Looking back, I must have been living on adrenaline for a long, long time.
I was driven to be the best I could be that I nearly lost the essence of whom I was.
I barely recognise myself these days. I am definitely not the same person as I was 10 years ago.
Life experiences have definitely changed me as some of the most stressful events of my life happened in the past decade. I lost parents, a sibling, pets and several close friends. One of the things I realise about myself is that I have been too serious all my life. I have always been the one people can depend on. I am gradually returning to the essence of whom I used to be in my early 20s.
These days I realise that I have to put myself, and my health, first. This wasn’t an easy task when I first started to do so.
I no longer let stress affect me negatively. Stress is not good on the body and can manifest itself in various ways. On a physical level, stress lead to pneumonia and bronchiectasis for me. On a mental level stress didn’t make me depressed but I certainly wasn’t my old happy self. I wasn’t motivated to look after myself in terms of food intake, I stopped going to the gym, I stopped doing the things that use to give me such joy. I was living, but I didn’t feel alive.
However, I do know now that IF I do not look after myself first, others will have to look after me. That, in a way, is asking too much of my family and friends. Enjoying good health once again, and no longer taking this for granted, I can now turn my focus on to things that ignite my passions.
I recently turned 55 and I am much happier these days. These days I recognise when I fall back into an old pattern and I catch myself before I am too far down that all familiar path. I once again have a zest for live and I feel alive.
I am physically better and stronger than 10 years ago thanks to all the changes I have made in my life.
I get a kick out of the “little things”. To me, little things can be:
- Spending quality time with my husband & best friend
- Pottering around at home
- Playing with our dogs
- A visit by/to family and friends
- Listening to my favourite songs & dancing
- Going for a walk along the beach
- Learning new things; I am currently studying Reiki
- Reading – no devouring – books as my unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and growth, is back
- Cuddling/Playing with a puppy
- Enjoy eating sushi
- Going for a drive and exploring the countryside
- Volunteering and/or supporting local charities close to my heart
