Started dating someone but boy you soon realize other peoples lives are complicated from divorce. It's been freeing to be away from my ex's drama and focusing on myself the last few years.
So now getting tangled into someone's world where it's not all puppy's and kittens. I have to keep things light and not get wrapped up in his stuff too much. Keep myself as number one.

Did dry January and have decided I can cut back on the wine going forward and not feel like I'm missing something. It's healthier and I get better sleep. I don't need a glass of wine everyday.

[1footouttadefog]

I am getting outside to work more.  Getting up earlier.  Getting stuff done in small bites and seeing progress even if slow. 

[Associate of Daniel]

It's great to read of everyone's progress.

Today was supposed to be the first day of a new habit.  Said habit was to not look at my phone before work.  It's currently 6.23am. I've failed already!🤣

So I think I'll change it to a 5 minute paper declutter  at least 3 times a week.  Much, much needed.

The other habits  (phone in another room overnight, stretching, time outside and 10 minutes blank time) are going well.  They're not happening every day but most days.

Keep going everyone!

AOD

[mary_poppins]

Very good post, Associate of Daniel.

This year my goal is to love myself more. I don't know how to do that so I want to learn. That means I'll need to read a lot about self-love.
I don't think I love myself atm. Maybe self-love is a work in progress. Current perspective is 'do the same things you've done growing up as a child of 2 PD people and continue your mental and physical self-sabotage'. Well, at least I became conscious of doing that.

I'd love to take longer walks, too. I love walks, especially if they're many doggos around me having their own afternoon walk.

[Associate of Daniel]

I thought I'd check in again to let you know that everything has fallen apart since February and I need some encouragement to get going again.

It's been rough.

I had 2 friends in the their 90s die, another in and out of hospital.

Then a close friend's 42 year old son was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  My friend had to drop everything to immediately move interstate to live with her son and his wife and 7 year old daughter.  My friend's health needs daily maintenance and being interstate has caused upheaval to it.

Then a month ago another very dear friend's 16 year old son was killed in a car accident.  I was and am absolutely shattered and am constantly close to tears.  My ds is also 16 so it hits very close to home.  There is an ongoing police investigation into the accident which makes it very even more difficult for my friend and her family. (Her son was a passenger.)

Around the same time I came down with sinus and chest infections.  5 lots of antibiotics later, including an allergic reaction to one of them, I'm still not completely well.

So yeah.  The diet has gone out the window.  The phone use has increased.  Outside time is minimal, and we're now heading into winter.  I'm essentially back to square one and not feeling terribly motivated to start again.

I guess I just need a little cheering up.  Only I can do the actual work.

Thanks in advance.

AOD

[SonofThunder]

Yes AOD that is a very rough stretch along the lows of the rollercoaster of life.  Hopefully an uphill run is next!  Thoughts and prayer for you today from the other side of the world!

SoT

[Poison Ivy]

AOD, I'm sorry about all the terrible things (and they truly are terrible). If it were me, this would be a time when I'd tell myself, "All I have to do is survive. One day at a time. Nothing more. I have no other goals."

[square]

AOD, I am also sorry to hear of this significant stress and sorrow for you.

I think these goals are things we work on when we have a little extra room. I would encourage you to remove the burden of worrying about these goals for the time being. They will be ready for you when you are ready for them.

The one thing that would be important is to maintain whatever level you have right now, rather than adding to your burden later. So the goal is to use your phone no more than you did before, eat as healthily as you did before, get as much outside time as you usually do coming into winter.

You will naturally start thinking about this again when you find yourself with a little extra space again. Hugs.

[BeautifulCrazy]

 

Absolutely that.

Sending affirmation and encouragement to you AoD. You are a warrior.

[Associate of Daniel]

Thank-you, everyone.

I'm starting to feel more like myself a little more each day now.  One thing I have started doing again is putting my phone in another room overnight.  It actually makes a lot of difference.

AOD

[mary_poppins]

Associate of Daniel: such a great post! Sorry you're struggling with post Covid issues.

I made a goal to take better care of my health. Next step is to go to a doctor for my eczema. Although i have a hunch they will prescribe cortizol cream, i still wanna go. Maybe I'm lucky and find someone who is more empathetic.
I also started walking in the nearby park/forest at least 3 times a week. I do 2 hours of walking, feels amazing. Hope it has long-term goodie benefits.

[JustKeepTrying]

Oh AOD - what a time you have had!  I am so sorry it's been such a rough road.  But you are an inspiration.  You have given me such good advice and support in the past so please know that right now, in this moment, with this post, I am sending you strength, love, compassion, energy and healing.  You are incredible spirit and I am so glad to be on this forum with you.

[square]

AOD, it sounds like that extra space is coming back to you now. Great job on your habit of putting the phone in another room at night! When you are ready, you'll address the next thing, whatever that may be. And you might be ready very soon, or even now!

[Associate of Daniel]

Thank-you for your support, everyone.

I'm proud of myself today. Many of you will know that when we hit 50 years of age our bodies tend to suddenly need more attention and maintenance.  I have a list as long as your arm as to the various updates my body needs.  Various organisations have been sending me regular reminders for many, many months that I have completely ignored.  So, this last week I have...

Had my first ever flu shot.
Booked my 4th Covid vaccination (I still have to wait a few weeks for the required length of time to pass since having Covid.)
Booked a dental check up and clean.
Booked the first of 2 ladies' bits checkups (sorry, gentlemen!)

I still need to book the 2nd ladies' bits appointment and do the home test for the other end, if you know what I mean.
(Sorry to be so gross, but after 50 one starts to not be quite so embarrassed by these things.  At least, I'm trying not to be.)

I also need to update my Working With Children Check so this evening I had my photo taken for the renewal.

OH MY WORD!!!

If anyone saw that photo they would instruct their children to run in the opposite direction if they saw me.  It's ridiculous that one is not allowed to smile for these photos.  I look absolutely appalling, and every bit my age.  Oh well, at least it will cause a laugh at work...

Anyway all this to say, I'm feeling a little more on an even keel at the moment.  So thanks again for your support.

I hope you are all managing to maintain some of the aims that you have been striving for, for 2023.

AOD

[Poison Ivy]

Associate of Daniel, I empathize with you. I'm 61, and I regularly feel the effects of aging on my body.

When I renewed my passport a few years ago, I told people (and I'm not exaggerating) that in the photo, I look like a particular "bad guy" (a key participant in a terrorist organization). Sigh.

[1footouttadefog]

Continuing to get more and better sleep.  Also trying to make decluttering a habit and am seeing progress.  My bedroom living room, bathrooms and kitchen and foyer areas are largely orderly.  My laudry/mud room is also greatly improved. 

My garage and shed are disasters.  I will finish the basement declutter soon then will spend a while in garage each evening listening to podcasts, sorting and organizing and walking on an old timey unmotorized treadmill.  I also have a bike roller I got off if a FB buy nothing group. 

A little each day or most days has paid off.