Set time for yourself.
Learn about yourself.
Keep track of your findings.
Or at least that’s what I’m trying to do.
Let me explain further.
Upon moving from my old apartment, I have to say I do feel a little more at peace.
Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of work to put in. Still trying to mold the lifestyle that I want to live. And what do I mean by that?
Well for one, I’m not exactly eating as I should be… Normally I’m always hungry. That’s just how it’s always been. I’m quite the petite girl. However, lately I really just don’t have much of an appetite. This bothers me because I feel like I’m denying self care.
I know that naturally exercise induces a healthier appetite for me.
The goal is to be more physically active and set a daily routine that my dog and I will appreciate.
Go outside. Take in some rays. Practice what I preach.
Oh and let’s not forget moisturizing, exfoliating, teeth whitening and all those other good things that make us feel “up-kept.”
The more I take care of myself internally and externally, the better I’ll feel.
So that’s one of the first things that comes to mind on the “I need to work on this” list.
That’s right! I actually made one of those!
If I haven’t mentioned it before, I love lists! They help me keep my head in order.
Also, I think it’s really important to “self-visualize.”
So, what have I done lately?
I’ve created a “Self-Visualization Journal.”
Honestly, since I’ve created it, this journal brings me peace upon touching it.
This journal is composed of several lists (big surprise there.) Within these lists I take time to document things about myself that I know. For instance, things I like, things I don’t like, what I should eat more of, things I need to work on, etc.
My latest entry reads “What kind of lifestyle do I want to set for myself?”
Do I want to wake up shower, brush my teeth and then eat breakfast and then go out for a run and then shower again? Or do I want to wake up, brush my teeth, eat, run and then shower? What time should I even wake up?
It seems a bit silly, I know. But all of these little steps take time. And it’s better if you wake up knowing exactly what you have to do then waking up and thinking “Oh that’s right.. What was I going to do again?”
When you have big life changes, like moving, sometimes we lose track of things that we used to do that make us more functional.
That’s what this journal does for me. It serves to remind myself of things that I used to or still enjoy that make me… feel like me. For example, I know I like writing but what do I typically enjoy writing most about? Or what new topics/genres did I want to explore again? …that could actually be my next list in the journal come to think about it. In doing this I feel like I’m actively taking time to get to know myself better. If I were to lose my memory I could go back and read this journal and remind myself of who I was. Unless somebody messes with it ha! That would be something. There’s a lock on the journal by the way.
Okay, before I get too side-tracked. (Guilty.) I want to write about a couple of others things I’m doing or need to do besides self-visualization just to get them outside of my head. Feel free to read on. If not, this would be a good stopping point because this part is mostly for me. What am I talking about? This whole blog is for me! Funny.
Currently I’m on the hunt for a another job. The one I have now just feels “stale” which makes ME feel “stale.” So that’s another thing I’m working on.
I started a martial arts class. Been going to it consistently. It’s been really good so far for me but it’s only once a week so that’s why I need to stay more active. And I NEED TO PRACTICE. I’ve been really lacking on that part. (sigh…)
I’ve been staying quiet about all of these life changes with my friends for my most part. I don’t know how to feel about that. It’s easy because they all live far away which makes me feel like I need to go out and make some new friends in my area since I just moved here. At the same time… for me it’s hard to leave the apartment for social situations without spending a significant amount of money – something else I need to work on. Saving is so hard when you just moved!!!!!
I have been organizing A LOT lately around my new home. (BIG fan of Marie Kondo here.) It takes up time, entertains my mind, but hinders me from being able to practice effective relaxation techniques which I really need to work on – start meditating again because I’m one of those people that has a hard time being able to relax (that’s a post for another day!)
I’ve reorganized my head as far as where I want to go with school. Yes, I see myself finishing school and even going on to a Masters. The truth of the matter is that I’ve been rushing myself trying to meet imaginary deadlines and it’s taken a huge toll on my state of mind. I’m going to try a more step-by-step method instead of a “I NEED to complete all of this before THIS TIME!” This time away from school is helping realize that. It’s a whole different story for working adults going to school simultaneously. Am I right?
I have to look at it this way… I am here now. I need to make the best of my time here. I am doing these things. No rush to get it done. My biggest problem is that I rush myself too much.
Everything will come within it’s time. Take a deep breath and try to relax.
Even if it means the dog might pee inside because you took too long to take her outside.
Just clean it up and keep going.
Tomorrow’s another day.
She’ll give you another chance.
Best Regards,
Your Neighborhood Motherless Child
P.S
Poor baby. She’s so patient with me. I seriously need to become a better dog mom.
A Cup of Tea with a Motherless Child 